Music video analysis

1. ANALYSING MUSIC VIDEOS

2. Taylor Swift – You need To Calm Down • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dkk9gvTmCXY

3. This opening shot shows Taylor swift as the focal point as the shot as she is central in a frame • The song title is on her eye mask which acts a branding for her album • The close ups emphasise that she is the main feature of the music video • The colouring is very vibrant which suggests that the music will be pop/upbeat • Her red lipstick is quite femanine suggesting her main audience is female

4. The quote references an interview with the artist Cher – strong female artist (intertextual reference) • Acts as a reference for her other song “the man”

5. She is known for loving cats • Red and pink are very ‘feminine’ colours • Cats are considered very stereotypical • References to cats in her videos appeal to her fans • Not a branded watch which makes her seem fun and relatable • The number 13 rather than 1 – acts as a mystery for the fans to become involved in • 13 is her lucky number – reference to her character

6. Very glamorous and feminine • Doesn’t care – her facial expression and body language suggests that she is ignoring all the drama behind her, • The pinky sticking out implies that she is polite and elegant even in possible danger

7. The camera zooms and out to her and her surroundings • Continues on from the last shot • Might tie in with her message of ignoring hate • All colours are vibrant and prominent • Wearing full clothing in the pool connotes lack of care and wealth • The cocktail reflects a wealthy lifestyle • The grass is synthetic – feeling of superficiality, may reflect superficiality in the music industry

8. Mutiple references to rainbows – her support of gay rights • Love on mailbox which links to her album • Plus size dancer might suggest she is embracing a range of body types • The dancing is very upbeat and joyful • “Love letters only” implies she is trying to discourage any other kind of messages such as hatred

9. Transgender well known actress Laverne cross – a big LGBTQ presence • Intertextual reference • There is a range of ethnic minorities, actors, dancers • Links to trans rights which shows what she stands for • Joyful scene implying that in this ‘city/living area’ it is safe for all minorities - dream world?

10. The female character holding a weapon suggests that she is a powerful female and suggests Taylor supports feminism.

11. Another reference to an actor • Celebration of gay marriage • An audience showing support • Pink blue and purple are the colours of the bisexual flag • All the successful actors and artists implies Taylor swifts success and popularity

12. References to the bible “Adam and eve” • These characters as a physical representation of the judgement and bullying that she receives as an artist • The overgrown and uncared for hair implies that they are messy and careless

13. Another actor that may be known be audiences for being in the show ‘Queer eye’ • He is also a staple for LBTQ+ rights and further emphasises Taylors belief in gay rights. • The colourful and vibrant suit creates a joyful and happy shot

14. The actors are sitting in a circle reflecting unity • The people sitting around the table are all different skin tones and clothing which implies that all people are different but can still be unified • The round table from a birds eye view replicates the earth. • The actors are cheering which symbolises a celebration

15. Ellen DeGeneres is a very well known LGBTQ+ right advocate • She was one of the openly gay actors at the time and continues to be referenced to in LGBTQ+ discussions • She acts as a recognisable character for the audience • She’s getting a tattoo which suggests rebellion to the audience

16. The characters appear to be unbothered by the hatered that faces them. • They are also wearing vibrant colours whereas the protesters are wearing very dark and ‘cold’ colours implying that those being hateful experience less ‘colour’/joy in their lives.

17. On the stage appears actors that look very similar to certain celebrities to again act as a intertextual reference for the audiences • The celebrities/artists that Taylor swift chose to present are of a variety of body shapes, skin colours and music styles implying that she believes all artists are welcomed on the same stage.

18. In this shot there is another well known celebrity, Ru Paul. • He is a well known drag queen who is a huge advocate for LGBTQ+ rights • He is giving the crown to other female artists which suggests that people can share fame and credit

19. Katy perry dressed up as a burger at the Met gala – this acts as a reference to that costume and the controversy she received for that costume • The ’Burger and Fries’ costumes indicate a friendship, that follow a long disagreement between the two artists. The fighting in the background suggests that both Katy perry and Taylor swift have decided to not be involved in social media hatred.

20. Ryan Reynolds is a well known actor that features in Deadpool and green lantern • Him appearing in Taylors music video adds to audience of her music as fans of his work will watch Taylors music video

21. A connection between two previous rivals suggests unity • Taylors costume of ‘fries’ could act as a reference to the phrase “fries before guys” • This implies her lack of need for men in her life.

22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMY • Childish Gambino music video

23. Gambino in the background highlights that some people are foregrounded and seen as more important. Whereas others are in the background. • He is also facing away from the the camera which suggests he is not important in this music video, the message is. • Cool dark tones suggesting something dark is going on

24. Mid shot meaning the audience can see him without his shirt • The lack of shirt shows his vulnerability • It also emphasises his skin colour and pride that he may have in it • He is however still wearing trousers which could be a reference to slavery and the history of racism. • His trousers are in the style of the US confederate uniform which adds to the theme of racism • The dance style is inspired by African traditional music.

25. The body language is a reference to Jim crow’s law and the black face character that mocked African culture. • Cannot see the victim which connotes that victims are not remembered and killed at their most vulnerable

26. People rush into the shot to remove the ‘evidence’ • Covering up the murder • He returns quickly to dancing showing his casual attitude to death • The gun is taken away in a red cloth with a lot of care • The body is dragged away implying that weapons are cared for more than people

27. There is a lot of movement in the background • Shallow focus • Children in school uniforms represent school shootings and how children are often the victims of violence • The children are dancing which implies that they are encouraged to • Having children in the music video adds to the shock value

28. The choir represents religion and violence that occurs in religious places • The joy and community lures the audience to a false sense of security • The camera then pans to a police car that shows no reaction to the murder of these people • The police don’t care about people of colour

35. GROUP 1 • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY9wMhubfhY&list=PL_P5ZEHuHS2YGYFuFUrWxjL2f5CP_VH9A&index=3

36. Colourful vibrant background suggests pop and upbeat music • Setting resembles a doll house which suggests childish nature of the band • Toys and paint in implies playfulness • Background of cloud implies creativity and positivity

37. Performance style suggests that the main feature is their instrumental abilities • Grown up versions of the children reflects their growth as artists and people • The artists are wearing the same clothes as their childhood self which suggests that they feel like children still

38. The clouds connote a dream that the child is having • Sitting in an important looking chair which implies he feels important • Drinking capri sun reiterates childish nature • He looks happy which implies the band are happy and the song has a happy nature

39. The children look very innocent cuddling teddy bears • Look very peaceful which highlights the innocence of childhood • Holding saxophone toy suggests that they always wanted to be musicians

40. Already living the popstar lifestyle as she is being pampered • Relaxed spa imagery suggest that the band are relaxed and laid back

41. The children playing with the fake instruments reiterates how they wanted to be musicians and how the band formed • They look happy which implies the band have a real love for their music • Mini instruments implies there was room for growth