The Strokes - Heart In A Cage - Deconstruction

The video begins with a series of low angle shots of each of the band members to signify and indication of their importance individually as well as a band. The use of black and white in this video is synchronous with grittiness of the lead singers voice and the landscape of New York City. After several medium shots of the band members in a busy crowd, the audience is then presented with a master shot of the lead singer (Julian Casablancas) lying on the floor of the street. The camerawork suggests his importance by him being the only single person in focus within the entire cluttered frame. This use of camerawork signifies that the emphasis lies firmly with the lead singer of the band and the importance of his narrative. A medium shot of the lead guitarist is enhanced by a rapid zoom into the band members guitar, this camerawork signifies the importance of the instrumental musicality of the band.

The majority of editing in this music video is synchronous with the tempo of the music, whilst beginning with medium length takes of individual band members. The use of cuts of shots between the band alone and in a crowd perhaps suggests the contrast of their public and private personas. The editing pace progressively increases as an indication of the song gaining momentum, this in particular climaxing with every chorus of the song. The editing pace is decreased during the bridge of the song with a long take of the lead singers mouth, as well as dictating the pace of the song it also signifies the importance of the singers lyrics at this point of the video. The editing pace becomes furious as the band members are grappled by the general public in the frame, this editing is supported by the camerawork with frantic zooming and panning shots.

The mise en scene used within this music video is stereotypical of the music genre of the band and supports the bands general representation as a whole. For example, the costume used in the video consists of leather jackets and skinny jeans, a stereotypical look for an indie band such as this, further supporting their rock and roll image. The bassist however is dressed in a bright white blazer, providing an interesting contrast between himself and the conservatively dressed public.