Music Video Analysis Beyoncé- If I were A Boy

Narrative e.g. linear/non-linear/cyclical, common narrative elements (Propp), disruption and resolution (Todorov), binary opposition (Levi-Strauss) The genre of ‘If I were a boy’ is RNB. The song is a slow paste song as it has a understanding narrative. The narrative is based on a relationship which has problems females and male face when in a relationship. This is seen through the scenes of Beyoncé acting as the male. In the end we see who is being hurt which is Beyoncé. The song also explores problems in relationships. Also how males treat females stereotypically. The narrative is non linear as scenes are not in order. At the start of the music video we see Beyoncé as the wife, in the middle we see Beyoncé as the police officer and husband. At the end we then finish off with Beyoncé hurt as the wife to contrast back to the start of the beginning of the music video. This was used purposefully so the audience understand both sides of the relationship. In the music video costumes are used to illustrate the couples status. We are shown Beyoncé as a police woman and the male as a officer worker, both jobs are seen as good paid professions, we are shown that it is two normal individuals living life, this could signify to the audience every relationship is not perfect. The narrative is quite clear as we are shown how men are supposed to treat their women in a relationship in a women's point of view, this is smart as people may relate.

Film Language e.g. mise en scene, editing, camera, sfx, sound (song) In this song there is lip syncing used very well, it is used when Beyoncé switches roles as a police officer. Beyoncé deliberately done this to illustrate how a relationship should be. Most of the music video lip syncing isn’t used. This is because they might of wanted to concentrate on the narrative of the story. Lighting is used throughout the music video and many scenes. It is in black and white to illustrate the contrast between two characters and their roles. TV used to be shown in black and white this could connote scenes in the music video as memories and old troublesome relationships. Non diegetic and diegetic sound was used in the music video such as at the start of the video we see Beyoncé and the husband saying words which may be included in a relationship. ‘intimacy’ ‘honesty’ ’commitment’ ‘YOU’ ‘ME’. It also may connote what Beyoncé assumes what a relationship shouldn't be like. It comes across as hypocritical as both male and female are seen with the opposite sex which is seen as not right in society. In the music video Beyoncé quotes ‘It’s not like I’m sleeping with the guy’ It then cuts straight to the male saying ‘It’s not like I’m sleeping with the girl’ illustrating contrast and both perspectives of how anyone would feel in a relationship. In the scene we are shown a long shot so the audience can see the location and set they are in. We see the male against the wall leaning whilst Beyoncé is sitting down with her mirror table taking off her earrings. The house looks modern and clean this could suggest they are financially stable as we see that the male is a police officer in the end. The music video contains various camera shots. The most used is medium shots, this is because it is better to see facial expressions in depth and movement. This is useful as the audience will get to know how the characters are feeling. For example in this mid shot we see Beyoncé as the police woman with uniform, shades and a cup of coffee. This is highly unlikely coming from a female. As many critics may say being a police officer is a ‘man’s’ job. Feminism may come into the equation as some audience members may not like the fact a woman has a ‘man’s’ job which is wrong.

Also there is a scene were Beyoncé is in uniform and she teaches one of her colleagues how to aim the gun right, as they are in an ammunition store. They are then looking at each other smiling. We are shown the flirtatious relationship, it also gives the audience suspicion of what is going on. Editing is used throughout the music video, black and white is used deliberately as it can connote their breakdown and continuous problem in relationships. Continuity editing is used in the music video as we can see different scenes from each character. Most of the scenes are of a woman playing a man’s role. This is was used to get their message across which is being in a relationship has to be fair, vice versa in everything. Towards the end we see the role reversal illustrating the same shots. For example we are shown the couple walking down the stairs. This makes the audience obvious of the role. It is also a break for the dialogue to commence. The prop used frequently was the gun especially in the shooting scene. Guns are stereotypically used by men, It is odd to some viewers to see a women shooting in an ammunition. This gives a understanding reverse role of what Beyoncé is trying to achieve. Any female can do as they want just like a male. A medium shot is used so we can get a clear view of the gun and Beyoncé her self wearing the uniform and the background location is shown which is the ammunition store.

Representation e. g. how is the artist represented Representation e.g. how is the artist represented? What is the representation of youth culture? Beyoncé is represented as a strong independent woman in elements of the music video. Voyeurism is used in the music video as Beyoncé's sexuality is enhanced even though she is playing a male role as a police officer. In one of the mid shots we see Beyoncé putting on a white vest top. White is associated with light, goodness, innocence, purity, and virginity. It is considered to be the colour of perfection, also it could mean safety, purity, and cleanliness. The camera moves down her body, this draws the male audiences attention. Also even though she is playing a male role she is still feminine. It could also connote that some females are used as sexual objects and are to please men. The purpose of the narrative is shown again when the boyfriend is seen looking at jewellery, which is typically something that a female would do, there is an over the shoulder shot shown here, this allows the audience to identify who it is that is looking for this jewellery.

Semiotics e.g. iconic signs, symbolic signs, indexical signs The music video is shot in black and white. Which may connote Beyoncé reminiscing. It was set in New York so it illustrates how it could be illustrated in any location and the normal everyday lifestyle Beyoncé is trying to convey in the music video. A lot of females are having hard troubles in a current relationship. Men do commonly do hurt their partner in todays society. The music video follows the same stereotypes of police American movies as props are included such as their costume, glasses, hat, badge. The video illustrates what men commonly do to hurt their partner. For example not answering text messages, calls.