Rock Video Analysis - Red Hot Chilli Peppers

This classic rendition of Stevie Wonder's 70's star-studded hit was released in the late 80's by the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Their unique rock twist to the song resulted in the song becoming a commercial success. Although the video seems quite simplistic and repetitive at first glance, it is evident that the Chilli's still clearly used the the conventions featured within any rock video.

The main visual effect used in this background is the use of a green screen behind all artists. This meant that they could add any supervisual effect post-performance. These images generally feature bright colours and effects which gives a classic psychadelic rock feel to the track - an element the band generally liked to touch on. However, I also found it interesting how the superimposed images often linked in with the actual lyrics throughout the video. i.e. when Anthony Kledis (lead vocalist) speaks of soldiers warrin', they decided to use actual war footage.




The video also features sections of the band actually performing, with members playing the guitar and drums, as well as the lead artist lip-synching along with most of the song too as well as simply performing to the camera. This is a typical convention of a music video.










You can also see frequently how the band are represented with a very powerful persona. They are often shown through low angles to make them seem dominant and their performance is very strong and confident, making them seem professional and very good at what they do.





2 examples of editing that has been cut to the beat at the very beginning and end of the video:
It is alsonotable that the fast pace editing and cutaways also reintroduce that psychedelic feel to the audience, as well as keeping up with the fast, lose-your-head rock persona.