How I Met Your Mother

I recently watched an episode of the TV show How I Met Your Mother.  The show is about the story of how Ted Mosby met his wife told in the point of view of Ted as an old man narrating his younger self's actions.  One of the funniest aspects of this show is the character portrayal of Barney Stinson by Neil Patrick Harris.  Characterized as a womanising, narcissistic, and suave business man, Barney is played perfectly by an experienced actor like NPH.  In this episode Barney just ended a long term relationship with Robin, another main character, and is beginning to get back into the single by using something called The Playbook.  The Playbook is the collection of all the schemes he uses to get women to sleep with him.  During this episode, and throughout the entire series, music is used purposefully to highlight the action that is on screen.  Every time that Barney explains one of the "plays" from the playbook the same classical and upbeat music is used to indicate that the scene is just a hypothetical situation and not a reality for the show.  Also the music compliments the personality of Barney with the its fun and upbeat tempo.  Editing is also used to great effect in these scenes.  The same shot is repeated after he explain any of his "play" and is an indication to the viewer that he scored.  Barney looks at the camera and gives a thumbs up.  This serves to show that Barney is congratulating himself on a job well done which is congruent with his narcissistic personality.  A prime example of what makes NPH one of my favorite actors.