In this 2009 video by worldwide rap artist Eminem, we are able to closely analyse the way narrative structure is utilised to create star image. The video is largely dark and brooding, something that is reflected in its general themes. It opens with immediate disequilibrium, which subverts Todorov's traditional narrative structure, as the exhausted relationship of the protagonist and his girlfriend is presented early on. However, one could argue that the video starts with equilibrium as the protagonists original letters are more placid and adoring.
The root narrative of the video is based around an obsessed fan of Eminem, who neglects his pregnant girlfriend in favour of idolising his favourite artist with a collection of Eminem iconography put together in a shrine, showing intertextuality with various stereotypical Thriller movie scenes. We see this shrine with a well executed tilt that takes us through the floorboards into the basement. The mise en scene is considerably darker and flickering lighting is used to create a foreboding atmosphere. This transition coincides with the chorus of the featured song by Dido. The lyrics of the song relate heavily to the situation of the girlfriend, who is interestingly played by Dido. Whenever this choral interlude is played there is a cut to Dido as she lip-syncs the words of her original song. This offers the audience her perspective in the song to evoke sympathy. However, we also feel an element of sympathy for the protagonist of the video which is unsettling due to his reckless behaviour. This is because we understand through the lyrics of the song that this characters life has been considerably dented by the actions of others, such as his father. This heavily relates the Eminem's own personal issues creating a link between the fan and artist, and communicates that is the artists aim to create relatability with his work. This link is reinforced by the fact that Eminem's rapping is used to voice the fan, as well as himself. This is noticeably odd and deviates from what an audience expects as Eminem performs as both himself, acts as a narrator figure, and also voices the protagonist. Considering Dido involvement in a performance sense, it is clear to see that certain lines have become blurred when devising this project.
Towards the end of the video, the narrative reaches its climax when the protagonist is driving on the motorway with his girlfriend in the boot. He has reached this state of emotional turmoil after his idol refused to reply to his letters. The director has exploited dramatic irony on this occasion as we know as an audience that in truth his letter didn't actually make it to Eminem and was lost in the post. This makes his actions now seem painfully unnecessary for the audience. This high intensity section of the video is reflected by the directors used of fast impactful cutting, ECU's to show the anguish of the protagonist and the rain used as an example of pathetic fallacy.
This music video goes some way in presenting a very interesting star image for Eminem, and subverts the stereotype designed for a mainstream rapper in popular culture. In the end of the video, Eminem is seen to playing himself as he attempts to write back to the fan in question. He is wearing glasses, something that has incredibly strong connotations of intelligence and wisdom. Through his wrap he begins to give the individual a series of well reasoned and considered advice, where he trivialises his one music somewhat and tells the protagonist not to take it so seriously. This presents a very modest image, of someone that is mature about his own situation and keen to help others. This is certainly not what someone would expect from a man in his position and with his background. It wavers strongly from the original 'Slim Shady' persona that this artist projected at the start of his career, an image that was met with controversy and criticism. However, in the ending of the video we see the protagonists younger brother remove his hood to display bleach blonde dyed hair communicating the cyclic nature of the cultural problem Eminem is trying to address on a wide scale with this song.
Towards the end of the video, the narrative reaches its climax when the protagonist is driving on the motorway with his girlfriend in the boot. He has reached this state of emotional turmoil after his idol refused to reply to his letters. The director has exploited dramatic irony on this occasion as we know as an audience that in truth his letter didn't actually make it to Eminem and was lost in the post. This makes his actions now seem painfully unnecessary for the audience. This high intensity section of the video is reflected by the directors used of fast impactful cutting, ECU's to show the anguish of the protagonist and the rain used as an example of pathetic fallacy.
This music video goes some way in presenting a very interesting star image for Eminem, and subverts the stereotype designed for a mainstream rapper in popular culture. In the end of the video, Eminem is seen to playing himself as he attempts to write back to the fan in question. He is wearing glasses, something that has incredibly strong connotations of intelligence and wisdom. Through his wrap he begins to give the individual a series of well reasoned and considered advice, where he trivialises his one music somewhat and tells the protagonist not to take it so seriously. This presents a very modest image, of someone that is mature about his own situation and keen to help others. This is certainly not what someone would expect from a man in his position and with his background. It wavers strongly from the original 'Slim Shady' persona that this artist projected at the start of his career, an image that was met with controversy and criticism. However, in the ending of the video we see the protagonists younger brother remove his hood to display bleach blonde dyed hair communicating the cyclic nature of the cultural problem Eminem is trying to address on a wide scale with this song.
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