Music video essay question



The music video, Stop where you are, starts promoting Corinne Bailey Rae with having the first shot of the video as a mid close up of the artist giving direct mode of address as she emerges from the darkness into the light, taking up pretty much the whole screen. This opening represents her being introduced before the song begins and immediately connects her with her audience promoting her as being respectful. Although the shot only lasts for 2 seconds and there is no music, it already gives the video a face to connect with which is quite calming as she has a sombre and neutral face. The following shot is a close up of her lower leg and foot which could be seen as quite seductive which could grab the attention of the audience. Although we are not told whose legs they are, it is obvious that it could only be the artists so this gives her the representation of being free. She remains the focus of the beginning 20 seconds of the song whilst there is no one else introduced. The artist herself is promoted as being the light as juxtaposition between the dull, linear estate and her bright flowy red dress is used. The estate is filled with horizontal and vertical lines portraying the representation that life goes in one direction and everyone should follow the rules and stick within their boxes but the artist portrays as being different as she is colourful and happy which is shown through her smile and her freedom that she shows by waving her arms around. Low angle shots are used frequently looking up to her showing that she may be superior, setting an example? This could also represent her as a goddess figure as she is constantly shown with light behind her shining brightness through. Therefore, this promotes her as being a role model and someone who audiences can look up to as she is represented as being different. Finally, in the beginning she is represented as being confident with herself which is overall promoting her in a good light.

As the video continuous, more characters are introduced from all different backgrounds - ages, genders, cultures and ethnicities - showing an inclusion of everyone which reflects on the representation of the artist as embracing everyone no matter who they are. Throughout the video, she interacts with them by talking to them and sometimes helping them which promotes her as being compassionate, loving and caring. This is shown the mid shot of her with a tattooed man and his dog which in the beginning, he is represented as being sad and misunderstood but once she comes down to his level in this shot and interacts with the dog, it makes him smile and be happy and they laugh together which can promote her as being grounded and understanding which attracts audiences as they would not think that she is stuck up.

In one shot between Corinne Bailey Rae and some teenage characters, she is presented as being powerful as she tells them to stop where they are whilst they run towards her in a wide shot which immediately creates the shot to be in slow motion. This is done once she puts her hands up towards them which can show her as having the influence on them to stop and think. This promotes her as being wise and experienced as the characters are listening to her which means she must have some power.

Overall, Corinne Bailey Rae is promoted in this music video in many different ways, all in a positive light. She is presented as being different to other artists out there since she can relate to her 'misunderstood' audience containing a wide range of classes, genders, ethnicities and ages. She is mainly presented as being a role model containing all positive attributes such as compassion, love, experience and influence. Therefore, she is promoted well through the different representations portrayed.