The Pretty Reckless- Messed Up World Music Video Analysis

The Pretty Reckless is an American rock band. The video for Messed Up World is performance based with a strong message.

 

Sex & love and guns, light a cigarette

 

The video links to the lyrics by illustrating these main themes, emphasising what the song is about. The use of water guns as opposed to real guns stops this aspect from being too serious. Cigarettes are not concentrated on either, with Momsen only smoking once in a long shot. This creates a  focus on the sexual aspect of the song, as the naked women are repeatedly shown.  










All their cash and cars platinum silver and gold

 

The lyrics are also exemplified in this shot with the expensive car. As the man is driving, it is suggested that he owns it, while the women sitting in the back suggest a link between money and women.

Jamming Jesus down my throat
No I don't want to be saved

Momsen emphasises this lyric by grasping her neck as she sings the word “throat”.  

 

The music is also linked to the visuals in the video. Solo instrumental sections are emphasised by showing the band playing instruments. Momsen’s tambourine exaggerates the beat and sets the pace of the video to match that of the song. Furthermore the video is edited to set the pace, with short takes to reflect and amplify the fast pace.