Analysis of a Music Video

Beyonce - Listen

• The music video of 'Listen' begins with a midshot of the singer in the centre, this connotes who the main character is and the appearance of the singer. The clothing of the singer creates mystery as it is dark and plain, the singer is stereotypically presented as a independant strong woman whos complexion is clear and clean, her hair has a sophisticated look to connote the singer's personality.

• The video straight cuts to another midshot of the singer, who is now less of clothes and less confident to the first shot of the singer, by her gestures of wrapping herself away, her arms close to her connotes her feeling less strong and closing herself away from any problems. The sound of the music is slow which connotes the strong images of the singer, the lyrics are full of emotion which is in comparison with the images to create a calm and quiet atmosphere. 

• There is a straight cut to a close up of a male character who appears dominant by his stare, his clothing is smart by the tie and shirt which is dark colours to connote mystery. The propp of a camera connotes some sort of setting, such as a photo shoot. 

• The main singer is then presented as dressed up by the closeup of her features, her hair is curled neartly and shows more feminism. Her features are highlighted by the top lighting. The music is increasing in emotion and soul as the female singer is shown in different styles.

• The shot is again showing a closeup which connotes a male controlling the angle of the females pose, this enforces the male as the dominant one over the female. The singer looks away to connote she is unhappy and has had enough, the audience would feel sympathetic towards her as the lyrics increase in emotion and the rhythm is sharper. 

• There is constant straight cuts to the singer appearing as herself and trying to be strong, the straight cuts creates continuity, to keep the audience aware of the singers emotions and meaning to the lyrics. The atmosphere is depressing by the singer's fighting gestures and upset looks, however the back lighting, is lifting the mood.

• The singers eye is zoomed into which connotes her upsetting mood, her eye is emphasised by the use of eyelinear outlining the eyes shape this connotes her sadness, the chorus is upbeat and full of strength and independance. The rhythm is much faster however the lyrics flow slower within the music.

• The singer increases the pitch of her voice which is high and mighty, to show she is taking control of her situation that is making her depressed. The use of lighting constantly changes and jump cuts are used to each flash of different colour schemes, the background of white emphasises the singers hope and purity. The black and white image reveals the corruption within her life its dark and dawnting. The singers face in each is full of emtional hurt, which connotes the meaning to her lyrics. The audience feel more connected to the music by the gestures and facial expressions of the singer which are strong and meaningful.