Beyonce1+1 analysis

Close up Camera shots are used throughout the music video to show the intentional sexual emotion in her facial expression, they make her seem more connected with the audience as we are allowed to see her reactions and emotions a lot more clearly and she is also making constant eye contact with the camera. These expressions include the ‘chocolate box’ expression- half smile where her lips are slightly parted with her teeth barely visible, this creates a seductive mood as she gives off a relaxed vibe to the watching audience. There are often close up shots of Beyoncé’s lips which emphasises the sexual intent of the music video also as the lips are often seen as a highly sexualised part of the body. Camera shots such as the mid shot is also used in the music video to emphasis her slow and sensual body movement which also shows sexual intent as it puts the focus on her body, which suggests she is objectifying to the male gaze as she is allowing her body to be viewed by men in a sexualised way through her movements and body language.

Editing has been used to slow down many of the scenes and shots that make up the music video; this is used because it enhances provocative and sexy movements which are appealing to male audiences. The slow fading between shots make the audience feel as if they are watching her In person at it acts as the opening and closing of a blink, the idea that the audience are mesmerised by her beauty and sexuality. She is constantly the focal point of every shot as her movements and expressions stand out to the audience showing with her confidence that she is knowingly being objectified by the male gaze. Also the fact in the close up shot the only body parts that can be seen are lips eyes and hands emphasis the element of sex as they are significant sexual body parts as the connect partners intimately. The hand being spread out and flat against some sort of surface indicates there is pressure reinforcing the idea of sex and the point of the song. 

The songs itself is very promiscuous and sexual, through the use of the phrases like ‘make love to me’ although being overly sexual it still holds on to the emotional sentimental feel through the use of slow and sensual singing and instrumental in the background of the song. Beyonce sings the song using a range of different tones in her voice which add to the idea of sex as it shows pleasure and sensuality.

There is many different additions to the idea of how mise-en-scene adds to the overall atmosphere of the music video. First of all is the appearance of Beyonce, her makeup includes a lot of glitter which makes her look luxurious or expensive- giving the idea to the audience that she is desirable and special. Her hair is thick and full of volume; although it looks fairly messy giving the idea of typical ‘sex hair’ she looks careless and effortlessly beautiful. Her lips and eyes are highly made up with makeup as these a features that are made to look highly sexual by the music videos shots- especially her lips which are constantly made a focal point by the camera. Her outfit is minimal, but changes throughout the different shots. Firstly she is seen just above the shoulders but through this shot it makes the audience question whether she is not wearing any clothing at all which objectifies her to the male gaze. She is then shown to be wearing a corset style bra top, it looks to be sheer although her hair is covering her body- this makes the audience curious as her sexualised outfit is hidden through her long hair- thus adding to the sexual idea. Her final outfit is again a sheer top which is covered in diamonds and glitter which again add to the idea that she is desirable and sensual, the sheer style of the top adds to the idea of the male gaze as it adds a lot to the imagination and is appealing to men. the music video is the way when dancing slow and seductively with a male he is seen to be supporting her wrapping his hands round her, like he is in control and she is just a sexual object- suggested by the lyrics and presents of the song. She is seen in an underwear set at some points in the video which again suggests sexual nature and adds to the sexual intent of the song, also pulling in further audiences to watch as the are seduced by it. The element of water is used throughout the music video as it can be seen in a sexual way. She is seen with water dropping over her in a close up shot, the water suggest some sort of fluid suggesting sex. Throughout the music video the background is plain black, this draws our full attention on Beyonce, allowing us to absorb everything she does in a fuller extent. It also gives the impression she is sexually mesmerising as because there is no distractions she has our full attention and we cant look away, emphasising the sexual intent of the way she moves, looks and the lyrics she sings. However at some points there is shots with her in focus with a red lit background which indicates a sexual nature; as red can be seen as dangerous but seductive.