Phillip Phillips- Raging Fire

Raging Fire is sung by Phillip Phillips, who won American Idol in 2012. This music video analysis will focus on the editing and visuals of the video, which are extremely unique.





As the music starts, there are a number of quick cuts in time to the beat of the music, filming the artist, Phillip Phillips, who is stood in the same position however, in a number of different locations. This gives the music video an instant eye catching and unique feel to it.

In the locations filmed, there are different settings; consisting of different buildings, street graffiti, and even being filmed on the train. This gives the music video a modern feel to it. The camera work shows a number of different shots, from close ups, medium shots, and extreme long shots, which becomes a repetitive pattern. The quick change of shot types, and the quick rhythm of the song, helps the editor to make a variety of montages in the video. Both urban and rural areas were chosen as locations which also helped the contrast and the flow of the shot types.

There is a parallel edit to Phillips laying on white paper and other people are painting a fire around him, which reflects the name of the song. 

A parallel cut is made back to Phillip Phillips in the city location playing his guitar and singing raging fire. Close ups are made on both the instrument and the mouth. This shows he is an organic artist, as the director is not selling his looks, he is selling his voice and ability to play guitar. 

 As the chorus begins, the cuts are quicker and the tempo is raised. Quick whip zooms are made of the locations as the next chorus kicks in. 

Another parallel cut is made back to the painting scene, and ellipses is used as an editing technique, as the painting quickly evolves, in fast motion. This is a clever way of breaking up the video and changing scenery. This keeps the audience’s attention and prevents them from boredom from the repetitiveness of the footage.

There is a cut to a close up of Phillips hand being painted in red, after the rest of his body is also painted, the whole fire comes together; which helps the continuity of the video. 

At the end of the video, the artist gets up and it leaves a great look to the painting.
From this music video I can learn to cross cut in the music video to create two stories or to keep the audience engaged with the video. From this video I can also learn the effectiveness and importance of cutting in time to the beat.