The discography of Marina and the Diamonds does not shy away from addressing difficult topics, from assault to societal bigotry to emotional detachment. We as people listen to music that makes us feel something or connects to us in some way, and I particularly stick to Marina Diamandis’ work. This particular song, I Am Not a Robot, is written in mind of the people who have pain and struggles hidden down under their surface but manage to keep a cool facade.
Throughout the entire music video, Diamandis is covered in different things, from shimmery glitter to superhero-like facepaint to rhinestones around her eyes and mouth, only at the end wiping it all off to reveal a naked face. It is a relatively simple video, but the message is in the facial expression and makeup (and, of course, the lyrics) and there are a few reasons why I’ve drawn inspiration from it.
The first is the idea of a cover over the face. My video focuses on a person who wears makeup which doesn’t allow them to feel natural, it is unnatural and obvious. I have always liked the idea of finding a creative way to obstruct a face to talk about beauty standards or issues. Just as Diamandis uses paint and glitter to make a point, I want to use cake, and at the end of my commercial have the person wiping it all off to reveal someone happier.
The second point is the overall message for the film. While Diamandis is singing about emotional detachment, and I am sending a message about feeling comfortable in your own skin, there is an overlap I think is very important, and that’s about being comfortable with who you are and not trying to hide behind something.
The last point is the feeling of the film. Diamandis’ chorus is cheerful and light for a not so happy topic, but this way it does not leave the listener feeling depressed. I have a background audio track that similarly keeps the commercial in an atmosphere of playfulness, so the viewer will not be distraught. By taking a subject and working it to be enjoyable to watch, while still getting the message across, you find a way to keep the viewer watching. As I’ve said before, I want to edit my film brightly, I do not want it to be an overly serious commercial picking apart the faults with the beauty industry, but to find a creative and fun way to point out a flaw.