My second music video that I've chosen to analyse is Primadonna by Marina and the Diamonds. This is your typical pop song with a twist. It's fun, fast paced and has a flirty, voyeurism aspect to it. Which isn't abnormal for most pop genre artists. I've chosen this song as it's similar to the ideas I have for my music video, still incorporating some alternative effects relating to Charli XCX's music video.
The video starts of cinematic with an opening title of the artists name and then title of the song. I like this because one, you know what you're watching, and two it gives it some different dynamic. I think it also expresses the theme of the song which is 'Primadonna'. According to Wikipedia Prima Donna is the first lady, or leading role, in an opera act. They grew noticeable for being very demanding off stage and for having grand personalities. In modern day, it has been associated with someone who has an inflated view of his/herself. This is exactly what the director portrayed in the music video via camera, mis-en-scene and editing.
Starting off with camera angles, I've noticed the camera is mainly focusing on close up shots and medium shots. These are frequent which indicates a sense of spot light on the star. In the video it is only her and 99% of shots used are of her again instigating the root meaning of 'Primadonna'. There's also a sense of voyeurism in the video with these angles. Some shots are tracking, following her around a ball room and some are high looking down on her on a bed. It gives a vibe of some sort of 'home movie' style. Like a child at home pretending to be a star. There's also a continuous spotlight on her through out the videos, giving us the sense of voyeurism and also hints to us her lust for fame.
(Medium, close up, high, tracking shots.)
Now onto the mise-en-scene. From the first initial shots we recognize what type of persona Marina is playing. Her style of make up, dress and location all indicate someone of 'Marilyn Monroe' influence with the bright red lip, defined eyebrows, blonde curled hair, and striking eye make up.
The reason I say Marilyn Monroe is she was known as a sex symbol for many men back in the 1950's and also a diva or primadonna. It is a clear match that Marina and the director have gone for this iconography. Even Marilyn's famous beauty spot is being influenced by Marina's heart on her cheek.
Below I've captured all the costumes used in the video, and being a typical pop/diva video there are quite a few costume changes.
Referring back to Marilyn Monroe's status as 'sex symbol' in the 50's she was never full front about it like in today's era. It was always very discrete, and I've noticed this in Marina's music video. Her outfits aren't shouting 'look at me, I'm half naked!' but they suggest to look in certain areas. For example her blue and pink ensemble. This similar pink dress was seen in her film 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' .
Her cleavage is clearly being shown but not to the point of obvious nudity, it's all very subtle like Marilyn.
The location choice of a large ball room with hanging chandeliers and the 40/50's style glamour bedroom supports the directors choice of Marylin Monroe inspired intertextuality. These all match with what the lyrics and music are portraying, primadonna's living a classy, prestigious lifestyle.
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