Deconstruction of a Music Video
Beyonce-Countdown (2011)
Media Language
What is the message or purpose of the video?
With the many references to pop culture predominantly from the 60's and 80's focusing mainly on a 'Mod' representation of the artist, Beyonce is idolised as an eternal star just like her idols who she appears to imitate. This timeless stardom is ironic when compared to the 'countdown' song title. The message of the video is that Beyonce is a powerful, wonderful women who is far better than the audience who aspire to be her. .
With the many references to pop culture predominantly from the 60's and 80's focusing mainly on a 'Mod' representation of the artist, Beyonce is idolised as an eternal star just like her idols who she appears to imitate. This timeless stardom is ironic when compared to the 'countdown' song title. The message of the video is that Beyonce is a powerful, wonderful women who is far better than the audience who aspire to be her. .
What visual techniques are used to do this and why?
The 'countdown' aspect of the song is emulated in the mis-en-scene of the video such as the non-verbal language where she uses her arms to create a ticking clock illusion. Also the footage is sped up in editing to fit in time with the song (it was obviously recorded at a slower pace) the effect being rushed, energetic movement.
The 'countdown' aspect of the song is emulated in the mis-en-scene of the video such as the non-verbal language where she uses her arms to create a ticking clock illusion. Also the footage is sped up in editing to fit in time with the song (it was obviously recorded at a slower pace) the effect being rushed, energetic movement.
Is there any intertextuality/ references to popular culture?
Instantly in the first shot a comparison can be made to the notorious British actress, Audrey Hepburn most known for her films in the 50's and 60's. The simple winged eye makeup, short dark side parted hair and black turtle neck reference Hepburn in her film 'Funny Face' (1957). Costume has set up this parody, its effect is that the audience can understand like everyone else Beyonce has people she looks up to and who inspire her suggesting that she has with 'ordinary' characteristic of wanting to aspire to someone else.
Again makeup has set up this parody of Beyonce appearing in Mod fashion just like the model 'Twiggy' famous for her original style of eye makeup that was especially fashionable in the 60's. Beyonce is shown to conform to retro styles, as she herself is a trend setter it emphasises her power to bring back old looks and make them look new and beautiful.
Another key member of 60's Mod fashion was the fashion designer 'Mary Quant' widely known for introducing the cropped hair seen everywhere in 60's fashion. Beyonce wears this hair style as well as Quant style clothing in this mid close-up shot.
This split screen technique shows Beyonce in black and white clothes and scenery dancing in a similar style to the infamous singer and actor Elvis Presely. It reminded me of the music video for 'Jailhouse Rock' (1957). Not only does she respond to legendary women but she exceeds the restraint of only female idols and is responding to male icons also.
Instantly in the first shot a comparison can be made to the notorious British actress, Audrey Hepburn most known for her films in the 50's and 60's. The simple winged eye makeup, short dark side parted hair and black turtle neck reference Hepburn in her film 'Funny Face' (1957). Costume has set up this parody, its effect is that the audience can understand like everyone else Beyonce has people she looks up to and who inspire her suggesting that she has with 'ordinary' characteristic of wanting to aspire to someone else.
Again makeup has set up this parody of Beyonce appearing in Mod fashion just like the model 'Twiggy' famous for her original style of eye makeup that was especially fashionable in the 60's. Beyonce is shown to conform to retro styles, as she herself is a trend setter it emphasises her power to bring back old looks and make them look new and beautiful.
Another key member of 60's Mod fashion was the fashion designer 'Mary Quant' widely known for introducing the cropped hair seen everywhere in 60's fashion. Beyonce wears this hair style as well as Quant style clothing in this mid close-up shot.
This split screen technique shows Beyonce in black and white clothes and scenery dancing in a similar style to the infamous singer and actor Elvis Presely. It reminded me of the music video for 'Jailhouse Rock' (1957). Not only does she respond to legendary women but she exceeds the restraint of only female idols and is responding to male icons also.
I love how you have made comparisons of snapshots which feature in the video, identifying intertextual references that Beyoncé has used to conform to a retro 60s pop genre. The video itself is an example of speed ramping which is made clear by Beyoncé's fast blinking action, making it look like a twitch almost. Her movements are very quick and jolted which adds a sense of visceral pleasure to the video, which we could easily replicate when considering the production of our music video.
ReplyDeleteWell done Amelia, analysis is very informed by intertextual references
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