Music Video Analysis

Music Video Analysis

Daniel Powter - Bad Day

This is a narrative music, however it does include some performance elements as we can see Daniel Powter playing on the piano at some points. The video uses split screen to show the story of two different people who seem to be having a 'bad day', however they seem to be destined to be together at the end of the video. The video includes fast editing, for example in the first 30 seconds there are around 30 cuts, which means there is a cut every second, which is typical of pop songs. The use of split screen is done well, for example at 2:06, where the drawings of both the characters match up. The mise en scene is also done well, for example the couple at 1:11 are not a typical couple, but they still have love which the main character does not.

Rihanna - Shut up and drive

This video is very different from the 'bad day' video. the music video is set in a garage, which is usually associated with males, however all the mechanics are female in this video, this is an example of female empowerment. A high angle is also used to show female empowerment at 0:15, this shows women as dominant and may make men seem as inferior. However there is a contrast to this, as Rihanna is often shown in a sexual way. For example mid shots of Rihanna leaning on cars means the camera and therefore the audience focuses on her body. This may relate to the 'male gaze theory' which is the theory that the camera is the focus of a men, and that women are sexualised in music videos. This music video also features a band shot at 3:01, which gives of the impression that this is a live performance, even though it is not.