CRITICALLY ANALYZE A MUSIC VIDEO
1. Select a music video to discuss. It can be any genre of music from any period of time. Try finding something that you can listen to on repeat so this assignment isn’t torturous.
2. Begin your paper with a link to the video you’ve picked to write about, the name of the artist and song title.
3. Select at least two questions from the list below to explore. Pick something that you can apply to your video, the narrative, or why you chose it. Answer them in detail. Form a paper that has a logical flow.
4. Your paper should be NO LESS than 350 words, with a basic 12-point font. ☺
Video Analysis Questions
Semiotics
• Do you see any symbols in this video? What do they symbolize?
• What culture do these symbols resonate with? Would they symbolize the same thing in another culture? Do they resonate with you?
Social and Cultural Issues
• What does this video assume about its audience?
• Is the artist for or against anything?
• Is the video racist or sexist?
• Does this video support any stereotypes?
• What political or social issue does this video bring to mind?
• Does the video use any historical video/film clips? How does it use the clips?
Formal Qualities and Analyses
• What process do you think was used to create some of the images in the video?
• Describe how the color in the video is used to portray certain emotions, feelings or
meanings.
• Write a visual description of a particular scene or image in the video.
Interpretation/Intent
• What does this video say to you?
• What does it say about the artist?
• Is there anything of which this video reminds you? Is there anything in the video that reminds you of something you have studied in school?
• Do you see any works of art in this video? Do you believe the artist was influenced by someone else or a specific period/artistic style?
Aesthetics
• What attracted you to this video?
• What are the most effective parts or aspects of this work of art?
• How would you persuade others to appreciate this work of art as much as you do?
• How could you convince someone to appreciate an artwork that they think is not art? How could you counter this person’s argument?
