Analysis of a Music Video Taylor Swift - Bad Blood

 Analysis of a Music Video

• Media Language: effect of camera work, editing, sound and mise-en-scene on audience
• Genre: How the Video links to the music genre of the song
• Audience: What's the effect on the audience?
• Narrative: What meaning does the audience make from the video?
• Representation: How's the artist represented? How are other social groups represented?

 Bad Blood- Taylor Swift

Media Language:

Camera Work:

• Establishing Shots- Typical of a music video and of action adventure 'films'
• Close Ups- Mainly of Taylor. Close ups of others, but Taylor is always in the background
• Quick pan when they stab the teddy- exadurates the strong female image
• Pan over Taylor's body- male camera. Sexualisation of female body

Editing:

• Reflection of Taylor on the smashed glass- she's always on screen
• Slow motion- mainly on Taylor- Keeps her on screen for longer
• Use of CGI and Special FX- Adds  to the atmosphere of the video
• Split screen of Taylor and Kendrick
• Fast Cuts throughout
• Pixelated Fades- Shows reference to the technology

Mise-en-scene:

•  Low key Lighting with faces always visible- adds to the atmosphere
• Dark costumes and make up add to the atmosphere and reflects the mood
• Selena is seen in dark clothing when Taylor is in light- shows the protagonist and antagonist.
• Taylor has both red hair and lipstick at the end- suggests danger
• The setting is very mysterious as it has no windows and little light- Shows it as being hidden and a secret.
• Costumes- Sexualised

Genre:

• Highly edited, glossy, slick look to it- typical music video look.
• Futuristic sci-fi style
• The costumes, make up and setting are typical of a pop music video ( key to it)
• Choreographed elements ( not dancing)
• Artist gets lots of screen time
• Quick editing and fast pace reflects the song

Audience:

• Makes the audience feel powerful and strong after watching the video- Feel empowered
• Feel like you're part of the team
• Female strength message- empowerment
• Audience feels moments of tension throughout
•  Young audience can aspire to be like Taylor and her team/girls
• Enjoyment from watching the video as it's like a mini movie

Narrative:

• Taylor was once weak (falling through the window) now she's regaining power throughout the video
• Intertextuality-references to Divergent, Hunger Games, Tron, Sin City and more. CGI & Special FX suggest that there will be a fight or action in the video.
• Weapons create  a clear message on what's happening
• Taylor is pushed out the window- You take her side. 
• Her teams faces are visible- Shows friendship and trust- Close ups show they are the good side
• Selena's team all have their faces covered- shown as bad- don't support or connect with them.
• CGI and Special FX tell us that there will be a fight.

Representation:

• A-typical representation- shown as strong & violent throughout.
• Still certain aspects are stereotypical- Putting on lipstick and wearing heels
• Shown as feminine through their appearance
• Shown as equal to men- split screen showing Taylor is equal to Kendrick
• Empowering Females
• Star Image- Strong, Edgy image