Music Video Analysis

1) Kacey Musgraves- Follow your arrow Country Music

Editing and Camera (Angle, Composition and Movement)

In the beginning of this music video jumps cuts has been utilized to smoothly transit from one setting to another. First scene is a long shot of a rural landscape followed by shallow depth of field which transits to the second scene of a mountain. The second scene is monitored through panning motion and then alters the viewpoint to the road cross which has ‘arrow’ to direct the road in order for the drivers to “Follow” the “Arrow”. The jump cuts captures the setting in different angle and viewpoint. For example, the different in lighting is shown; scene 1 has low key lighting and scene 2 has ambient lighting (fill light).

Parallel editing has been used to present lip syncing of the artist, Kacey and the performance of the band. This is a conventional narrative of a country music. Mid-shot of Kacey with rule of thirds contradict with the long shot of band performance. However it both consist of shallow depth of field.

Fade from yellow to black is practiced in the end of the video. It is a way to tell the audience about the ending of the music video. Connotations of yellow are; summer, energetic and happiness. Black highlights the yellow compared to yellow being faded out with white. Showing the importance of the social message “Follow you arrow”.

Sound

Ambient sound starts in the beginning for audience to recognise the location and its calm smoothing atmosphere. The tranquil sound of the whooshing air which naturally makes the plants sway swiftly. And it continues to a still picture with the panning movement of the camera.

The lyrics is synchronised with the action in the video. For example, all the screen shot above performed when the singer states “arrow”. Majority of the this videos presents a form of arrow as a symbolism within this video, hence the name of song “Follow your arrow”. Also, setting of church is located when singer declares about “sins”.

The rhythm of this music is calm as it contains slow pace instrumental of guitar, with sound bridge of the sweet melody soundtrack.

Mise-en-scene

The setting change from naturalistic rural landscapes, church and backyard of a comfortable house. It has association to countryside, providing a peaceful atmosphere and creates a tranquil tone which support the rhythm of this country genre music. The decorations are fundamentally simple and so are the costumes. Blue and white are employed within both the setting and the costume. Blue is the colour of sky and sea; natural sources in earth. Therefore it symbolises paradise, freedom and loyalty. Blue is considered sanitary, meaning this song is produced to convey implicit and subtextual meaning along with its concept of being your yourself no matter what other people say.

Additionally, the arrows are in different forms. For examples, the arrow above is curvy, alternatively others are different in size; length and width; tall or slim. Perchance, the arrow are representing different forms of audiences; age, gender, weight and height. Stating that different people can still follow their arrow (dreams).

High key lighting has been utilized to maintain a summery atmosphere.

2) 5 Second of Summer - Don't StopPop Rock Music

Editing and Camera (Angle, Composition and Movement)

Multiples of jump cuts was associated in the beginning of this music video to clarify who “THESE FOUR GUYS” (superimposition) are which were accompanied by parallel editing. The font was thick and bold written in metallic blue colour which is associated with bravery, masculine and authoritative. Complimenting the mid shot and the rule of thirds composition of the boy (Callum) in green, as it is connotes confidence and protection, both of which sustain dominate characteristics.

Parallel editing were sustained for the purpose of presenting performance of the band on stage and a story board running along side it with the theme of superhero. The second screen shot above

This close-up low angle of the lead singer of this band reveal the importance of him. This is a conventional media representation of band groups.

Visual effects is significant, as CGI, green screening and the costumes provoke the audience to feel their bravery, promoting the concept of their music video “Don’t Stop” which has an implicit meaning.

Sound

Heavy intense instrumental of cello, violin and drum, conventionally used to create a sense of drama in animated film such as superman. This music invites the audience to comprehend to their situation providing a oppositional reading as this video is mainly target at teenagers and young adult.

All the musical interments are played together and also there are singer; the boy in the middle is the main singer and the boys in the left and right are the back up singers who synchronise. Therefore in pop rock it is vital to narrate the video likewise; performance on stage and behind the scene (storyboard) with parallel editing. Additionally, sound effects should be performed as well. For example in this music video, sound effect of the a person wearing a glove was there, therefore the action match was shown.

The “STOP” is synchronised with the word “Stop”. The story line is performed in a simplistic way; the elderly woman starts hitting the boy when he try to stop her. The presentation of elderly woman is completely in a form of binary opposition as the audience expect the early to be kind and peaceful. This opposition has been performed for comical purposes to attract the teenagers and young adult audiences.

Sound effects of explosion is accompanied by superimpose.

Mise-en-sceneThe main setting are the stage and problematic location such as the alleyway (the image in the middle) and the constructional place (the third image).

Studio lighting were used for the performance section. The camera focused on the band members rather than the dark building background. There body languages appear confident conveying energetic atmosphere. The musical instruments such as guitar, guitar petals, drums, sound box, bass and microphone are essential props for pop rock music.

Costume of the people doing graffiti are hoodie and skinning jeans which stereotypical is associated with antagonist characters.

The back lighting is sustained to this constructional building.

Both the red and green setting compliment the costumes as it matches in colour. The colour is set for camouflaging purposes comprehending with the theme of superhero. The bold red colour connotes danger, bravery and denotes fire which is presented at the end of this music video. On the contrary, light green reveals tranquillity and safety.

3) LIL WAYNE - Mirror ft. Bruno MarsR&B Music

Editing and Camera (Angle, Composition and Movement)

Continuity editing is established for smooth transition from slow panning of the extreme close-up with tight frame to handheld tilting in down motion from his neck line till his side of the hip, then tilt movement back to his face. Then, shallow depth of fields occur followed by a cutaway to a mid-shot with rule of thirds composition of Lil Wayne (shown above, the third image) in eye level angle, in order for the audience to view his mirror image.

Slow motion of paint dropping on the floor is demonstrated to pain Lil Wayne (the artist) has gone through as this song is in the first person narrative of Lil Wayne.

Negotiated reading, the birds eye view reveals how society thought about him in his past. How he was an inferior subject to others around him. Implicit meaning; the paint black and red paint represent the fear and worries the artist had.

The black fade out is presented to inform the audience about the finishing of the music video. Additionally, the production company of this music video is given “Cash Money Records”.

Sound motif has been formatted as this music is an collaboration. Both Lil Wayne and Bruno Mars are synchronising within this music video. For example, when Bruno sings “understand the man I am”, Lil Wayne states "They can’t understand”. This presents a concept video of Lil Wayne’s past therefore the sound are synchronised to shows different prospective of his environment.

Sound

The setting is the studio with florescent lighting in the backdrop metaphorically presenting the light as hope. In the first screen shot, Lil Wayne's body language illustrates weakness and lack of comfort, whereas the closed fist connotes stay strong which is the concept of this video. The vivid red and black represents the dark nature he, the artist has experienced in the past so he find his comfort in talking to the “Mirror in the wall”. The theme of darkness is applied directly in this video; the black setting, props colour (red and black) and black trousers. Stereotypically, men are presented with fearless characteristics which is not the case for this particular mid-shot. However, the use of bold colours and high key fluorescent lighting connotes a intense and courageous characteristics.

Mise-en-scene

4)Gwen Stefani- Cool Pop Music

Narrative video is presented; present time narrative with cross cutting retro prospective narrator. The first screen shot is close-up with shallow depth of field, dominating presentations of women has been show with the vibrant bold lipstick colour. Whilst, the second screen shot has loose frame with long shot to capture two person shot.

Editing and Camera (Angle, Composition and Movement)

Parallel editing has been accompanied with graphic match. For example, the two screen shots above, Gwen is handing the pie to the couple which parallels action with the man (in black and white t-shirt)and Gwen receiving spaghetti Bolognese in the restaurant (past).

Drum beat sound bridge occurs, followed by the handheld zoom in of the close up of the man and then zoom in close-up of Gwen to demonstrate the tension and conflict building with these narrator. The man’s facial expression looks angry with a sense of passionate desire literally want Gwen again. Whereas, Gwen’s facial expression reveal that she loathes him. Conventionally, man are dominating woman, however in this music video the stereotypical form of presenting women has alternated as Gwen appear more dictate than the man in black and white suit.

Sound

Link between lyrics and video is demonstrated by the flashback of past is presented when Gwen sings “Before”. On top of that, she state “obstacles”, then the boy and the girl are eating popsicles; use of pun to produce humour with this video.

Mise-en-scene

These shots have binary opposite meaning as on e contains white and beige coloured costumes whereas the second mid-shot consists of black and white costumes. White and naturalistic colour connotes purity and innocent which resembles the first shot. However, the second shot present antagonist as they are wearing black and white, they are portraits as a serious-minded and threating characters. The man is exemplified as a “player”, interpretation of how man stereotypically are more dominate and therefore they have the rights to do as they wish.

5) Beyoncé- Single Ladies Pop Music

As this a concept video, performance is required therefore there is one setting. Camera works and editing should attract the audience. Continuity editing is preformed through the alteration of low key lighting in the beginning to additionally including fill lighting to bridge this video.

Editing and Camera (Angle, Composition and Movement)

360° degree rotation of these three women illustrates different prospective of them. Implying, deeper meaning of how society views women as an object. Long shot of the profile view point allows the audience to view the social issue.

Camera zoom in with rule of third composition and straight angle to capture close up of Beyoncé. Low angle with loose framing demonstrates

how society logically views women; powerless and pitiful.

Sound

This video comprise the concept of how a woman is marriage and her ex-boyfriend is jealous, however he does not have the right to be “mad” because he “didn’t put a ring on it”. This convey how women stereotypically want to be marriage and want passionate admiration from men; “Your love is what I prefer - What I deserve”. In the screen shot above, Beyoncé is singing “shoulda put a ring on it”, where she lyrically moves left hand. Technological music as a sound bridge is applied.

Mise-en-scene

Although, this video has the same studio setting, the lighting changes throughout this video. Example of alternation of lighting is captured above. The first low key (spotlight) lighting begins this Single Ladies video. Lots of shadow are formed, suggesting these women are weak and venerable. On the second screen shot, fill lights are increased, creating a plain monochrome setting which provides an implication of older era woman and connotes seriousness of them. Lastly, the plain white setting with loose framing indicates new beginning of women. Throughout this concept video, the dance is energetic, to demonstrate the authority of women. For a similar impact, Beyoncé's facial expression is aggressive.

This robotic hand piece is placed on the left hand to formulate the importance of Beyoncé. Additionally, symbolically left hand is where the ring is placed, therefore the concept of this video is revealed.

The black costume connotes protection and seriousness presenting women as a dominate gender.

6) Rihanna- SOS Pop Music

Double action editing illustrates the binocular viewpoint.

Editing and Camera (Angle, Composition and Movement)

Insert of different shots are illustrated in the style of invert (negative).

Mid-shot of Rihanna is captured.

Straight on angle with rule of thirds composition along side with tilt motion is shown.

Parallel editing allows the director to show Rihanna in different settings. As this is a performance video variations of setting and shots are importance for the purpose of reconstructing the original video as this is a re-make of “Tainted Love” by Soft Cell.

The action of Rihanna is synchronised with the lyrics. For example, the lyrics “You make me shaken up”, Rihanna skakes her body in the video. An another example, the second shot Rihanna is turning when the lyrics quotes “You got me tossin’ and turnin’.

Sound

“You make me shaken up” “You got me tossin' and turnin‘”

Mise-en-scene

This green costume connotes hope and rejuvenating.

White top illustrates innocence, purity, new beginning and also rescuer. Whereas silver connotes famine power and melancholy.

Black tight top represent seductive, depressing and mystery.

Pink suggests romance, emotional neediness and affectionate.

This songs id about confused feeling of the opposite sex. The colour in the costumes denotes unconditional love one has for another, compassion, melancholy and pure. The body language suggest that physical neediness for affectionate. Strong emotion are conveyed by Rihanna which exposes her past or mean while romance she desires for.