Mise-en-scene within music
videos focuses on the lighting, props, costume hair and make-up as well
as
location; usually depending on the genre of the video and the style (the
artists, the video itself). These elements are important as they contribute
towards the chosen genre (of the artist and the video itself). It also
helps convey/illustrate particular artists in different ways (their
personality etc.)
The colour of the music
video (e.g. full colour, black and white or monochrome). This can show
different tenses within videos as well as the emotions (feelings within
it-linking to the lyrics)
A good example of the use of black and white and focus on location is:
Lana Del Rey- Blue Jean
The genre of the music as well as the tone
(in accordance to the lyrics) is shown very well through the mise-en-scene.
Being a black and white video sets the almost monotone 'tone' of the video;
being rather depressing and sad means that the use of this colour reflects
this; as well as allowing the prop of the pool (and the water within it) look a
lot more dangerous. The prop of a crocodile to reflect her lover within the
video also reflects the lyrics very well within the video; the use of black and
white allowing a contrast between Lana Del Rey's costume (white swim suit) and
the crocodile (looking very dark with the black and white colour of the video).
This again reflects the lyrics very well (the contrast between good and bad
being shown through the use of colour). The genre of music being indie with a
sense of pop within it is reflected through the mise-en-scene very well. The
use of setting (a grand looking house with a pool) reflecting a star lifestyle
that fans (viewers) will appeal to.
The lighting in a music
video creates different ‘feels’ to music video, e.g. very expressionistic
lighting can convey the genre of the video as well as the artists (their
personality/music).
The lighting can also
help
emphasis particular moods within the video (linking to the
lyrics/setting), some videos having artificial lighting which puts the
artist in an enhanced ‘look’, being typical in performance music videos
A good example of this is: Bruno Mars-When I was Your Man
The use of lighting within this video adds to
the 'old-school' 'feel' of the song (as well as Bruno Mars as a brand-many of
his songs/videos being in a similar 'old-school' style). The use of lighting
gives this effect as it creates a very artificial video; also emphasising on
the sad tone of the song (its lyrics). The use of interesting lighting (in
terms of colour etc.) also adds to the video's visual appeal (interest). Bruno
Mars just singing with a piano being all that is within the video; the use of
interesting special effects and lighting allows this to be 'pulled off' (still
interesting). The use of a spot light throughout allows Bruno Mars to be
highlighted as the star of the video; the audience always looking at him
through this spot light.
The use of GCI and green
screen are used frequently in music videos to enhance setting or certain
props (e.g. cars etc.). This both creates a more visually interesting
video as well as with an emphasis on the artist.
The use of enhancement
allows artists to appear how they are seen within the media,
allowing an emphasis on the artist (their image/style)
An example of this is: Katy Perry - Dark Horse
(Official) ft. Juicy J
The use of CGI and green screen throughout
this video means a enhance in both the setting of the video as well as adding a
large amount of visual interest for the viewer. It also enhances Katy Perry's
rather 'strange' star image; being known for her very almost 'weird' music
videos (e.g. California Girls-a previous video with a similar use of CGI). Here
Green Screen has been used effectively to create mystical buildings (for
example to palace); meaning that both the setting created becomes very visually
appealing as well as the use of strange special effects; such as some of the
actors within the video having animal heads. This again enhances Katy Perry as
a brand (her star image/personality).
The pace of editing
plays a
key part in music videos of all genres. Fast past editing is a good
example of editing used frequently throughout all genres of music video,
this can create suspense of emotion (etc.) to emphasis aspects of the
lyrics or the artist’s performance.
Another frequently used
editing technique used is shot-reverse-shot especially in narrative music
videos, used to show emotion between the artist and characters (helping
convey the lyrics)
The use of fades and
dissolves are also used frequently in music videos (usually in older
videos opposed to modern; but is still used in current videos for
stylistic effects).
A example of this is: Lana Del Rey- Summer Time Sadness
The use of fades (as well as dissolves)
throughout this video gives a 'vintage' (old-fashioned) feel; reflecting Lana
Del Rey's star appearance (brand). It also gives a natural feel to the video;
based in an old fashioned setting this adds to the overall 'feel' of the video.
The use of shot-reverse-shot happens throughout the majority of the end of the
video; allowing the audience to see Lana Del Rey lip-singing (performing) in
contrast to her lover about to commit suicide; paired with fast past editing
showing the typical conventions of music videos effectively.
The movement of the camera
is used to follow and track the artist(s).
Conventional camera movements include tilts, pans, tracking and crane
shots
The camera conventionally
moves to follow the artist or to show the performance of the artist. These
movements include panning and tracking in most videos.
An example of this is: Beyoncé- Love On Top
The use of the conventional camera shots
throughout this video means that they are showing Beyoncé’s performance as an
artist through both lip-singing as well as her dancing (additional talent to
singing). The use of tracking and tilts in particular in this video allows a
focus of her within the video (showing her importance) allowing her to stand
out from the other dancers/performance within the video. The frequent costume
changes throughout this video becomes emphasised through the tracking of Beyoncé
throughout the video as well (another element of performance)
Music videos feature a
number of shots for various different effects, one of the main ones being
to relate with the audience by expressing the artist’s feelings.
Illustrating
to the audience what the lyrics/song means to the artist (what certain
aspects of the lyrics mean/symbolise
Music videos tend to
include many long shots, close-ups and mid shots. This is to create
emphasis on the artist, location and emotions (linking to lyrics etc.)
Close-ups are used not only to show emotions but to reflect the
lyrics/emotions within the song but also to show the artist lip singing to
the lyrics (becomes more personal).
A good example of this is: Lady Gaga-Edge Of Glory
This videos use of camera shots creates a
sense of the location that Lady Gaga is in; using crane shots and mid shots of
her within the frame in order to show this. The use of close-ups and extreme
close-ups throughout the video also shows a focus around her as the artist
(focusing on her striking make-up for example). The use of medium shots
both shows the setting as well as Lady Gaga's dancing ability; as well as
expressing the song lyrics though this (her body movement/dancing). The use of
up-close shots throughout the video also allows the audience to see her
lip-singing and the emotion on her face (in synch with the song lyrics)
Born to Die is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey. It was released on January 27. Lana Del Rey collaborated with producers including Patrik Berger, Jeff Bhasker, Chris Braide, Emile Haynie, Justin Parker, Rick Nowels, Robopop, and Al Shux to achieve her desired sound. Their efforts
resulted in a primarily baroque pop record,
which sees additional influences from alternative hip hop and trip hop music. The video itself is narrative based; including a strong sense of story-line; Lana Del Rey and Male Model Bradley Soileau acting out a strong love story (in accordance to the lyrics); with a very strong link to the visuals (through the lyrics etc.)
Born To Die is one of the most recognised (popular) of Lana Del Rey's songs featured from her first album 'Born To die' (album cover/artwork can be seen below):
The relationship between the lyrics and the visuals
These
two images are shots one after the other, being 'layered' under the lyrics 'If
I tell you you're mine'. Here the visuals correspond to the lyrics
where you see Lana Del Rey with her partner (within the narrative of the
video) kissing passionately as she shows (tells him) that 'you're mine'. Here
the visuals work well with the lyrics as it cuts from being focused on her
partner for 'when I tell you' and moves to show her when she sings 'you're
mine'; showing the clear relationship between the two.
Here the lyrics
are amplified through the emotion performance (lip singing) of Lana Del Rey
when she's sat on her thrown in partner with the lyrics 'and the road gets
tough I don't know why'. This being in between the showing of her abusive
relationship with her partner (before and after this emotional performance);
the lyrics are shown to mean more (be more emotionally linked to herself as an
artist; as she reflects on the past-the other narrative strand within the
video).
Here the use of
prop allows the lyrics to be amplified by the visuals (partnered with them).
'Lets go get high' being 'layered' over Lana Del Rey smoking (a cigarette
or drug?); means that she is 'acting out' the lyrics as her and her partner
within the narrative are shown to be smoking and 'getting high'. The use of
camera work throughout this part of the video allows an emphasis on the prop as
the audience is shown her partner lighting it and her (as well as her partner)
smoking it through big close-ups and medium shots.
The narrative
within the video being based around Lana Del Rey and her partners abusive
relationship; means that when linking lyrics such as 'goes insane' with abusive
looking visuals (for example the one above: where her partner is shown to be
'shooting her' with a fake gun in an aggressive way) it means that the lyrics
become amplified and make more sense as we are shown that the lyrics of this
love related song are based around an abusive relationship where her partner
'goes insane'.
'Lost' showing
the first shot of Lana Del Rey led by herself, followed by 'but not I am found'
where a fade is used in between these shots to show her partner with her when
she becomes 'found' means a very clever use of the
lyrics corresponding to the visuals within the video-reflecting
that without her partner Lana feels lost (and not found). The use of a
fade in between the two shots means that this clever use of camera work
(transition) allows the music to relate to the video as well as
the lyrics relating the the visuals. Although the use of camera work suggests
that she feels lost without her partner; the use of a mid shot to show them
together shows her to look very emotional and upset (meaning a slight contrast
to the lyrics).
These two screen
shots show Lana Del Rey to be performing the lyrics (meaning
they correspond very well); portending to cut her
throat with her finger when 'we were born to die' reflects the abusive
relationship of the relationship she reflects upon within the video; doing the
action in a fairly aggressive. The second screen shots shows her acting out her
partner as he 'goes insane' in an almost animated way (reflecting upon her
past relationship). Through this performance (lip-singing) we get a sense
(amplification) of the lyrics meaning as Lana Del Rey looks very emotional,
with her eye contact straight onto the viewer-meaning they are drawn into the
lyrics (her performance).
These screen grabs show the last shot(s) of
the music video; the first screen grab showing the close up of Lana Del Rey
dead in her partners arms; the second screen grab reflecting the zoom the
camera does from the first shot as it exposes the dark setting (in contrast to
the fire/car crash behind the two actors). This being the last shot that the
viewer sees being layered on top of 'we were born to die' with a strong
instrumental in the background allows the recurring lyric (almost
motif) throughout the video to come to the close-as if in a circular
narrative (as Lana Del Rey does die).
The relationship between the music and the visuals
The main instrumental parts of the video (at
the beginning and end) are used to create a circular sense to the narrative;
starting with the two lovers embracing each other in front of the American flag
with no clothing and ending with the same long take (with a slight zoom) means
there is a sense of an end/closure to the narrative. These two cuts being the
longest takes (shots) within the video means that the high pace (continuous)
editing through the rest of the video become emphasised with the beginning and
end of these two long takes-putting an emphasis on their importance to the
narrative.
This screen grab
is taken from another slight long take (with an emphasis through a mid-shot of
the cars slights in the dark setting as Lana Del Rey's partner speeds down a
road). This means a sense of doom is created as
'we were born to die' is played over this; this shows a relationship to the
music and the visuals as this long shot (take) plays throughout the lyrics
repeating 'we were born to die'; creating an emphasis on the fact that the car
is out of control and the lyrics are about to become reality(Lana Del Rey
dying at the hands of her partner).
Here the pace of
the editing slows down to show Lana Del Rey walking towards a door-way into a
very bright light (as if to heaven-'finding the light') as the other narrative
strand comes to a close as she dies in a car crash; meaning these montage of
shots come together to bring the two narrative strands together and to a close
at the same time. I have selected these three shots (screen-grabs)as they
reflect the lyrics very well a she almost walks to her death with the lyrics
'the last time' and 'born to die' being used. These shots cut to the slow beat
as she walks towards the doors (heaven) adding to the intensity of the shot
montage with the car crash very effectively.
The music in correspondence to the visuals acts well
when showing (reflecting) the two narrative strands within this narrative
music video. The use of cutting to the beat between the two narratives (with
the lyrics/music) means that the two come together more 'smoothly'; the shots
(different narratives) changing in correspondence to the beats within
the music (as well as through matching the lyrics throughout).
The two narrative strands are used very effectively (within the
narrative-reflecting the storyline) very well; the contrast in colour
throughout the two narrative strands enhancing the effect. The narrative strand
of Lana looking back on their love being very bright with a lot of white
colours in contrast to a more vintage feel in the past narrative strand as she
looks back on her love gives a sense of the different contrasting moods of both
narratives and the difference between her being alive (in the past) and in
heaven/dead in the present (with the more light/'pure' colour
schemes/feel).
References to the notion of 'looking'
These two screen grabs show Lana Del Rey being sexualised by her
partner within the narrative; showing the male to have clear dominance (power
over her). Wearing fairly minimal clothing means that through costume she is
also sexualising herself.
References to
the notion of looking in past Lana Del Rey videos (motif-being sexualised by
male actors)
These screen
grabs are taken from Lana Del Rey's past videos before 'Born To Die'; showing
how throughout her videos she is sexualised by male actors within her narrative.
The first screen grab is from 'National Anthem'; showing Lana Del Rey to be
sexualised through the male actors (ASAP Rockey) body language in contrast to
hers. The last two screen grabs are taken from 'Ride'; the narrative in this
video following the artist as she falls in love with a series of older men as
they sexualise her through both through both their acting (body language-can be
seen in the second screen grab) as well as the notion of 'gaze' (the theory
of). This can be seen throughout the video (shown below):
The notion of
looking through abusive relationship(s) sexualising the artist
In these series
of screen grabs; you can see the abusive relationship Lana Del Rey has with her
partner within the relationship; sexualising her as he forces her to kiss
(hold) him. This becomes slightly uncomfortable for the viewer to watch-meaning
that the artist is highlighting the modern day issue of abuse in a relationship
(showing it in a way that sexualises her).
The motif of Bradley Soileau throughout Lana Del Rey's videos-reflecting the motif of the abusive relationship (cause for her death)
Lana Del Rey and
Bradley Soileau in'Blue
Jeans'
In 'Blue Jeans' the two's relationship is
presented similarly to in 'Born To Die' having several undertones of violence
and Bradley being the reason for the artist's death at the end of the video.
The video being in black and white (The use of mise-en-scene) sets the tone for
their relationship, as the dark/vintage feel of the past narrative does in
'Born To Die' (reflecting the same. In the first two screen grabs it shows
Bradley (the male actor) sexualising her as he does in 'Born To Die'; the last
screen-grab showing him to be drowning/killing her similarlyto the
way he does in 'Born To Die' (being the reason for her death in a car
crash).
Lana Del Rey and Bradley Soileau in'West Coast'
Contrastingly to
Blue Jeans and Born To Die; West Coast (a more recent Lana Del Rey video) shows
the two to have a much more loving relationship; showing various slow-motion
shots of them together laughing/embracing. Even though the mise-en-scene of the
video is in black and white; there isn't the same violent, abusive undertone
to the video as the past two (featuring Bradley Soileau). This can
been see the in the screen grab/example above of the two embracing on the 'West
Coast' beach.
Star image (Lana Del Rey) and
intertextual references
These two screen
grabs highlight Lana Del Rey's strong sense of style (brand) as an artist. The
second image in particular showing her strong fashion sense (being a trend
setter) in cut off denim jeans and a very in fashion white 'cowgirl' jacket.
The first screen grab shows her brand (image) very well. Being known as an
indie 'icon'; Lana is shown here with the props of two tigers on a thrown
(within a cathedral)-showing her almost strange brand very well. The use
of props in this image (the narrative strand in the video) showing her
'strange' and 'indie' side as a brand. The use of a flower 'hair accessory'
showing how she set the trend through the summer of 2013 (not long after the
video was released).
The use of
setting (Chateau de Fontainebleau in France- A famous Cathedral within a
palace) allows Lana Del Rey's image (personality) be shown. Not only does this
show of her wealth (through the use of shots such as the first screen grab) but
also of her spirituality; being a very well recognised Catholic. Being shown on
a thrown within the Cathedral (the second screen grab) and with intertextual
references to her going to heaven within the video (walking to the light within
the doors) reflectshow she is
presenting herself as an individual (brand) throughout this music video.
News headlines linked to video
Lana Del Rey Opens
Up on Spirituality and Beliefs
Lana Del Rey has opened up about her
spirituality and personal beliefs in the divine and while the singer is
normally quite open, the interview shows a new side of her personality.
Del Ray studied
metaphysics in college because "it bridged the gap between God and
science," she told Tokyo Numero magazine. "I was interested in God
and how technology could bring us closer to finding out where we came from and
why," she said.
The record company seem to be
presenting Rihanna as very ‘care free’ within the video-the two particular
screen grabs above showing her to be having fun within a field party ‘event’
and in a skate park. This reflects her personality as an artist as well as her
image (brand). Being known as a frequent ‘party-gower’
within the press and for her ‘care-free’ attitude’; the video (record company)
reflect this very well through the video. Rihanna as an artist performing
frequently at festivals also means that the festival feel given from the field
party in the first screen shot reflects this; giving off a feel of both her
personality as an individual (how her brand perceives her) and her image.
In these two images you can see the
record company focusing on Rihanna and her dress sense that she is well known
for, by both her fans but inparticular
the fashion industry (press). The two screen grabs show a focus own her
outfit/accessories; the first one in particular being one of the many different
key outfits within the video. The second screen grab reflects the focus on her
throughout the video (through camera shots and angles) as well as her cross
earring; something that at the time of the video being released was big in
fashion. This both reflects her image as an artist (brand) as being very
up—to-date with fashion (setting some trends) and also her as an individual
(how the press perceives her) being considered a very fashionable person.
These three screen grabs are from a
few of Rihanna’s past videos that link to this one. The first one is taken from
‘Rude Boy’. Here you see Rihanna being sexualised as she does in this video.
Through both her costume and dancing (in the same way as this video). The second video is taken from ‘What now’, a
more recent video showing her to be wearing a choker style cross, similar to
the accessory worn in ‘We Found Love’. This reflects similarly her current and
up-to-date fashion sense (being on trend). The third screen shot shows her to
be smoking (with the smoke spelling ‘love’) showing that similarly in ‘We Found
Love’ she has the same ‘care-free’ attitude that she is well known for. Smoking
being a somewhat a recurring motif throughout her videos. This reflects her as
both an individual as well as her ‘brand’ being known throughout the press and
within her music videos (publicity) as being a drug user, this is reflected
through most of her videos (in particular her more current videos)
An example of Rihanna's drug use being in the press (as part of her star image is): 'We all know how much pot you smoke': Katy Perry calls out her friend Rihanna over alleged drug-taking Another recent headline is:
Rihanna Curses Out Fan Who Compares Her Drug Use To Whitney Houston's
Rihanna is upset with a fan who compared her to the late Whitney Houston.
The singer posted a picture of herself smoking marijuana to her Instagram account with the caption, "Friday night gettin a lil fuzzy." In response, one follower wrote, “She’s going to end [up] like Whitney if she keeps doing drugs like she’s doing now.”
In the first screen grab Rihanna is
dancing on a table in a fish and chip shop for her boyfriend (with others
present). In this part of the video in particular she is being sexualised
through both her costume (removing a jacket as she dances) as well as through
her dancing. There is a sense of her being sexualised also in the fact she is
dancing ‘for’ her boyfriend and others are watching her; the camera-work, being
focused on her through a low angle shot and focusing on her legs as well as
when she removes her jacket gives off a sense of her being ‘watched’ (with a
notion of looking). The second screen grab being later on in the video where
the two lovers are in a field shows Rihanna to be at some points within this
scene (clip) topless as well as being held in a sexual way by her partner (can
be seen in the second screen grab). In this photo you can also see that through
her costume Rihanna is being sexualised in that she has little clothes on. In
both these screen grabs Rihanna is being sexualised by or ‘for’ her partner;
further suggesting her as being a sexual object being ‘watched’ by her partner
and others around her.
A good example of Rihanna being
sexualised is through her costume. This can be seen in both screen grabs above
where she is just in underwear. The first screen grab being near the beginning
of the video and the second image being near the end; reflects that throughout
the video she is being sexualised by what she is wearing (costume). The first
screen grab shows Rihanna to be on the
bed within her flat; this shot in particular sexualises her as she is only in
underwear on her and her partners bed. The second screen grab also sexualises
her in the way that her partner is undressing her; with close-ups and focuses
on her body.
I believe these features have been
chosen throughout the video as Rihanna as an artist (brand) is sexualised
through both the way she dresses and her style of music (lyrics, previous music
videos-e.g. S&M and Rude Boy). Rihanna being considered somewhat a ‘sex
icon’ as well as having a huge fan base due to her brand (the way she
sexualises herself) means that through this video she (as well as the director
etc.) is showing her through the way she is seen (thought of) as an artist.
The relationship between the music and the visuals
The video itself cuts to the beat
throughout, particularly at the beginning when the narrator is speaking before
the audio itself begins. Not only does the video cut to the beat at this point
but the lyrics (narrator) are cut very well with the visuals being presented
(reflecting the lyrics). A good example of this is:
Where a light beat (two single
beats) are almost layered under the narrator as the shot reverses from the male
to Rihanna, both looking at each other from within the bath. The first beat is directly after ‘it’s like your screaming and no one can hear’, the shot being on the male within the bath being exactly after the
narrator says this. This means that the lyric is related to the couple within
the bath, as if they don’t ‘hear’ each other-being shown later in the video
where they argue frequently.
Another good example of this is
where the audio begins and the
shots cut to the upbeat music
in a
montage style
of the
couple together (e.g. at the skate park and on bikes)-examples can be seen below. This
allows the video (as well as the narrative) to match the up beat start of the
song, the music at this point fitting very well throughout this montage, the
lyrics saying, ‘yellow diamonds in the light, and we’re standing side my side’.
This fits very well with the visuals being shown as this amplifies the meaning
of the lyrics (the couple being the ‘yellow diamonds’ and ‘side by side’.
A good example of solo instrumental
parts of the audio being illustrated is where Rihanna and her boyfriend (within
the narrative) are within a field at a festival style event; featuring Calvin
Harris (the DJ that produced the track itself:
^This illustrates one of the main
solo instrumental parts of the audio as they are at a dance festival event
(showing people dancing-most of the shots at this part emphasising Rihanna and
her boyfriend). This also includes Calvin Harris who both produced the
instrumental of the whole song as well as this part meaning that this is also
emphasised by his presence within it.
^Another way in which the music and
visuals relate is through the increase in the pace of the video in time with
the music (audio). The pace of the editing between the different narrative
strands within the video come to almost close. Coming together in fast past
editing as the song reaches climax near the end of the video. This gives both a
sense of closure to the video as we almost ‘revisit’ the beginning ‘scenes’
(narrative strands), finishing with high pace editing between various different
strands
The relationship between the lyrics of the song and the visuals within the video
These two images are taken from the
beginning (opening of the song); where the narrator says ‘It’s like your
screaming and no one can hear’. The video being established at the start
through the shot of two council flats sets the scene for the video and suggests
Rihanna (and her partners) situation (where she is). The shot going to a focus
of her within one of the flats established her situation; suggesting she is in
a ‘hopeless pace’ (the chorus lyrics of the song) and as if that if she
screamed within one of these buildings ‘no one’ would be able to ‘hear.’ Both
shots being fairly urban and almost monochrome-not being ‘dull’ but setting an
almost sad tone for the rest of the video to come,
The first screen grab links very well to
the lyrics, being placed in a very run down, messy (crampt)
flat you see Rihanna’s boyfriend grabbing onto her leg as she attempts to
leave, being in a very ‘hopeless place’ being shown through both setting as
well as within their relationship their ‘love’ being in that ‘hopeless place’.
The second screen grab shows the couple within a basic looking bathroom (within
the bath) of the same run-down flat, the narrator saying ‘you almost feel
ashamed’ because someone is ‘that important that without them you feel like
nothing.’ This suggests that even though the two are within this setting and
‘hopeless place’ that they have a very strong love for each other, even if
feeling ‘ashamed of it’ (giving a sense of doom for the ending of the narrative
(music video) as the previous screen grab shows)
Near the beginning of the song the
narrator suggests (illustrates) to the audience that having ‘all the bad stuff
back’ is worth having back ‘the good’. The use of the two screen grabs being
used when the narrator says this shows all the ‘good stuff’; even if being
placed within the setting (situation they are in) you can still see that they
are very happy and in love (at the beginning of the video). This also suggests
a sense of doom to the video as if they are going to lose all this ‘good stuff’
by the end-like the narrator is talking after they have broken up but saying it
before it all happens.
The slow motion image (video clip) of a
building falling down paired with the lyrics ‘but I got to let it go’ followed
by an instrumental gives off a feel of the extent to which Rihanna is within a
‘hopeless place’ (recurring lyrics throughout), the use of drug use helping her
‘let go’, referring a building falling down to the relief (affect) the use of
drugs has on her within the narrative. The use of this slow motion video clip
amplifies as well as illustrates to the audience the lifestyle Rihanna and her
boyfriend (within the narrative/video) live and how the use of drugs makes them
feel (as well as the release of anger towards each other feels throughout the
narrative-particularly at the end).
The use of ‘feel the heart beat in my
mind’ after Rihanna and her partner within the narrative have stolen food items
from a fairly run down shop and come out with Rihanna within the shopping
trolley gives off a ‘fun’ feel, to the video as the two steal from the shop but
seem to have little worries about it. The use of ‘heart beat in my mind’ gives
off a sense that the two are very happy together within their situation, being
illustrated through matching visuals such as this one with lyrics such as ‘feel
the heart beat in my mind’
"We
Found Love" is a song recorded by Rihanna. It was written and
produced by and features Scottish DJ Calvin Harris and is
directed by Melina Matsoukas. The video as well as the music itself is pop
and R&B genre, this is clear when an element of urban and dance music,
with repeated choruses, melodic tunes and a very catchy hook. R&B
elements aren't as well present within the video itself as
R&B is normally based around an aspirational lifestyles but when considering
the song itself and its lyrics in particular as well as mixing the two genres
together (R&B and pop) this is less visible than the pop genre within the
song.
The video is Narrative based, Rihanna and fashion model Dudley
O'Shaughnessy acting out a very strong narrative (story behind the lyrics of the song). The video is a good example of a narrative based music video as
the two act out a very 'strong' narrative of two lovers who have (as the title
of the song/video suggests) 'found love in a hopeless place'. The video (its
narrative) is very well linked to the lyrics of the song, having a very strong
relationship between the lyrics and the visuals.
Creative music videos usually based around a certain concept or idea which may or may not feature the artist and they (the music video) are usually unique in some way
Music
videos demonstrate genre characteristics (e.g.
stage in rock video, dance routine in pop etc.)
There
is a relationship between lyrics and visuals
-Illustrate-Use the lyrics to demonstrate the meaning of
the lyrics and song itself -Amplify-Take aspects of the song (lyrics or tune) and amplify it
so that it becomes the focus -Contradiction-to lyrics, theme or the song in general -Disjunction-video content bears no relation to the lyrics or theme
of the song
There
is a relationship between music and visuals
The
demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close-ups of
the artist, and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their
work (a visual style)
There
is frequent references to the notion of 'looking' (Screens
within screens, telescopes, etc.) and particularly voyeuristic
treatment of the female body)
There
is often intertexual references (to
films, TV programmes, other music videos etc.)
