Music Video Theory The Kill by Thirty Seconds to Mars

Within the music video The Kill many of Michael Shores criticisms are
referenced throughout. One of the criticisms evident within the video is soft
core pornography. During the middle of the video a somewhat sultry and
provocative looking woman steps out of the shower wearing nothing but a
small towel. As the video progresses the woman begins to kiss one of the band
members which can be interpreted as rather sexual and can link to soft core
pornography. This woman appears again near to the end of the video. The
inclusion of this objectified female figure could be seen as increasing the
attention of male viewers due to their vast interest in soft-core porn.
Additionally, this extract of the video could link to Shores criticism that is
adolescent male fantasies. The way in which the female character is
passionately kissing the band member could easily be a fantasy of a young
male, especially being involved with a practically naked woman.
Therefore, this video created by Thirty Seconds to Mars could be seen as
somewhat stereotypical due to the feature of two of Shores criticisms.
Another criticism of Shores that has been included in this video is recycled
styles.

The overall setting of this music video can be linked to the Stephen King
classic film The Shining. The 1980s film was set in the classic Overlook
Hotel in which strange activities were taking place and therefore effecting the
main character. This is evident in The Kill music video as its set in a hotel
similar to that of The Shining and they are advised not to enter room 6277.
As the video progresses the band members enter this room and find unusual
things happening, such as doubles of themselves. This demonstrates a clear
link to The Shining as the narratives are very similar. Furthermore, this video
clearly adheres to Michael Shores criticisms as recycled styles are present
throughout the video. Clichd imagery could also be perceived as being
present throughout. Within the music video of The Kill there are many shots
of the band playing their music and performing to an audience, more
specifically at the end. The inclusion of these shots creates a somewhat clich
atmosphere as these are the types of shots that are included in every rock and
alternative music video, its whats expected. Overall within this video Michael
Shores criticisms are very apparent, making the music video somewhat
stereotypical.

Todorovs Narrative Theory

Todorov suggested that all narratives follow a three part structure; they have
an equilibrium, a disruption and a resolution/restoration. This is evident in
Thirty Seconds to Mars The Kill video as it begins very calmly. The video
starts off with the band arriving at a hotel where they will stay for a few days,
completely alone. They are also asked not to enter room 6277. As the video
progresses there is an evident disruption as one of the band members enters
room 6277. The consequences of this are evidenced throughout the rest of the
video, there are strange things happening in the hotel such as doubles of
themselves and someone dressed up as a bear. This indicates to the audience
that the atmosphere is no longer calm and the narrative has progressed into
the second stage of Todorovs narrative theory. Later on in the video the band
members finally get to see what the hotel has been hiding, that being doubles
of everyone. Within this section of the video the band members also get to
perform their song in front of a massive audience. This could be seen as a
restoration as the band is finally happy that they have discovered why there
has been strange things going on in the hotel as well as being able to perform.
Arguably however, this video could be seen as lacking a restoration as the
band never escapes. Therefore the final stage of Todorovs theory could be
seen as personal a preference or opinion.

Strauss Binary Opposition

Strauss believed that there is evident conflict or opposition that propels the
narrative of not only a music video but any media that contains a story line.
This theory is relevant in regard to Thirty Seconds to Mars 'The Kill'. Within
the music video the band arrive at a hotel where they are told that there are no
other guests and they shouldn't enter room 6277. As the video progresses the
band members start to encounter strange activities and beings in the old style
hotel. Throughout the music video, innocent looking characters like an
attractive, young female flicker to much more evil and disturbing images such
as the woman covered in blood. This could be perceived as creating the binary
opposition 'good versus evil'. This is apparent as the band members can be
seen as innocent and vulnerable individuals (good). Whereas the other
individuals in the house portray a much more evil and disturbing atmosphere.
Therefore, this music video adheres to Strauss' binary oppositions. This is
because the theme of 'good versus evil' enables the story line of the music
video to really shine through and impact the audience, making it more
enjoyable and interesting to watch.

Laura Mulvey's Male Gaze

Laura Mulvey suggested that the incorporation of women in media was solely
to interest and please men, hence 'The Male Gaze'. She believed that women
were either seen as 'virginal' or a 'sexy whore' and there was no in between.
Therefore, this theory is apparent in 30 Seconds to Mars 'The Kill' due to the
incorporation of a young and attractive woman. As one of the band members
is walking through the hotel, he notices that there is a door open and begins to
enter. What he finds can be perceived as any man's dream, and that was a
young woman half naked stepping out of the shower. As the video progresses
the band member and the woman begin to kiss in a sexual and passionate way.
Within this video the woman is clearly depicted and portrayed as a 'sexy
whore' due to the vast amount of focus on her giving up her body for a male,
and the objectification of her body overall. This section of the music video has
clearly been incorporated to gain the attention of male viewers and keep them
interested throughout, and through the objectification and sexualisation of
women seems to be a successful way.

Steve Archer
Steve Archer believed that there needs to be a strong coherent relationship
between narrative and performance in music videos and they should cut
between the two throughout. This is relevant regarding Thirty Seconds to
Mars music video 'The Kill' as both narrative and performance are
incorporated. Throughout the entirety of the music video it flickers from the
initial story line to the band performing, and this is portrayed rather equally.
The incorporation of both of these conventions is a way of keeping the
audience interested, it makes the video seem more adventurous and is very
typical of alternative bands. Therefore, this video adheres to Steve Archer's
ideology