Sia "The Greatest" Review by Melissa

I have picked Sia "The Greatest" To review for this part of the Arts Award because I think it's a great example of a music video.

At the beginning alone before the music starts it is very powerful. The group are in a cage/cell and they're locked away (metaphorically locked away from who they're supposed to be). Then the music begins and everything comes to life. The group of people who dance and perform throughout the video illustrate the story behind the video, which is them trying to break free from their demons. There is a lot of emotive facial expressions and movements. The choreography portrays the message of the video really nicely and goes well with the music. The video is shot in dull lighting until the chorus, and then they're in a lighter space. They're expressing that they can be who they want to be and it's okay for that to happen.

Why is the video effective? Why do you like it personally?

I think the video is effective because of how the video is shot, how they've lighted the different scenes to fit in with the lyrics, the type of dancing that the group are doing is very emotive, and there is a contrast put in between colourfulness and dullness. I personally like it because it has great choreography and I like how they have perceived expressing yourself

What is the message that you take from the video?

That it's okay to be yourself, and that you don't need to feel ashamed, or hide in the darkness because you're too afraid to be yourself.

Does this video fit into what Sia's overall message is? why is Sia unique in the music industry?

I think the video does fit into Sia's message. Sia is unique in the music industry because she is never in her videos. She always has her fringe over her face during a performance. She wants the focus to be on the music, and the message behind it, rather than on herself. The main ways she was caught in the public eye was through collaborating with other artists, such as David Guetta, Rhianna and Flo Rida. Here is a quote from her:

"I'm trying to have some control over my image. And I'm allowed to maintain some modicum of privacy. But also I would like not to be picked apart or for people to observe when I put on ten pounds or take off ten pounds or I have a hair extension out of place or my fake tan is botched. Most people don't have to be under that pressure, and I'd like to be one of them."[