6a music video comparison exercise

Music Video Comparison

Nicki Menaj vs Chrisitna Perri

Mise-en-scene (location, props, costume, lighting)It’s being filmed in a studio with props like a ice motorcycle and a pink Ferrari . Nikki is wearing a pink giraffe print onesy. Also they are lit mainly form behind to show them as being iconic / godlike

Camera shots, movement and position Close ups of artists face form her head height. Camera does not move when filming but moves forwards and backwards between shots.

Relationship between music & visuals (editing)

She is rapping about her and a mans fame and riches and is showing props such as planes, a pink Ferrari to match her clothes and hair.

Relationship between music & lyrics (editing)

Whenever a unusual lyric is approaching another layer is added to the music to get the attention of the listener.

Mise-en-scene (location, props, costume, lighting)

Speakers made of ice in the background to represent melting the speakers. Also there are dancers with Nicki wearing matching outfits and dancing In unison with her in a studio being lit from the top.

Camera shots, movement and position Mostly wide group shots with a few panning shots across all of the girls individually and a few close ups of just Nicky as she is the focus.


When the beat of the music speeds up the dancing speeds up and the length of the shots become shorter but when the lyrics stop and he beat slows down slightly the shots become longer and dancing slows down and become smoother and there are less sudden movements.


When the chorus is being sung there is more focus on individual performers but when the singing stops and there is only a beat playing the girls are filmed as more of a group. Also whenever the word “superbase” is used it zooms and enhances on it speakers.


In a dark studio room with men and women on plinths surrounded by flower petals all wearing glow in the dark costumes. The men are sitting on stools with the women on top of them. Also wearing glow in the dark lipstick.

Camera shots, movement and position

Mostly group shots of all of the women dancing on the men simultaneously or close ups of either only a few girls dancing or just Nicky but Nicky is always in the shot .


The girls dance and move in the men in time with the music and sometime stop when the music stops. Also towards the end a man gets up and dances as well to show his masculinity.


The majority of the dancing is done in the sections where there is singing and some phrases have the same repeated dance moves e.g. when the word ‘boom’ is repeated the body roll is always used.


On the street sitting on concrete steps. She is holding black leaves. she is wearing a costume that is similar to a wedding dress that resembles happiness but has a dark filter and a misty area.


close ups of her face with sad facial expressions and seems to be almost crying . Some shots are form the side the clarify that she is sitting on the steps.


The first line if the song is “ I can’t take one more step toward you” and she is sittling down to show she is not walking and taking steps but also she is sitting on steps


The music is movig at the same slow speed at the beginning of the song but slowly begins to speed up. Also the music and notes are longer and more stretched at this point of the song.


On a smoky street with old and rusting cars. She is still wearing a wedding dress like dress. Also the street is empty and deserted.


The camera movements are slow and smooth either moving away or around her appearing to avoid her. There are very few close up shots of her face or body.

Relationship between music & visuals

The music begins to speed up and become more layered as the story line builds and reveals more.

Relationship between visuals & lyrics

Effects are used to to show images of Christina Perry’s soul appearing to be stolen when in the car at the same time as the words in the song reading the same thing.


In the same smoky street but now backing dancers are joining in with an umbrella and leaves being used as props.


The camera is begging to use more close ups and panning and zooming are happening more quickly compared to the beginning of the song.


As more dancers and props are becoming involved the music is speeding up and again becoming more layered. Also now the music is becoming louder and more noticeable to the listener.

Relationship between visuals & lyrics (editing)

As more dancers and props are being involved into the video the lyrics start to describe the storyline more and the lyrics are beginning to become more emotional.

What representations are created?

Nicki Menaj Video…

This video is very negativ and sexual representation of a woman who has no story

Christina Perri Video…

This video shows negativ erepresentation of men and tells a story of a man who breaks women's hearts.

Compare the two video’s using the technical terms

Nikkei's video uses mins-en-sence and props to show negative representation of women. Christina uses plot and story of the music video to show negative representation of men.

Entertainment & Humor

6a music video comparison exercise