Music Video Analysis - Influence 2: 212

To introduce us to the song 212 we are welcomed with a mid shot of the artist (Azealia banks). The composition consists of Azealia located in the centre of the frame surrounded by a brick wall. This creates a dominant feel and links to her role within the music industry. Shot in a basic black and white effect, gives us the impression of a dull theme… however, the upbeat tempo of the song and the editing automatically creates an energetic vibe to the video. Shortly followed after we are supplied with a low angle shot of a traffic light that you would typically find within America. This object gives us a sense of a built up area within a urban location. It too also resembles a dominant feel as traffic lights have control over traffic. This could resemble Azealia Banks having control within the video. This fits in perfectly with the rap element of the song. Fading back to a mid shot featuring the wall, we are welcomed with another actor. He of whom is male. Remaining in the mid shot the man faces and stares directly at the camera whereas Azealia faces sideways whilst singing to him. We assume Azealia has power over this man, as it seems he is not permitted to sing/speak. Both dressed predominantly in basic urban clothes we once again are placing the costumes closely with genre.  Switching to a different location we are shown a long shot of an isle within a low budget supermarket. The tight isles create a claustrophobic feel but as the camera tracks down, it creates the sense of a journey not knowing what’s at the end. Next a close up shot of Azalea’s mouth becomes predominant. The close up express the importance, in this case her meaningful lyrics. It also creates voyeurism as the mouth can be classed as part of an intimate feature of a woman. We automatically believe this is to appeal to the male audience, as they would be sexually attracted to this. Referring back to different locations, the next scene once again portrays urban scenery. This of which consists of cars parked outside an American housing estate. As the camera tilts up, we are focused upon a door leading to a house. This may have some significance to the video but is not yet recognisable to the viewer at such an early stage.  Switching back and forth to the close up shots of lip-syncing we are visually welcomed with the lyrics typed upon the screen. Creating a strobe like effect the fast editing switches rapidly from the lyrics to the close up of the lips. The switching is edited to perfectly fit to the up beat tempo beat. Majority of the video is shot in front of the wall. The simplicity of the wall allows the artists/actors to stand out and promote their image to the public. Throughout the course of the video we are shown a magnitude of dance moves. As the song gradually picks up pace so does the dancing. This helps to build up the song to the climax (drop) and keeps the audience interested. To the end of the video we are once again shown establishing shots of urban scenery. Once again tying in the genre with the location. Most of these shots are blurred out to follow onto the next scene, one of which is the last. This displays Azealia in a mid shot whilst the camera zooms in and out.