Researching and Analysing Music Videos

When it comes to music videos it can be said that more and more of them appear in different forms. Narrative music videos, for example, integrate a storyline with music accompanying it as a soundtrack. Therefore, it can be said that music videos are closely linked to short films - while being produced for promotional or artistic purposes.

All Too Well: The Short Film (Taylor Swift, 2021)

All Too Well is a film adaptation of Taylor Swift's 10-minute version of the song 'All Too Well' - acting both as a music video and a short film. This narrative piece is seen to portray the story within the song; with scenes matching the key moments in the lyrics. It stars Sadie Sink and Dylan O'Brien as a couple in a romantic drama whose relationship ultimately falls apart.

The opening shot:

The storyline begins with a sound bridge as the audience is introduced to dialogue and soon after, the opening shot reveals the couple and immerses the audience into their world - through an overhead shot and a 4:3 aspect ratio. All of these stylistic choices demonstrate a nostalgic image, which is intimate and enhances the mood of the non-diegetic music thats begins to play.

The use of clichés:

Throughout the narrative several clichés and conventions are used, such as the use of titles to mark different stages in the storyline. Moreover, an 'orbital kiss' is depicted as the camera spins 360 degrees. 

The use of camera work enhances the storyline; tracking, medium close-up and point of view shots are made use of which allow the audience to take in the actors' performances and follow the narrative. Additionally, the use of close-up shots help to portray the protagonist's emotions - another conventional shot and angle of a camera's viewpoint in romantic dramas. 

The conflict:

The conflict stage of the narrative is portrayed through the kitchen argument as the storyline takes a dramatic turn - a change in lighting from warm tones to harsh ones and the music stops abruptly as dialogue is reintroduced. Throughout the stage and the overall storyline, the camera is fluid and incorporates several long takes rather than breaking up the scene into rigid shots.

The closing shot: 

The ending of the narrative comes in a contrasting parallel to the opening shot as the audience is introduced to the protagonist - 13 years later - with O’Brien no longer being important to her. This is shown through the camera work and set design; we see only the back of O’brien’s head and there is a physical barrier between the two characters. 

Overall, the story uses camera shots, angles and composition, as well as several motifs (such as the colour red and the scarf) to demand attention from the audience. This promotes focus throughout all scenes and is something I aspire to do with my project. I would also like to try incorporating longer takes to convey fluidity in my scenes and immerse the audience into the narrative.