Music Video Research (Jimmy Eat World - The Middle)

Artist: Jimmy Eat World

Song: The Middle

Camera/Editing:
We are given a multitude of close ups of the lead singer Jim Adkins, this a typical yet simple shot that is in a majority of music videos. There is a over the shoulder tracking shot of what will become our main character, this could make the audience devout their attention to him as he is the only one with clothes throughout making him stick out. Moreover, we are engaged with this character, perhaps feeling sympathy, as we shown a POV (Point of View) shot of what seems the character walking through the building, receiving strange looks from others due to him not joining the crowd. Also the individualism is emphasised with continual panning shots of scenes with our character being the only one clothed making the audience contrast him and perhaps question why. 
Narrative:
We have the simple plot of a party however a twist with everyone being in their underwear. We follow a character who is clothed and instantly judged by the crowd as all stare. The plot of our main character is him resisting the urge to join in, avoiding the peer pressure. He is singled out for not being part of the crowd, this is shown throughout by the shots of contrast between him and everyone else. Furthermore, the visuals emphasise the lyrics as the song talks about "being yourself" and that you being yourself matters more than being apart of the crowd, everything being "alright" eventually. However, he caves in, once isolated he begins to strip until he spots a girl doing identically the same, both realising the situation and redo what they've done and leave together with what can be assumed as a couple, leaving with the happy ending.
Conventional/Unconventional:
The video itself is a mixed bag as it has aspects of both. The obvious convention is of the band themselves performing at the party which is a staple of punk-rock music videos, another convention within this is the close ups of the lead singer. However, the video provides a unconventional show of the topic of the song; individualism. The continuous contrast of the main character and the crowd may be considered normal however, them being in their underwear shows the contrast in a dramatic fashion although it is effective as it is far from subtle.
What works/What doesn't:
The simple yet effective dramatic portrayal of being yourself works great as it creates a rememberable factor to it, possibly even influencing and or inspiring people to be themselves, promoting a positive message. I find there to be no issue with the video, I will always remember it and along with the lyrics remind me to be myself and even put a smile on my face.