Media Language TurnTables

Question 1

Camera:

Answer 1

• tracking shots of Janelle Monae, walking through a kitchen, sense of movement and change, reflecting the change that monea wants to see. It is also significant that she is moving through the kitchen as it suggests the role of women changing.
• arch shots which literally show something turning, which links into the title of the song ‘turntables’. friths theory of amplification, where a line or in this case line and song title is expanded to create a theme for the music video.
• absence of close ups in the video the problem america is facing is not just being faced by monea but all black americans, universal message and less individualist perspective. Low angle shot of monea walking in beginning, only see her feet, sense on ambiguity communicated, indicating that the struggles are universal for black americans not just monea.

Question 2

Editing

Answer 2

• Most of the transitions in the video were straight cuts, usually fast as well, to give an energetic, fast paced feel to the video. This overwhelming energy is motivating and empowering for the audience.
• There is also a cyclical structure, starting and ending with the beach; by the end of the video, Monea is seen pulling out a statue of the water. The statue is an african goddess, showing that female ethnic minorities have been downed in the past, and now monea is trying to empower women from ethnic minutes to stand up.

Question 3

Lighting

Answer 3

• The high key lighting of the video gives it a lively feel, and creates a positive undertone to the video, showing the audience there is hope in a dire situation.
• There is diegetic lighting in all of the historical scenes and in the scene where monea is going into the sea. The diegetic lighting gives a naturalistic feel to the video. Emphasising the video’s raw truth.