Task 1+3: Analysis of music video, focussing on narrative, genre, media language and representation.

Beyonce's video Irreplaceable has a narrative structure where the video tells the story of the lyrics. There is also an element of performance where she just performs on stage for the camera. Beyonce is the main character and she is basically kicking her boyfriend out and taking back all the stuff she bought him, she is also telling him that she's not upset and she can easily find someone else to replace him. This is a big contrast to a video like Akon's Lonely video. Both video's are based on adultery or cheating. Although the difference is Akon is a man.

Beyonce's video is mainly aimed at teenage girls or women. It is an RnB song that presents women to be strong and not so emotional. Where most videos portay women to be an object of desire this is also present in Beyonce's video. For example there is a part where Beyonce flicks her hair in slow motion while looking at the camera, her cleavage is also on display.

In terms of mise en scene the lighting sees beyonce alot in a golden dim light. It is a way of showing that she's glowing. In this picture below you cannot see her just a sillouhette of her body. This also adds to the way women are portrayed. She is a strong independant woman, but also an object of mens desire. It is as though she is trying to seduce her viewers.

However in contrast Akons video women are seen as vulnerable, weak and always crying and often in distress. This reflects a mans view on women in the media. 

Beyonce-Irreplaceable

Akon-Lonely