Genre Research: Rock

The Pretender by Foo Fighters is a rock song which is very stereotypical, however, the song has different similarities compared to other rock songs because of its huge clear and white area, making it stand out to the audience. The song starts off quite slow paced and gentle as we see the band in the music video preparing to play for 'someone'. The reason why I classify this song in the Rock Genre is because of 2 key instruments that are used in the music and in the music video. An electric guitar and drums. This gives the audience an idea of what the music will sound like when progressing through the music video.

There are many close-ups of the singer within the music video. This is to show that he is not afraid and is rebellious against the 'police', standing behind the black line. This shows his emotions towards the audience that he is playing for (The riot police). The reason why I call them rebellious is because rock music tends to express youthful rebellion. This is also linked to the Riot Police being in the Music Video as a Riot Squad tend to go to places which are rioting, A.K.A dealing with rebellious people.

When there was only one Riot Officer, the music was very loud probably due to there being only one officer, therefore making him look like nothing to worry about. The music then becomes quiet when the Lone Officer is joined by a whole squadron of Riot Officers. The Black line was used to represent the Order side, and the Rebellious side. It could have been used also for the Officers to get into formation as they do in real life situations and prepare, as people who are rebellious tend to be 'dangerous'. It is then that when they charge, the Officers are then tidal waved with a huge wave of red liquid, stopping them in their tracks and the music once again rises, linking to their 'rebellious actions', fighting the system.

I'd say that the audience is somewhere between 18-25 years old, both men and women. People this age tend to do risks as such and many young people are rebellious compared to people of older age. The music video displays a message of rebellion despite the 'law' trying to be authoritative. People this age also tend to go to rallies have younger people tend to have a lot of energy within them where as people who are elder age tend to be 'law abiding'. The Music Video does fit with some aspects of Goodwin's Theory. There are a lot of close-ups to show the emotions of the officers faces and the band singers face, showing their anger and energy, linking with the lyrics. There is also a link between the lyrics and the visuals of the music and the video. An example of this is the Riot Officers. Since they are the law, you must respect the law as an abiding citizen, but in the lyrics, it goes on to say 'What if I say I never surrender?' intimidating the Riot Officers.