[.Music video analysis 2.]

Basket Case - Green Day (1994)

This iconic video by Green Day is set in a mental hospital; this is made apparent by the use of extras dressed in white coats, VERY exaggerated hair, and the use of chain link fences to add an element of captivity, whilst the decoration of the room is very 60's, bright coloured rooms, and mismatched carpets. The band seem to represent patients, as they are all dressed in scrubs, with similarly dressed people clawing at the doors/walls, all of which appealing to the name of the song "Basket Case" which is a person on the verge of insanity/nervous breakdowns.

Fans who are familiar with the band members recognize each one represented as a different form of mental patient. As the song begins, the doctors and nurses begin to ensemble the instruments in a very slow, scrambled fashion; all the instruments in which are covered in duct tape. As the song progresses; the band appear to be more and more insane as they appear to be playing to no crowd; spliced shots show the band members in typical areas of a mental hospital (padded rooms, medical areas, etc).

The use of 360 degree rotational camera angles add a sense of solidarity and paranoia towards the lead singer (Billy Joe Armstrong); which is further enhanced with random people walking around aimlessly in over-exaggerated pig masks, possibly symbolizing hallucinogens. As the song dramatically ends; the closing of the gate symbolises the end.

This video, although very controversial at the time of it's release, is very successful by remaining one of the most memorable music videos in rock music history.