




“A picture is worth a thousand words” but a video is worth much more, because it represents a scene of emotions and portrays millions of ideas. The purpose of a music video is to integrate a song and imagery, intended to promote the sale of the music and the message behind it. The elements of the angles, shots, and effects in the music video in “Holding on to You” by Twenty One Pilots illustrates the message of the song as a whole that though our demons may be everywhere, we are able to control it. These elements are important because they are able to further the message that are illustrated in the lyrics to viewers in a way they do not realize is happening, illustrating the message in ways we cannot put into words.

In the first scene being analyzed, Tyler Joseph, the lead singer, is seen as a normal guy. However, the angle of the camera comes in from above, making it seem as though Tyler is speaking to an authority figure. His emotion in this angle is somewhat intense, and the edges in the scene are blurred, which adds a dream-like effect to this scene (0:19). Because the video lacks color, it strips the visual of any distractions, which makes the viewer focus on what is unfolding before them. The way these effects are introduced set a tone of intensity, and the close-ups of Tyler show his emotions, which allows the viewers to realize that what is about to be said is important because it emphasizes the words being spoken and the emotion from those words. The lyrics in the very first line contribute to the message as well, adding an audio effect to the video. The message of this fight between demon and reality is shown in the very first line. Tyler says that he tried to fight it, but "flesh" was all he got. The imagery in the music video supports this line (0:23). The shirtless bodies seeming to take control of Tyler in the video symbolize his flesh and furthers the message of the music video and song that there is a constant battle between demons and reality, but we are ultimately the ones able to control it. 

As the video progresses, the blurriness of the video increases, and Tyler’s emotions become stronger. The close up angles of him and his “twitching” show that he does not seem to be acting normal (1:00). The imagery in this music video along with the lyrics, depict how Tyler's sin and depression was taking control and consuming his life. Tyler then describes the way that he vacillates in his relationship with whoever the subject of the song may be and that this subject is unreliable and untrustworthy. This mental conflict is symbolized in the music video by Tyler's jerky, shaky movements. He doesn't know which way to go. These actions illustrate a sense of possession, possibly by the demons that seem to overpower him throughout the video. Further, because Tyler is dressed as a normal person, it can make the song relate to any viewer. However, when Tyler’s appearance switches to a skeleton, or “flesh”, it illustrates a deeper message with the aid of the elements involved in the video and represents how any normal person could be fighting a demon. As the video continues, close-up shots of Tyler as a skeleton start to flash before viewers. The edges of these scenes are blurrier than before, almost as if the edges of the shot are being pulled in by the demons, or “flesh” (2:28). This visual element contributes to the theme as a whole because it represents how sometimes our demons may be everywhere, and may even overpower us, but ultimately, we are the ones able to control it. Later in the video, the intensity of the song builds up, as does the intensity of the effects, the shot, and angle. “Demon” Tyler is almost completely blurred out, and the shot is extremely close-up, and the angle is switching back and forth between front facing, upward, and downward. It gives a sense of chaos and panic as this demon overtakes him, and these close up shots of him screaming at an unknown upward place or person suggests that Tyler is upset with himself or God for allowing these thoughts to take over (3:06).  These demons are dragging Tyler down, thus, the emotion from the video alludes to him feeling panicked, confused, scared, and upset to have so easily been controlled by these demons. This section of the video portrays how easily one can be dragged down from the fight between demons and reality, and shows the ways they can control us. Tyler started out fighting them, but at this point in the video he is pulled down by these demons.

However, near the ending of the video, shots of Tyler returned to his normal state are re-introduced. Tyler is seen without his skeleton face and the blurriness has lessened. Because he’s back into his normal state, this confusion he is feeling is gone, and clarity is back in his life. Tyler is still talking to an unknown upward place or person, but this time his arms are stretched out towards it (4:02). This action can symbolize hope towards the future, and hope towards overcoming these demons that once fully possessed him. The lyric “and I’ll be holding on to you” is repeated at the end of the video, which suggests that Tyler has faith in someone or something that he’ll be able to fight these thoughts in his head once and for all. The re-introduction to his normal self contributes to the song’s overall message that though one’s demons may be everywhere, ultimately, we are the ones that are able to control it. The close-up shots again show his emotion, but this time Tyler is not panicked or intense, he is proud. He is not twitching in these shots anymore, but instead dancing (3:54). Tyler’s battle with his demons has ended and is shown celebrating. Because “we were gifted with thought”, we are the ones in control of our own minds and can control our demons. 

The effects, shots, and angles used in the “Holding on to You” music video are able to portray emotions without using words. The emotions of frustration shown through the “twitching” are later displayed with actions of hope. Possession turns into freedom, chaotic camera movement transforms into calm angles, and the blurred camera shots became clear. In a short music video, Tyler is able to represent a struggle of overcoming anxiety, doubts, or depression through the use of these visual and audio elements. We are in control of our demons and thoughts, and these elements allow viewers to comprehend this message in slight and subtle ways and affects the emotions that are surfaced from watching this music video. 




