Research - My Analysis of "Helena" by 'My Chemical Romance'

Goodwin’s theory	Helena
1. Genre Characteristics - the use of dark colours/direct mode of address and symbols such as the candles that connote the idea of purity at the end of a life. The dark colours are stereotypical expectations of rock videos. - various shots of the artist’s singing and playing their instruments, including; close ups, extreme close ups, medium and long shots.
2. Relationship between lyrics and visuals - “Just like the hearse you die to get in again” = we see a woman lying in a coffin through a crab shot. We also see one of the band members, Frank Iero, in the shot – showing how the band involve themselves in the narrative-concept of the video. - “Blade you’ll stain” = the artist pretends to slit his neck. The emotion is evident in his face and creates a more empowering, emotional atmosphere to the video, allowing the audience to connect with the artist and the real-life situation surrounding the video.
3. Relationship between music and visuals - there is a specific rhythm played on the kick drum that signals a change in pace and feel to the music. As this happens, the ballerina (also playing ‘Helena’) drops her flowers to the floor – matching the beat in the music.
4. Visual Styles (Close-ups and motifs) - several shots show the setting of the funeral, which is a clever editing technique as the large crowd aren’t actually there. - there is a repetitive use of medium and extreme close-ups on the lead singer, Gerard, throughout the video to provide clear focus on his facial expressions. It allows an audience to understand the true devestation the artist feels at losing his grandma, and it makes the narrative of a funeral. - a colour scheme of black and red are a clear motif in this video; symbolising death, loss, love and heartbreak.
5. Voyeurism - evidently, the artist is attractive, but the main focus of voyeurism in this video is to use close ups and direct mode of address, along with dark colours, costumes and heavy eye makeup to create an air of melancholy and make an audience empathise strongly with the artist’s situation.
6. Intertextuality - “Helena” is the name of the single and the theme of the video is a funeral. It also links to the meaning of the song. The lead singer, Gerard Way and his brother (the bassist), Mikey, lost their grandma whose name was Elena – highlighting how the song was made in memory of her.