Uchechi Eluwa
Unbreakable - Madison Beer
Mise en scène
The first thing we see in in the props of the music video is Cloud of smoke to reveal the artist. Hence adding a sense of enigma as we might not be sure who the artist is, that is going to be revealed. Also, the use of smoke is presented at various other times throughout the music video, which suggest that the smoke is a common theme for the video, therefore adds consistency to the video, and makes it flow. Therefore, if the target demographic cut to any part of the music video, they will still be able to tell that the video is unbreakable by Madison Beer.
The use of balloons is also a common theme of the music video. The balloons have quotes on them the fit to the main message of the video. Which is to not let the comments that other people make and how they see you affect you confidence and how one views themselves. This is effective as the target demographic are automatically presented with the main message of the video, so they know what to expect throughout the video and what sort of video it will be. The main message of the song is highlighted by the use of the balloons which keeps the consistency and link from the lyrics to the music video. As the music video produces the vision that the song/ lyrics have.
The music video is set in a mundane and ordinary setting of a field/ park/ land with a lot of open space. This is effective as it is used to keep the music video simple with minimal effects so, it does not distract the target audience away from the lyrics of the song and from the artist herself, as it is quiet a relaxed pop song. The video is also based mainly around teenagers which is reflected in the setting as a field/ park or recreational area is typically associated with youth. The setting also has a lot of nature in the background, Such as, trees, plants, grass etc which is seen through various shots. This is effective as nature has connotations of natural beauty, essence, peace and inner beauty.
Throughout the video she wears 3 different outfits, the first outfit is shorts, black crop top, a white kimono with an arm cuff and a big necklace. While the 2nd and 3rd outfit is similar just different colours. Both outfits are plain colours, neutral and are quiet casual.Which has connotations of warmth, confidence and happiness. She is also wearing very natural make up. As, she is wearing a gold eye look with a peachy lip colour. Hence suggesting that the main focus of the video is the artist herself as what she is wearing isn't distracting the target audiences's attention away fron the lyrics of the song and the artist. It also elucidates the idea of inner beauty bought about by the setting. Also, the clothes that she is wearing also matches the style of artist that she is as Madison Beer is a teenage female pop artist. Hence she is wearing clothies thta you would typically worn by some teenagers. It also presents the characteristic that she is proud of herself, and doesn't feel like she has to change to stand out from everyone else and society. Which is presented though her clothing and make up as she is wearing make up and clothes, that fit with the lyrics such as "In a crowd try'na stand out, tryin' to glow, but no matter where you are, it's like you’re in the dark, and just can’t find the fuse to the light." present and fit with the whole persona of the video. As the video isn't a heavily effect edited video.
Furthermore, when there are alot of different people presented in a shot, there outfits are used to distinguish who they are. As what you wear often reflects your personality. And therefore differentiates, the actors from each other. Which creates the impression that in this world, your personality and how you differentiate yourself from others is what makes you stand out instead of what people say about you.
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The main lighting used on Madison Beer is three point lighting. Which includes; the backlight, fill light and key light. This is used to highlight her and make her stand out from the background so she doesn't blend in. And it also makes her and the background very warm due to the warm artificial light. Furthermore, lighting is also used to show the emotion of sadness on the female actor's face. This is an example of pathetic fallacy, as when she is sad, the background and lighting used is dark and gloomy.. This is effective as the lighting also reflects the emotions of various people in the music video. As when Madison Beer is on the video the lighting is often bright and warm which connotes brightness and happiness. In addition, another aspect of lighting used is a camera flare. This is effective as it adds a sense of natural sunlight and nature into the shot, which makes it flow with the video more. As the video highlights the idea of nature's beauty.
Camera shots, angles and composition
It is important to use a wide range of shots throughout the music video as it keeps it realistic and keeps it builds excitement. The very first shot is a mid-shot of the artist, she is right framed and foregrounded. This is effective as we are automatically shown who the music video is about and who the main focus of the video is. But as soon as the lyrics starts and she starts singing the camera cuts to a mid-close up of the artist, who is centre framed with a shallow focus. When the main artist is in the scene she is often foregrounded with a shallow focus. This is effective as all the attention of the target demographic is on the main artist, as the background is out of focus. This presents the idea that this is the beginning of the song, by the fact that the first thing we see is the main artist when the lyrics starts.This is the first insight that the target demographic are presented with, so they know what the music video is going to be about, and what to expect.
When the chorus starts she is always centre framed, with minimal props and a quiet background. This is used as the chorus is one of the most important aspects of a song, that why it is repeated. The fact that she is centre framed is effective as the target audience are only focused on her and it gives the video context. Whenever there is a close up of her she is always smiling. Which suggests that the song is a very happy song and this is effective as the target audience are enlightened by the fact that the video to the song is very happy and upbeat. So, the audience feel excited while watching. The close ups in the shot are also used to show the emotion of excitement and happiness in her face. This is effective as the audience can tell a lot by her facial expression, as she happy throught out the video, so the audience know this is going to be a happy and pleasurable video.
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There are various tracking and dolly shots used throughout the video. These are used to follow the main artist and to travel along side her. And to keep the camera static even if it just a bouncing motion to exert passion, energy and vibe. Tracking shots are also used to establish the open space setting. It gives the audience a small detailed tour of where the music video is set and the importance the setting has on the production of the video.
There are various times that low angle shots are used during the music video. For example when the male protagonist is going to shot the ball into the hoop. We are therefore presented with the idea that there is going to be a lot of energy and force inserted to get the ball into the hoop. It is seen as a metaphor as it is a a challenge that the protagonist faces to overcome his obstacles as the hoop is seen as superior to him as he is looking up to the hoop. The low angle shot is also used a a establish the background. As when we see the main artist in the shot, we are looking up to her, and we are presented of a clear blue background. This is effective and it says constant with the setting, as the background is a natural setting, and we are presented with clear blue sky's.
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Editing & Sound
The pace of the music drives the editing. When the drum beats in the chorus starts, the tempo becomes fast and the pace of the song quickens. And therefore the shots get quicker. This is effective and it shows that this is the part of the song that has the most energy. And it makes the audience feel as this is the part that they should be excited about, which is also shown in the music video. As this is the part where the main artist is jumping and dancing, to show her excited and energy.This is juxtaposed by the fact that they shots are very slow in the bridge as this is the slowest part of the song, and it is mainly about the about the vocals than the backing track. Hence this is why the main artist is in every shot in the bridge. However, she isn't in every shot in the chorus or other verse. Therefore suggesting the main focus of the bridge is the protagonist of Madison Beer and no other actor. Furthermore, the camera privileges the main artist which is Madison Beer. This is shown by the fact that she is given the most screen time so the audience know who the main artist of the video is and who the narrative is about.
The music video is characterised with cut shots. The cuts shots in the music video are mainly used for juxtaposition, as two things are put next to each other to contrast them. Also, due to the fact that it is characterised by cut shots, the audience often has interpret information themselves. As, they might not see all of the information in a scene because the action cuts away. For example, in the music video we aren't presented with why the ginger haired person wrote down or as to why the female is crying. Also the fast pace cut shots can signify that time is moving quicker than normal.
Diegetic and asynchronous sound are used throughout the music video. As we are also presented with the artist singing throughout the video but she isn't always on the screen. Also, asynchronous sound is used in the chorus when the tempo of the song quickens and there is a percussion instrument in the track.
The main transition shot used is fade to black. This is used just before the chorus is shown. Hence suggesting that music video is taking a change, as it focus on the main artist instead of the other actors. After the fade to black the tempo of the song changes and what they main artist is wearing also changes thus showing change. This is effective as it builds energy and excitement as the audience don't know what to except after the screen has gone black. Therefore building tension and also signifies that time has passed.
The music video ends with a slow- mo of her smiling. Thus supporting the main message of the song about happiness. It also elucidates the fact happiness can last for a long time, and we shouldn't let anyone affect our happiness. Which is shown by the fact that the smile lasted longer than the audience originally intended.