Arctic Monkeys: Alex Turner
Early on in the career of the Arctic Monkeys, front man, Alex Turner was established as the star of the band. Although since the beginning Turner's appearance has changed he is as recognisable of a symbol as he was from the beginning. In the screenshot below, taken from the music video for "Teddy Picker", front man Turner can be seen playing a Fender Bronco. At that time his image was focused on a mod look referencing the likes of the Stone Roses and Oasis.
As the bands career has furthered Turners image has developed and evolved. Currently Turner references a more 50's influenced approach to his image. Although it has changed, the rock and roll image established in the early days has remained despite the slight deviation throughout the evolution of the band. Below is a more recent photo from an Arctic Monkeys concert in 2014. Obviously Turner has changed his appearance however as an icon or star he is just as recognisable.
In most of the Arctic Monkeys music videos Turner is seen performing. With the odd exception Turner is playing guitar. Obviously the shape and iconography embedded within the guitars turner plays adds to the star image of him. For example in the top screenshot turner was playing a Fender Bronco. The Fender guitar shape is so iconic and instantly recognisable that because Turner is playing it he inherits the years of heritage that the Fender brand is associated with. In the bottom screenshot Turner is playing a Gibson Les Paul Custom. Again the image of that guitar gifts him the rock and roll heritage and lifestyle associations.
From a cinematography perspective Turner is shown through a range of camera angles and shots throughout his career. In some of the bands videos there will be close up shots of Turner's face to show his facial reactions to the music. Close ups are also effective as they add to the alternate and indie vibe because they make the audience feel slightly closer to the performer. Also from the viewers perspective close ups make the performer or start seem larger than life. This is hugely important as it gives them a god like connotation as when they watch the video the performer, Turner appears bigger than them. Mid and long shots are also used frequently to show Turner in a bubble. It helps create the star image as it makes him appear untouchable. Obviously it takes time to develop skill on a musical instrument. By using long and mid shots it makes it feel like the audience is watching a master at work as they can see his whole body going through the motion of playing guitar.
As the Arctic Monkeys are a band the other members are also portrayed through the conventions of the star image, just not as heavily or frequently as Alex Turner. For example the shots of the band walking together very physically demonstrate the dynamic within the group. Alex walks in front in most shots in the "You & I" video. In some shots there are exceptions where Turner walks along side the rest of the band. The variety of dynamics displays that although Turner is the prominent star in the band they are all stars in their own right.
Within all of the Arctic Monkeys videos there appear to be very conscious choices in costume, hair and props. Obviously because the Arctic Monkeys are a rock band all of these areas of appearance are being used to further reinforce the idea of the infamy of the band. In the early videos, such as "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" the Arctic Monkeys had an ordinary late teen look of t-shirts and polo's. Since then they have slowly evolved and developed a more rock and roll look that draws influence from the history of rock music since the late fifties. In the still, on the left, showing the drummer, Matt Helders, riding a motorbike he is wearing a denim jacket with
ripped sleeves, a classic white t-shirt and a bandanna. Obviously this isn't the standard attire for a 25 year old. This look is more commonly associated with outlaws, musicians and people on the fringe of society. This is very deliberate as it makes Helders appear different to the audience, and because the audience like the bands music they then look at the members as hero like figures. Because of the clothing being different it isolates them and makes them appear like god figures. Generally people are somewhat attracted to people who are anti-hero's. Therefore the bands more recent videos that present the members as rock and roll western outlaws work really well to enforce the star image. During the video the motorbike still is taken from Helders is shown wielding swords and guns. This further enforces the star image as it makes them appear in a dangerous way that none of the audience would be able to relate to. By making the video unrelatable the star is separated from the audience, thus making them a star.
Aside from the musical impact that the Arctic Monkeys have had there are other reasons for the popularity and fame they have garnered. Within fashion and pop culture there has been a renaissance which has seen a wave of public figures trying to reference style icons of the 1960's and 1970's. Very cleverly the Arctic Monkeys have tailored their fashion and appearance to fit into this trend. In terms of the music they have a raw, cutting, gritty English sound. Any creative product is influenced by the weather, food, environment, culture etc that exists in that area. Because the Arctic Monkeys are from England they have a sound that speaks to people. Also they rose to fame whilst in their late teens. This meant that the lyrical content of their songs was and is relevant to the main target market within England. And by having a slightly classic rock infused sound they also appeal to an older demographic of people who grew up in the time when that music was the new sound.
Outside of the UK the Arctic Monkeys are popular in continents such as Europe and North America. This is probably partly because of the way they market themselves as English Rock musicians. It is often the case that outside cultures and influences are attractive to people as they offer an alternative to the culture that is readily available to them. Therefore the Arctic Monkeys have hit a gold mine around the world by playing on their English heritage. For example the photo on the left shows Matt Helders drum kit. Obviously it is decorated in a Union Jack wrap. When touring around the world he promotes this subconscious idea that the band are quintessentially English. Embedded within that imagery is a certain romanticism that the band plays on. Even the manufacturer of the drums Helders plays is English therefore the die hard fans that obsess about everything to do with the band will subconsciously galvanize the view that the Arctic Monkeys represent England and English culture. Also the home support makes them more appealing around the world and at home. By having a very loyal home fan base people who don't listen to them feel as though they are missing out or aren't part of a trend they should. Similarly to my earlier point, people in other countries who actively pursue different culture to that of their peers want to join into the hype and hysteria that builds around them. All of these factors combined give the Arctic Monkeys current appeal.
From a cinematography perspective Turner is shown through a range of camera angles and shots throughout his career. In some of the bands videos there will be close up shots of Turner's face to show his facial reactions to the music. Close ups are also effective as they add to the alternate and indie vibe because they make the audience feel slightly closer to the performer. Also from the viewers perspective close ups make the performer or start seem larger than life. This is hugely important as it gives them a god like connotation as when they watch the video the performer, Turner appears bigger than them. Mid and long shots are also used frequently to show Turner in a bubble. It helps create the star image as it makes him appear untouchable. Obviously it takes time to develop skill on a musical instrument. By using long and mid shots it makes it feel like the audience is watching a master at work as they can see his whole body going through the motion of playing guitar.
As the Arctic Monkeys are a band the other members are also portrayed through the conventions of the star image, just not as heavily or frequently as Alex Turner. For example the shots of the band walking together very physically demonstrate the dynamic within the group. Alex walks in front in most shots in the "You & I" video. In some shots there are exceptions where Turner walks along side the rest of the band. The variety of dynamics displays that although Turner is the prominent star in the band they are all stars in their own right.
Within all of the Arctic Monkeys videos there appear to be very conscious choices in costume, hair and props. Obviously because the Arctic Monkeys are a rock band all of these areas of appearance are being used to further reinforce the idea of the infamy of the band. In the early videos, such as "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" the Arctic Monkeys had an ordinary late teen look of t-shirts and polo's. Since then they have slowly evolved and developed a more rock and roll look that draws influence from the history of rock music since the late fifties. In the still, on the left, showing the drummer, Matt Helders, riding a motorbike he is wearing a denim jacket with 
Aside from the musical impact that the Arctic Monkeys have had there are other reasons for the popularity and fame they have garnered. Within fashion and pop culture there has been a renaissance which has seen a wave of public figures trying to reference style icons of the 1960's and 1970's. Very cleverly the Arctic Monkeys have tailored their fashion and appearance to fit into this trend. In terms of the music they have a raw, cutting, gritty English sound. Any creative product is influenced by the weather, food, environment, culture etc that exists in that area. Because the Arctic Monkeys are from England they have a sound that speaks to people. Also they rose to fame whilst in their late teens. This meant that the lyrical content of their songs was and is relevant to the main target market within England. And by having a slightly classic rock infused sound they also appeal to an older demographic of people who grew up in the time when that music was the new sound.
Outside of the UK the Arctic Monkeys are popular in continents such as Europe and North America. This is probably partly because of the way they market themselves as English Rock musicians. It is often the case that outside cultures and influences are attractive to people as they offer an alternative to the culture that is readily available to them. Therefore the Arctic Monkeys have hit a gold mine around the world by playing on their English heritage. For example the photo on the left shows Matt Helders drum kit. Obviously it is decorated in a Union Jack wrap. When touring around the world he promotes this subconscious idea that the band are quintessentially English. Embedded within that imagery is a certain romanticism that the band plays on. Even the manufacturer of the drums Helders plays is English therefore the die hard fans that obsess about everything to do with the band will subconsciously galvanize the view that the Arctic Monkeys represent England and English culture. Also the home support makes them more appealing around the world and at home. By having a very loyal home fan base people who don't listen to them feel as though they are missing out or aren't part of a trend they should. Similarly to my earlier point, people in other countries who actively pursue different culture to that of their peers want to join into the hype and hysteria that builds around them. All of these factors combined give the Arctic Monkeys current appeal.
