camera angles & shot composition
HUMBLE. - Kendrick Lamar
Bad Romance - Lady Gaga
mise-en-scene & symbolism
The Man - Taylor Swift
-
Mise-en-Scène:
-
Setting: The video is set in various masculine environments like corporate boardrooms, luxurious yachts, sports arenas, and subways, which are traditionally dominated by men.
-
Costume: Taylor Swift is dressed as a man, emphasizing the stark contrast between how men and women are perceived in society. The suits, exaggerated masculine gestures, and confident strut are central to conveying the theme of male privilege.
-
Lighting: Sharp, high-key lighting highlights Swift’s transformation into a male persona. The well-lit scenes in luxurious places contrast with the darker subway sequence, indicating different societal contexts.
-
Props: The use of props like cigars, trophies, and newspaper headlines underline the societal roles and the rewards often associated with male success and power.
-
Body Language: The male version of Swift embodies confidence and entitlement, conveyed through dominant body language and gestures.
-
-
Symbolism:
-
The transformation into a man is the central metaphor for male privilege. The video contrasts a man’s carefree life with the struggles women face, emphasizing sexism.
-
The burning yacht symbolizes wealth, success, and disregard for consequences—traits that society allows men to possess with impunity.
-
The tennis court scene shows a man throwing a tantrum, referencing double standards in how men and women are treated for the same behavior.
-
The graffiti in the subway tunnel includes titles of Swift’s previous albums, symbolizing her personal journey and criticism of media scrutiny.
-
As It Was - Harry Styles
-
Mise-en-Scène:
-
Setting: The video takes place in a circular, rotating platform, symbolizing life’s repetitive cycles and the difficulty of moving forward. The empty yet colorful setting adds to the abstract feel.
-
Costume: Styles wears a red jumpsuit, a striking contrast against the neutral background. The simplicity of his outfit, contrasted with the more elaborate and playful ones of others, reflects a focus on personal identity and vulnerability.
-
Lighting: The video utilizes soft, natural lighting, giving it a nostalgic and melancholic feel, matching the emotional tone of the song.
-
Movement: The choreography of Styles constantly moving in circles with a female dancer symbolizes a sense of being stuck or in limbo. The circular movement contrasts with moments when he is motionless or isolated, highlighting the themes of emotional struggle.
-
Symbolism:
-
The circular platform represents the endless cycle of emotions and the difficulty of breaking free from past experiences, particularly in relationships.
-
The red jumpsuit could symbolize passion, intensity, and emotional vulnerability, while its contrast with the setting makes Styles the focal point of the narrative.
-
The moments of separation and reconnection with the dancer might signify the push-and-pull dynamics of relationships or internal conflict.
-
The overall color palette of the video, with its bright reds, whites, and neutrals, evokes both warmth and emotional distance, emphasizing the tension between longing for change and being stuck in familiar patterns.
editing
deja vu - Olivia Rodrigo
SICKO MODE - Travis Scott
deja vu - Olivia Rodrigo
intertextual references
Fancy - Iggy Azalea ft. Charli xcx
Iggy Azalea’s "Fancy" is a direct homage to the 1995 cult classic film Clueless, creating a visually striking music video that resonates with fans of the film and 90s pop culture. The video appeals to viewers who grew up with the movie or are familiar with 90s pop culture. The fashion, aesthetic, and setting tie into themes of popularity, image, and empowerment, much like the original film. Clueless was a commentary on social status and teenage life, and Iggy Azalea’s "Fancy" taps into this while promoting her own confident, unapologetic persona. The intertextuality adds a layer of nostalgia and authenticity, which resonates with both new listeners and fans of the original movie.
What is Love? - TWICE
TWICE’s "What Is Love?" is rich with playful intertextual references to classic romantic films, reflecting the group’s exploration of the concept of love through famous cinematic moments. Referencing cinema classics such as Pulp Fiction, La La Land, Romeo & Juliet, Ghost, La Boum, The Princess Diaries, TWICE allows the audience to connect with the familiar tropes of love seen in film. The use of classic movies helps TWICE explore the theme of love from various angles, from idealistic to comedic. This adds depth to the song’s message by acknowledging love's complexity, while the lighthearted tone keeps it fun and relatable. For fans, recognizing these references creates an engaging, interactive viewing experience, where familiar films bring additional layers of meaning to the song’s exploration of romance.
thank u, next - Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s "thank u, next" is filled with intertextuality, paying homage to iconic 2000s teen movies such as Mean Girls (2004), Legally Blonde (2001), 13 Going on 30 (2004), and Bring It On (2000). The references make the video relatable to fans familiar with these movies, creating a shared sense of nostalgia. Each film's narrative echoes the song’s themes of self-discovery, resilience, and moving forward after hardship. By integrating these cultural touchstones, the video taps into collective memories while reinforcing the song’s core message of self-love and independence.