Music Video Textual Analysis #2

Anna Calvi - Desire
Directed by: Aoife McArdle
June 2011

Analysis between 1:10 and 2:10 minutes.

Throughout the sequence that one analysed there were references to Calvi and the 'Devil' being connected. The lyrics, "it's just the devil in me", were amplified by the shot of the black and white tiled floor and the red carpet. These two are connected by a piece of wood that runs between them; much like a ligament which connects them together. One would assume that the red carpet represents the devil as red is negatively associated with danger and evil, whereas the black and white tiles could represent Calvi and her split personality with the devil. What's more one can tell from this that Calvi and the Devil are represented as 'equals' in status due to the high angled shot looking down on both of them. In the same way, this link in their personalities is also suggested by the high angled shot at the red and green carpet. The contrasting colours being connected and patterned between each other could symbol a development in the relationship between Calvi and the Devil; before they were connected but now they are one being. When linking this to the mis-en-scene and Calvi's costume it's clear that she is wearing red which is indicative of desire, danger or passion. One could suggest that the colour of her costume and the colour of the carpet makes a further connection between her and the devil.

 Multiple explicit and implicit religious references can be identified throughout the sequence. In terms of the mis-en-scene, props such as a Mary and Jesus figurine, a cross and an angel with a harp. These religious props are all indicative of the motif that runs throughout the video. Furthermore, the snake on the carpet could be a symbol of Adam and Eve; thus the repetition of "desire" might be linked with being a sin instead of something more passionate like it suggested is some parts of the video. Also, the lyrics reflect this religious motif: "devil", "heavenly" and "God". It could be suggested that, due to the religious props being placed upon the red carpet, that they have been somewhat tainted by the unseen "Devil". Notably, the props are all well lit and are often in soft focus, perhaps because McArdle wanted them to be visible and identified by the audience to place particular significance on them. Not only does this add to the importance of the religious motif but it emphasises the effect of the lyrics on the video.

When referring to Mulvey's "male gaze" (1975) theory, one can identify that Calvi's image is represented as being attractive, passionate and edgy through the use of camera shots, angles and the mis-en-scene. The extreme close ups of her eyes and mouth, essential emotive facial features, allude to the passion that is related to the "desire". Moreover, the red colour of her lipstick further indicates the sexuality and femininity as the colour red has connotations of passion and love. The lens glare acts as an attention grabber and the audience are able to note Calvi's appearance - which is further shown through mid-shots and long shots. Calvi's appearance can help the record company to sell the music and also gets the audience to recognise her image instantly. One can identify that even when Calvi's back is turned to the camera her power and dominance is still demonstrated in the shot by her central positioning and striking clothing items.


I wanna go to the sunHold my life like I've never doneBut it's just the devil in meThe devil that's calling as I come undone
The sky is getting dark tonightDarker than the fear that's gonna pull us apartThe beating is the sound of loveThe sound of love is beating like a fevered heart
And it's the fire, the fire, the fireIt's heavenly, heavenlyDesire, desireDesire, desire
I wanna lay in the dustThe dust is gonna fall here when I lieGod knows it's just the devil in meThe devil that's taking my hand to the fire
I never wanna leave you nowLeave you like the sun is gonna disappearBut it's just believing nowBelieving in my heart is what I've come to fear
And it's the fire, the fire, the fireIt's heavenly, heavenlyDesire, desireDesire, desireI've got desire, desireI've got desire, desire
And only the lonelyOnly the lonely fallOnly the lonelyOnly the lonely fallFall
Oh, and I go to the fireBut God knows it's the sound of, it's the sound of loveIt's the beat of my heart that youFinally beating, it's coming, coming, coming for you
And it's just the devil in meIt's just a door to the devil gathered in disguiseTaking me by the handAnd leading me, leading me off to the fire
And it's the fire, the fire, the fireIt's heavenly, heavenlyDesire, desireDesire, desire
You don't have to be lost(Desire, desire)You don't have to be lost(Desire, desire)You don't have to be lost(Desire, desire)