MUSIC VIDEO ANALYSISLana Del Rey – National Anthem

Goodwins Theory1) Music videos demonstrates genre

characteristics2) There is a relationship between lyrics and

visuals3) There is a relationship between music and

visuals4) Music video meets demands of the record

label

Lana Del Rey – National Anthem

Music Video Demonstrating Genre Characteristics

The most obvious way that this music video demonstrates indie genre characteristics is through the editing. In the beginning of this music video, the image is in black and white. A lot of indie music videos do this because the black and white colours provoke more emotion for the audience. This video also has a retro filter on it to make it look like the film has aged. This is because the narrative of the music video is set in the past and it is meant to portray past events. This creates realism for the audience and allows them to connect more with the artist.

Another way that this music video demonstrates common indie genre characteristics is through the fact that the music video is performance and narrative based. The performance in the beginning of this video allows the artist to showcase their talent. The storyline is used in this music video to help the audience to relate to the lyrics of the music through the visuals.

Lana Del Rey – National AnthemRelationship between lyrics and visuals

Overall the lyrics of the song have a have close relationship to the visuals as it is a very patriotic video and it reflects the real life events of what happened to president JFK in the 60’s.

Some parts of the music video are illustrative, for example when the lyrics are “kiss kiss” she literally kisses the male actor.There is also a point in the video where the lyrics are “wining and dining, drinking and driving.” and at this point the lyrics are Illustrative as well.

Lana Del Rey – National AnthemRelationship between music and visualsIn the beginning of the music video, when the artist is singing the camera focuses on the artist using close ups and extreme close ups to emphasize the fact that she is the solo artist. The relationship between the music and the visuals is also amplified by the pace of the cutting rhythm. When the music is slower, the cuts are slower, and when the music picks up pace, the cuts are faster. In some parts of the music video when the pace of the music is slower, slow motion is used. The use of slow motion allows the audience to take in and understand the narrative of the video.

Lana Del Rey – National AnthemDemands of the record labelThis video is heavily edited. In the beginning of this video, it is black and white. This is a common convention in indie music videos as it gives them a more melancholic feel as well as a retro edge. This really helps to meet the demands and expectations of the label because it is important for indie music, along with indie music videos to be able to provoke the feelings of the audience. The demands of the record label are met because the artist represents a specific style throughout the music video. This whole video has a very retro feel and the artist portrays this through her 60’s inspired hair, make up and outfits.