Research: meaning behind the suits

For our music video, we wanted to include symbolism, and whilst looking into the lyrics of our chosen song, we saw some that could be linked to games, and instantly thought of cards. We would like to use a card as a symbol [Barthes] within our music video, similarly to Where is the love? by Black Eyed Peas with the use of a question mark.

Whilst looking into the meaning of the Ace of hearts, the main meanings behind the card that I found were linked to emotion, relationships, love, desire for affection and finally- selfishness.

I believe we can use this meaning when discussing the issues within the modern world and the greed that has taken over it. Not only that, but also, we can link the card to emotion and desire, since we will try and stay away from the idea of making our music video about love. 

We would incorporate this card by placing it in different shots, and not necessarily in a direct way. For example, if we have an interior shot, it can be somewhere in the background: on a wall, the card resting on the bedside table...

The meanings behind the ace of clubs that I found whilst doing some research were the thirst for knowledge, night, wealth, masculinity, labour, luck, will and happiness.

Although it seems that due to it being a black card, most connotations would be negative, it is interesting that they are mostly very positive.

When thinking about how we could use this card within our music video (if we will at all), we could use it to represent our star image, as this card represents masculinity.






Diamonds represent warmth, light,wealth,Career,Values,Security,Judgment, adult responsibility. I believe we could use the symbol of this card when addressing the inspirers and their thirst for travel. In general, we could use this card when describing the positivity in what we have in the world today, however, I am not sure whether we will be discussing that at all within our music video yet.

Finally, we have the Ace of Spades, which is the card that I would like to use the most within our music video due to the deep dark meanings behind it. Also known as the death card, it also symbolises life (ironically) intellect and action. I would love to use this card because of how contrasting the meanings are, such as life and death, and how this card connotes danger just as much. I believe that we could use this card with its felxible symbolism as a sign (Barthes) within our music video, and include it in our advertisements and the digipak.
 

How this research influenced my planning and creativity:

• I now know the meanings behind playing card symbols and we could use each one of them for different purposes and connotations, thus including symbolism and greater depth within our music video