Music Video Analysis (Ratbag – Exit Girl)

     One of my biggest interests in music videos are the ones that include mixed media, after looking for ones that do contain mixed media, I have come across Ratbag's song 'Exit Girl'. This video is a great example of how visual techniques can be blended together to create an expressive and surreal aesthetic that feels handcrafted and personal. The dark colors that follow the same palette aid in the mixing of media, the drawings and the actual filmed video content, in a way that doesn't make them feel separated, what would be perhaps considered real (the video) and the imagination (the drawings). It is a very creative approach which makes it feel more like an emotional landscape, rather than a literal narrative. It does not rely on traditional storytelling, instead, it uses symbolic imagery. Ratbag's artistic identity plays a huge role here too.

    From further research, I have found out that she is knows for her work across mediums like photography, stop-motion and this eclectic background is reflected in the video's collage-like feel. The mixture of hand-drawn shapes, exaggerated characters, abstract design, all create a dream-like atmosphere that match the tone of the song. Furthermore,  the visuals respond to the energy and rythm. Cuts, transitions and movements sync with the beat, creating a dynamic state and flow that keep the viewer engaged, as well as guides them into the emotional beats of the song. Overall, this music video demonstrates how mixed media can be used to communicate a feeling, identity or mood to the viewer, beyond naturalistic footage alone. This approach inspires me to use a blend of live action, texture-based overlays in my own project. Here is a link to the music video I've analysed! Ratbag- Exit Girl (music video)