Music Video Textual Analysis Ariana Grande The Way ft. Mac
Miller
Shot type and camera movementThis shot shows a two shot, mid
shot that pans a very slight amount, almost so it is unnoticeable.
Analysis
In this two shot, mid shot, the special effects of super
imposition is used to showcase several aspects of the video at one
time. The colours this shot features, as do most of the shots, are
subtle pastels, giving the shots a colourful background that is not
harsh to look at. This generates a laid back, positive tone for the
video and the colours are naturally uplifting. The two stars of the
video are positioned closely regarding the composition of the
frame, connoting a close friendship between the two which, again,
stimulates a laid back tone for the video. A reference to looking
is used, with the help of a camera prop, suggesting the audience
are getting an intimate look into the artists lives, which is also
achieved through the use of a bedroom setting, which the audience
may favour.
Music/lyricsI love the way you make me feel, I love it, I love
it.Edit/transitionsCuts suddenly to the next shot of a new
location, though the previous shot is projected onto the wall of
the next shot, still referencing it.
Shot type and camera movementThis long shot pans slowly in its
long take, so much so it is not obvious it is happening. The focus
of the shot remains on the star.Analysis
This slow panning long shot reveals the main star of the video,
who is referenced back to frequently as the audience would expect,
not only in the current setting, but a video of them from a
previous shot is also projected onto the background wall. This is a
method of showcasing the star, ensuring the audiences attention is
always on them. The projection changes colour frequently, from
blues, to pinks to purples all uplifting colours that fit the genre
and stimulate a positive atmosphere within the videos world. Props
of balloons cover the floor of the entire shot in the frame,
connoting a celebration and a party setting. The artists dress also
supports this, showing her to be dressed up for a party. Having her
stood alone in the frame, with the long shot giving the background
a considerable prominence in the shot, makes her presence all the
more noticeable as she is the only actor the audience can focus
upon.
Music/lyricsAnd I aint going nowhere cause youre a
keeper.Edit/transitionsCuts to a similar shot, this time a mid
shot, in the same setting of the same star.
Shot type and camera movementA mid shot is super imposed onto a
long shot; both shots have no camera movement, as the images
themselves are mobile. Analysis
Super imposition is a special effect used noticeable in this
mixture of a mid shot, which has no camera movement due to the
figures on screen moving themselves, and a long shot. The main shot
of this video is a long shot that shows the two stars to be sharing
an embrace, while sat on the floor surrounded by many balloon
props. Having them in very close proximity in the frame connotes
they are truly friends, and that they are not just acting for the
sake of the narrative of the video this may encourage the audience
to consider these artists as more genuine. The soft lighting of the
video makes it easy and enjoyable to watch, and no harsh effects
are used to jolt the viewer, such as swipes. The shots either fade
into the next one or have a cut to a shot that is not too different
from the one before, usually of the same setting, giving the video
a flow. The shot that is faintly super imposed over the main shot
is a mid shot of the two stars embracing again, cementing the
friendship displayed in the video. Several balloon props are
floating through the air while this occurs, highlighting the party
theme to the audience, something they would expect from this genre,
making them feel comfortable watching the video due to the
familiarity.
Music/lyricsSo dont your worry, baby you got
me.Edit/transitionsThe shot cuts from the main shot to the super
imposed image layered on top of it, making that become the new in
focus main shot.
Shot type and camera movementA mid shot, point of view shot of
the audience, of the star is used to bring focus back onto them, an
a very subtle pan is used.Analysis
This mid shot reveals the star to be in the setting on a bedroom
lying on the prop of a bed, with the prop of her mobile phone
placed next to her. The prop of the phone relates to the message of
the song, that she is always excitedly anticipating her boyfriend
contacting her as she is in love. The use of the mobile phone prop
as a method of communicating between partners is a modern theme the
video incorporates, making it relatable and applicable to the
teenage audience watching the video. The shot acts as a point of
view shot for the audience, as if we were standing over the star
looking down on her, which creates a feeling of intimacy between
the star and the audience, as we feel we have a new insight into
her life. The stars sexuality is highlighted here, as placing her
on the prop of a bed connotes sex to the audience, aiming to
increase her sex appeal and make the video more enjoyable for a
male audience. Portraying her as a voyeuristic pleasure is a
technique used to achieve this.
Music/lyricsWant it all the time, need it every
day.Edit/transitionsCuts to a two shot, mid shot of the two stars
on the same prop of the bed.
Shot type and camera movementA long shot is used to show the
videos dancers in a very subtle pan that only moves in the lightest
bit. Analysis
Again, super imposition is used, which ensures the shot, though
including new actors, fits in suitably with the rest of the shots
used in the video and creates an enjoyable, pleasurable viewing
experience. The light, soft colours feature again, however this
shot has high key lighting compared to the previous ones allowing a
better focus to be put on the dancers. The dancers give the video
momentum, stimulating an uplifting, fun tone for the video and
conforming to the genre stereotypes. Their costumes consist of
brightly coloured, rainbow themed clothing, showing the dancers are
an injection of life into the video, and that may be something I
will want to include in my music video.
Music/lyricsI got a bad boy I must admit it, you got my heart
dont know how you did it.Edit/transitionsAs expected, there is a
cut back to the main star of the video after this shot, ensuring
the focus consistently remains on the star despite the dancers
being showcased here.