ANALYSING MUSIC

VIDEOS
BY KATHERINE PIRIE

DEMI LOVATO REALLY DONT CARE

Mise-en-scene (Location)

The location of the performance base to the music video is within west Hollywood, at the L.A
Pride. This is reflected on the typology that is denoted to the audience at the start of the
music video. However, as the music video continues images of the parade are decoded. This
is important to highlight as it connotes equality for all, this is also developing societys train
of thought. Due to the standard patriarchal society, people within a same sex relationship
would have been widely frowned upon. This music video helps to connote the way in which
society has developed and now transformed its tradition ways. The music subverts the
patriarchal society and therefore connotes a utopian view of society as they are becoming
more accepting with the idea of same sex relationships, this further helps to link with why on
the 28th March a law was passed for people of the same sex to be able to get married and not
just have a civil partnership.

Within the music video, Demi is promoting the utopian view that now Society is more accepting
of same sex marriages. The primary audience of Demis fan base will also be highly
supportive, this is due to the age range of her audience. Due to her fan base being
predominantly teenager, they were raised when the society was coming to terms with the
same sex relationships. The generation would want to promote the individuals with the idea
of equality for all.

Theories that link into this will include, Blumler and Katz Theory (Personal relationships,
Identity, Diversion and surveillance) Propps Theory of Fairy Tale Characters and the male and
female gaze theory.

Mise-en-scene (Clothing)
The clothing of the artist is highly voyeuristic, this is due to her being
denoted in black leather. She is wearing a leather jacket and trousers
which are also seen to be tight to her body. This is stereotype correct
due to women being decoded in clothing that sexualises them, this
links in with the male gaze theory. The artist also has her hair down,
with a range of colours in her hair this is connoting her personality as
she is bubbly and outgoing. A theme of gold is also reflect upon her
outfit, this also could connote her career status as she is at the top of
her game, this could also connote her status within the industry
compared to other artists or how high her status is with her fan base.
This is compared to the other characters within the music video as they
are denoted in casual clothing such as jeans and a t-shirt. This
connotes their laid back and relaxed atmosphere of the music video.
This also links and connotes to the utopian view that Demi is aiming
to give off to her audience in order to make them feel safe and secure
while watching her music video. The bright colour also reflect upon
this as many of the character will hold different characteristics and
therefore will be individuals. This links in more with the L.A Pride
Parade, connoting that everyone is unique and their own person
making them love and be with anyone they choose.
This clearly shows a binary opposition between the artist in black and
the characters in multi-coloured connoting that Demi wants the
characters to stand out more then herself. This also links in with
Laura Mulveys Theory (1975) with the idea that through the camera
woman are objectified to provide a exotic pleasure for men. This
further links in with Barthes' theory (1972) and the idea that women
are highly sexualised throughout media.

Editing
An important editing technique that is reflected within the music video is
jump cuts. Through out the video, the active audience are denoted to
the L.A Pride parade, this is where they will denote both the artists and
central characters within the video. Alongside this, they will decode a
range of different individuals who have attended this parade. This is
important as jump cuts dont connote that any time has passed, is it
simply only connoting the idea of different locations within the location
of the video.
Another important technique that has been used is montage. This works
well with the jump cuts due to a range of different images are being
denoted to the audience and therefore creating the idea that no time
has passed, and the parade is simply continuing through the music
video.
A final editing technique that they have used throughout the music video
is cross cutting, towards the end of the video, the location then changes
to an aluminous pink room, this is where the audience will then denote
the artists singing, characters dancing and laughing again linking back
to the utopian world within the video.
This links in with Levi-Strauss theory of binary oppositions due to the
crosscutting technique with the two different locations. This also links in
well with Reception theory, due to the nation watching and therefore
commenting of the locations picked for the music video.

Camera
Throughout the music video, many different shots were used in order
to denote the artist and the characters within the music video. An
example would include close up, this shot type is important as the
active audience are able to denote the facial expression and
emotion that the characters are feeling at the time. This is also
important as you are able to decode the feeling and emotion the
audience should be feeling at the time.
Another important shot that was used throughout the music video was
a long shot. These are important as you are able to denote a wider
range of surface area through the camera lens. The active audience
will then be able to view and decode the rest of the video as you
are more able to see the characters in the background laughing and
enjoying themselves.
The music video also denote to the audience a movement shot, where
a character is acting as if he is taking a selfie however he is
recording the crowd and the atmosphere of the parade. Again this is
connoting to the audience the utopian view that the video gives off.
The use of the camera work links to the Blumler and Katz theory of
personal relationships, this is because an audience member may
already have been to parade or concert and made links between
their personal experience and the experience they are watching on
the video.

Sound
At the start of the music video, the audience will decode Demis
voice due to the diegetic sound, this is where she is talking about
equality for all. This connotes that Demi is a respectable and
loving artist as her aim is to promote the acknowledgment of
same sex relationships in aim for equality. This links in with the
Blumler and Katz theory of uses and gratifications due to
personal relationships and identity, as the active audience may
have links between their person life and the characters situations
within the music video. This then further links in with the music
video due to the L.A Pride Parade and the idea of equality for all
therefore making it synchronous.
After this, the music of the non-diegetic sound is then denoted to
the audience. This is where the song of Really Dont Care is
played to the audience. This is synchronous due to the links
between the lyrics and the visual. An example of this is, when she
sings Really Dont Care as she throws her hands up in the air.
This links in with the David Morley (1980) theory, and the idea that
different social classes will watch the media. This is important as
due to Demis fan base this will promote both her views and the
views on same sex marriage.

SAM SMITH IM NOT THE ONLY ONE.

Mise en scene (Location)
The first location that is denote to the audience is the location of the couple house.
This connotes a standard family home connoting wealth due to the size of the
house and also social status due to the couple holding a strong income. This links
in with the Blumler and Katz theory of uses and gratifications due to the audience
making personal relationships between themselves and the characters that are
being denoted within the music video.
The second location that the audience are denoted is a club this is where the central
male character, within the video, is having an affair with the central female
character. However, this is also where the artist performs the performance base to
the music video. This links in with the Barthes theory of the enigma code,
questioning the audience to why the male character is having an affair.
The third location that is denoted to the audience is a corner shop, this is where the
central female character visits in order to buy alcohol and other items. This is to
connote that the female character is not having within her marriage. This also links
to Barthes theory of the enigma code, as to if the female character is also unhappy
and is aware of the affair, then why doesnt she get a divorce the central male
character.
An active audience will be able to make clear links between their personal experience
and the experience that they are denoting within the music video (Blumler and
Katz)

Mise en scene (Clothing)

For the central female character, she is denoted within a white dress, almost like
her wedding dress. This connotes her social statues and her financial status
due to the expensive clothing she is wearing. White also connotes innocents,
this reflects upon her character within the music video, as she is aware her
husband Is cheating on her however, she does not have the strength to leave
her husband. The hair of female character is also highly sophisticated this is
connoting that she is respectable due to the placement of her hair. This links in
with the male gaze theory as she is denoted within a tight fitted dress
promoting her figure and body.
For the central male character he is denoted within a suit, this is also
representing his social status and financial status due to the uniform he has in
order to go to work. This connotes the well end job that he holds. This links in
with the female gaze theory and the idea that the producers has dressed the
male character in that way due to the primary audience of teenagers watching
and decoding the sexualised male. This also further links in with Barthe theory
of having sexualised characters within media.
By the end of the music video, the central female character had changed outfit,
this could help to connote the change in emotion of the female and therefore
has changed her mind about how she feels towards her husband. However, by
the end of the video, she hugs and stays with her husband which links into the
Enigma code to why she doesnt leave her husband who is cheating on her.

 Within the music video, the camera uses a range of different shot
types and movement in order to help communicate the theme and
ideas of the video. This is important as it will help a passive
audience understand the basics of the music video. An example
will be close ups, this is where the audience will denote a female
crying connoting that she is upset and unloved. An active audience
member will look deeper into the reasons why she may feel this
way, and as a result will discover her husband is having an affair.
A long shot is also used at the beginning of the music video, in order
to set the scene of the video, this is important as the active
audience will gain a sense of the era, locations, time and date. This
is also important as an active audience member will research into
why she may feel disappointment from her husbands affair but
never act upon it. This could connote that she is scared or worried
what will happen when she leaves whereas a passive audience will
simply connote that she loves her husband too much to leave him.
A static movement shot is also used within the music video, this is
another professional shot due to it connoting the emotion and
expression from the characters. This is because the audience are
able to decode the feelings that she is dealing with through the
affair as she becomes angry by throwing, and moving around
violently in order to represent her anger.

 Throughout the music video, there are many techniques that are
used in order to define and make the music video as unique and
creative as it is. One important technique is the use of cross
cutting. This is used throughout the music video in order for the
active audience to denote the central male and central female
characters at two different locations. This is also important as if
helps the audience understand that no time has passed during
the crossing cutting therefore connoting that the music video is
within one single day. This links in with the Levi-Strauss' theory
of binary oppositions, this is due to the two different locations in
which the cross cutting is denoting the active audience
members.
Alongside this, jump cuts are used in order to also help connote
that no time has passed. The use of jump cuts also helps the
audience to denote the narrative base to the music video, this is
then where the audience will denote that the central male
character is cheating on the protagonist central female
character. This links in with the Blumler and Katz' theory of uses
and gratifications, personal relationships and personal identity.
Due to an active audience member possibly making connections
between their personal life and the characters situation within
the music video. However, an active audience may also watch
this due to diversion, the idea that they want to escape their
every day life route.

 At the beginning of the music video, the audience will denote the diegetic
sound of the central female character speaking. This is where the
character is talking to her husband, already the audience can connote
the couple are not 100% happy this is due to the atmosphere between
the two characters. The female seems loving and caring however, as
the male has his back to the female this is connoting he had a secret
or something to hind from her. Later within the music video, the active
audience will denote at the central male character is having an affair.
Next the audience denote the sound of birds singing, this further
juxtaposes the storyline of the music video, due to the sound of birds
singing is a peaceful and calming sound this is then denote with the
facial expression of the central female characters face dropping and
having the realisation that her husband is cheating on her.
As the non diegetic sound is then denoted to the audience, this is where
the lyrics then become synchronous to the visuals. An example is when
the artist sings "you say I'm crazy." This is where an active audience
will denote the central female character, screaming, shouting and
crying to herself. Connoting that he is upset and troubled however as
the lyrics continue the audience will then denote the lyrics that then
state " I Know I'm not the only one" connoting that within the
relationship there is a third person. A woman who is secreting intermit
with the central female characters husband.

JESS GLYNNE RIGHT HERE

The mise en scene of the location, of the music is highly simplistic. Firstly this can be
viewed as important due to the active audience being able to make strong
connections between their person life and the characters life. Due to the primary
audience being teenagers this is who the artists main target audience is, therefore
with the location being streets with a brick wall background this is connoting to the
audience the urban atmosphere. This links in with the Blumler and Katz' theory of
uses and gratification, personal relationships and identity. Within the music video,
there is also a range of extra characters. When the camera is denoting each
individual extra character they are in a selected area and do not move, it is only the
central female artist who travels through the different locations within the music
video. This could also represent the different groups within a local area with the wide
range of friendships groups hanging around different areas within that place.
Continuing with mise en scene, props also plays a key role. This is because, for the
audience they work as clear indicators in order to make connections and links
between them. An example is the bike that is denoted within the music video, this is
something you would find within a street alongside dogs, cars and benches. This is
connoting that the props you will find within a street and used within this music
video in order to help communicate to the audience in order to develop their
understanding. This links in with the hypodermic needle theory due to a passive
audience member denoting objects that they would originally find along a street.

 Within the music video, camera plays an important role this is due to the
range of emotions and expressions they can express through the
camera lens. Also due to the range of different shot types and
movement this will help to create a better atmosphere for the
audience. An example is long shot, this is where the audience will
denote the binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) between the location,
within a street, and the modern clothing of the artist. The camera helps
to unravel the opposition due to the wide angle shot that will denoted
to the audience.
Another example of a camera shot type is close up shot. This is important
within the performance base part of the music video as it then is
synchronous with the lyrics being sung. This is also important as the
audience are able to denote the facial expressions and to gain a sense
of the atmosphere given off by the extra characters.
A third example of a camera movement that is used within the music
video is a track shot. This is used in order for the audience to decode
the character on a bike. The camera tracks the character and then
follows him along the street to his final destination. This links in with
the Blumler and Katz theory of uses and gratifications due to
Diversion, an audience member may watch the music video in order to
escape their every day life route in order to gain a sense of difference.

 The editing techniques are also highly effective this is due to the range of
different effects and transitions they have used within the music video in
order to make the music video modern. Examples of this is repetition,
mirroring and overt editing. The use of the repetition is important because
the audience will make connections between the music video linking
different movement or actions together. Due to the use of mirroring in
another modern technique where the audience will denote the same
image however will be mirror in the middle and therefore denoted on
either sides of the screen. The use of overt editing is used throughout the
music video during key moment when the music begins to slow down and
therefore the image does also.
This is synchronous with the lyrics and music therefore the audience will
make their own connections with the music video. This links in with the
two step flow theory, with the idea that the media industry will release the
music video, this will then pass to the leaders of media and then onto the
media consumers where the modern techniques will be developed and
therefore effective.
Other editing technique that is used throughout the music video is montage,
jump cuts and crossing cutting. These are all important techniques as they
help to communicate to the audience that no time has passed between
the last scene, this is also helping to signify that the music video is filmed
within one single day. The use of each one of these techniques is also key
due to the modernism of the music video also using the other techniques.

 The music video only denotes non deigetic sound, which is

synchronous between the lyrics and the visual. An example is
when the artist sings "Right here, you got me where you want
me" this is connoting that the individual that the artist is
singing to is at their place where they met. This is connoting
that for the artist she is informing her partner that she is
waiting for him. This links in with the Barthe's theory of the
English code due to why is she waiting for him and what will
happen after they met.
Another example is when the artist sings A love you gave to
discover, was right here. But now Im caught up in a dream
world, Dont wanna leave here is where the audience will
denote the artist being happy and relaxed as though she is
promoting her utopian society and world within her music
video. Her facial expressing is also connoting to the audience
that she is also pleased and satisfied with her new and
creative life and though she has battled through a range of
different emotions and event. This will link with her target
audience as they may be battling with relationships issues,
school stress or work stress. This will then further link into the
theory by Blumler and Katz (Personal relationships)