In my pop music video studies, I analyzed the use of storytelling in videos by Olivia Rodrigo, specifically, deja vu and drivers license. The two videos present clear stories and symbols to provide the feelings of the songs.
Particularly relevant in deja vu is the scene in which she was running on the beach. Here she is actually running freely along the beach indicating a contrast to the jealousy in the lyrics. Her facial expressions and body language displays frustration and conflict, yet the beach is so open and expansive that it can be free. The usage of natural light and wide shots makes the scene appear like a movie and also makes it look personal and thought-provoking. The action of the motion in this scene demonstrates how the physical action may reflect the inner emotions- a significant narrative device in pop music videos.
Conversely, there is the emotional detailing in the use of lighting, where lighting is applied in the car, particularly the purple light in drivers license. The shade of purple is dreamy and nearly surreal. Purple tends to signify sorrows, feelings of desire and intensity, so it is appropriate to the theme of heartbreak in the song. The claustrophobic nature of the vehicle confines makes the scene seem intimate and isolated as well as demonstrating that she is alone with her mind. Close shots are shot on her face to make the viewers experience her suffering. The lethargy and minimal movement here are in contrast to the open beach scene in deja vu, which depicts two different forms of expressing emotion visually.
The two music videos incorporate story and performance, but it is subtle. The narration is not forced but rather natural and this makes her appear as a real and a real star. These videos demonstrate the fact that the lighting, the setting, camera movement and symbols can all contribute to the demonstration of emotion in pop music videos.
Our study will contribute to our project. We would like to employ straightforward light effects, dramatic gesture and symbolic background to make the pop song by Annie more touching.
OliviaRodrigoVEVO. (2021, January 8). Olivia Rodrigo – drivers license (Official Video) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmDBbnmKpqQ
OliviaRodrigoVEVO. (2021, April 1). Olivia Rodrigo – deja vu (Official Video) [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci7gQ0jZZ9M
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