Analysing Pop ballads music videos

Analysing Pop ballads music videos

Definition of music video – A videotape performance of a recorded popular song, usually accompanied by dancing and visual images which interrupting the lyrics.

Pop ballads

Beyoncé – Halo

Mise-en-scene – The lighting of this video corresponds with the title and the lyrics of the piece. Light is very bright almost a white colour which is supposed to represent heaven where angels come from, hence the link with the title ‘Halo’. The costumes that Beyoncé wears are simple as not distract from the song but still stylish. It is trying to give of the impression of a perfect everyday life which links with the narrative of the song itself.  In the climax of the song (the middle eight) we see the artist in a white, very expensive dress. This is suggesting that she is like an angel which goes with the theme of the song and will appeal to fans who like how naturally pretty she is. The make-up is very natural to reinforce this idea of natural beauty and to go with the idea that it is everyday life.

Editing - The transitions for most of the video have fade, to make it appear softer however toward the end there are more jump cuts to appear more dramatic. There is parallel editing between her lip syncing and clips of her with a man. We can assume by the domestic things that they are doing that it is flashback, which are looked on fondly as they are very happy. 

Cinematography- Most of the camera shots consist of close ups as Beyoncé is a global pop star and they want the audience to be aware that it is her video as people more likely stay and watch because of her.  The close ups also give a feeling that it is more personal as we can see the expressions clearly.

Special effects -There are not that many special effects because it is a very simple video. However, there is use of slow motion in water to show the dress flow. This is probably very conventional in ballads to show more drama. Subsequently this part is show at the climax of the song and going into the last chorus.
 

Adele- Someone like you

Cinematography – A tracking shot is used to match the pace as she is walking. It doesn’t move away from the artist face, this is similar Beyoncé as Adele is also a global star, and the fans want to see her as much as possible. It is also a ballad so it is an emotive song.

Editing – There is purposely not that much editing in this video because it stays on the artist although when it gets to the last chorus it cuts to a bar with a man’s silhouette over a projection of Adele’s face. The fact that the man is faceless doesn’t give him a personality which makes the audience sympathise with the artist as we can see her sorrowful expression on the projector.  This is different to ‘Halo’ as this song is about a regretful break up.  ‘Halo’ on the other hand, shows the man’s face because the couple are happily together.

Mise- en-scene – There is a black and white filter out on the footage to recreate the feel of old noir films. This gives the audience the kind of melancholic mood that matches the song. The setting is the cityscape, by a bridge and river. We can assume it is London because that is where Adele grew up.   Being in a city gives it a modern and stylish appearance which is can appeal to all ages.  The hair and make-up is pretty much the same as she is in all her videos and appearances she makes in the media because then it makes her instantly recognisable. Adele isn’t really one of the pop stars renowned for her dress style; she is sold on her singing talent.

Special effects – There are not that many special effects because they do not want to distract and intruded on the melancholic tone of the video. There is one subtle effect as there is a filter placed on some shots to give the appearance of an old movie.

Convention in female artists’ Pop ballads

-Slow motion, a special effect used at the climax to make more emotive.

- Close ups of the artist lip syncing to advertise the artist and show more dram and emotion from their facial expression.

- Flash backs to tell a story.

- No flashy lighting or dancing as it matches the downbeat and slow tempo ballad. It wants to focus more on the artist singing ability and create a more dramatic atmosphere.

- Muted or black and white colours, to again suit the sombre mood of the video or to be more realistic as ballads are meant to relate to the audience.