Analysis: Common Testify

Testify

Directed: Anthony Mandler

Time: 8:51

Country: USA

Year: 2005

Artist: common

Produced: Kanye West

Company: Cheap Thrills Productions/ Street Knowledge TV

Nomination for a best video at the BET Awards in 2006

This is a music video from the artist Common it’s a Short film running for 8 minutes and 51 seconds, telling the story of a young mother and wife who struggle in convincing a jury to let her testify of her husbands innocence, when he’s arrested and stands trial for the possession of drugs and murder. The short story devolves deep into the background of the characters before we see Common performing the song and even when this happens we know that he’s not part of the narrative. Staring Taraji P Henson, Steve Harris and Wood Harris the video is directed by Anthony Mandler who is a respected music director recognised for his cinematic productions in his work.

The short film opening credits are simple capital text displaying the artists name first and the title of the song against a black background the staring actors are listed then the director is listed with a picture of him seen also. This would have been done as he was just staring out in the year 2005 so not many people knew of who he was, also the audience that this material is targeted for are more relaxed to such unconvetional ways of displaying credits. No music is heard during the credits something that unlikely for a music video.

After the credits are listed a lound unlocking is heard then gates opening this is seen Wood Harris walks out the gate in a prisoners jump suit, camera pans gives it the effect that were seeing things through his eyes.

Looking straight ahead a security guard is heard saying the words “Your going down”

Two guards are with him one behind and he other infornt this shows that the corridor they are walikng along is small and confideded which also reflects the situation that he’s in and place prison. We then see MS of his feet that are chained together, over the shoulder shot of the first guard looking at his at the the corner of his eye, Harris is seen looking up at the flikiring lights, from this we get the idea that the cell he was in he didin’t have alot of light.

As he’s looking up at the light a flash back is seen him and his wife laughing together then flashes to him alone at a table and he sits at the table with his wife and two children, we can tell that this is his family the life that he had before being taken to prison Anthony then fades out between the flash back and flickering light.

The narrative moves on to see Tarajih P Henson sitting at a table messing around with her glasses and then the door opens and she’s fast to fix her appearance.Mrs Washington was called in for questioning on the murder of two men which her husband is accused of killing, she’s offered a cigaratte and refuces and states that she has to get back to her kids.

Flashbacks are frequently used through the start of the film, this is what sets the story and gives all the characters stability in the narrative which interlocks with the lyrics of the song. We are introduced to a woman who fully believed her husbands innocence but the evidence is strong against him and all she would love to do is testify of his kindness and love of which she is denied.

After the questioning we see Mrs Washington at the front of the court house were the trial is taking palce, she's anxious and nervers about walking in taking time to collect herself, she hesitates and then takes a look at her wedding band and starts to walk in, a sea of photogrphers and news reporters appear and bombard her with questions.

before she enters the court room for the first time we see Common the artist, a mid shot of him from the back. The jurge walks in and takes his seat and Harris and his representative are seen seating down. The beat drops and Mrs Washington walks in this enfaces her arrival and her prominence to the narrative.

A performance shot of Common at the bar that previous flash backs had seen Harris ploting with another member. this is important as it links Common to the narrative of the video it also reminds the audience that this is also a music video and performance shots are important to represent that.

We find out that the corporate is Mrs Washington and not her husband this is a twist that was featured in the feature 'Usual Suspects', it also reflects the same type of shock twist ending that 'Inside' had as well.

This short film shows the strength of a narrative it uses editing and sound to be able to draw the audiences attention and sympathy to the character in the wrong, something that appeared in French New Wave.