Music Video Analysis - 'Oh No!' - Marina and the Diamonds

Director - Kinga Burza.
Released - June 2010.


According to Goodwin's Theory;

Demonstrate genre characteristics: A performance based music video; fitting well with the upbeat nature of the music, with a clear theme throughout.

Relationship between the lyrics and the visuals: The visuals match the lyrics perfectly, as well as closely matching the beats and changes in music. For example, in the first sequence as Marina sings about wanting to be successful rather than being in a relationship or having friends, you see thought bubbles and small cartoons appear of images representing these elements (00.09 - 00.40). Kinga Burza (Director) said the concept of the video stems from the lyrics of "Oh No!" which reference being obsessed with consumerism, success, money and fame.

Relationship between the music and the visuals: The video matches the change in music, avoiding confusing the audience; it also has dance sequences, helping match the tempo of the music to what's happening on screen.

Demand of close-ups from record label (motif): There are constant clise-ups of Marina (the diamonds are - in her words - her fans). Her motif is created through her choice of clothing and bright colours, this is shown in many of her music videos, for example 'Hollywood'. Her motif is definitely transferred to live shows (having seen her live) she has wardrobe changes every other song and this is apparent in her wide range of outfits in her videos.

Frequent reference to the notion of looking: This particular video is meant to represent a comic book; with cartoons matching the lyrics and the obvious 'pop!' and 'bang!'. Marina said the music video was influenced by 1990s cartoons and the old "zany neon" MTV graphics. During the lyrics - 'TV taught me how to feel, now real life has no appeal' she holds a hollow television on her head as well as dancing around several televisions (01.09 - 01.25). She also holds a magazine with a picture of herself on the cover in the first few seconds of the video.

Intertextuality: Links to, as mentioned before, graphics and cartoons and is very reminicent of the 90s or even the 60s; due to her costumes.