Research: Similar product research 10, Taylor Swift 'White Horse'

This video begins with diegetic sound in the form of a conversation between two estranged lovers, one of which has been unfaithful to the other. The male love interest says 'can you give me another chance' to which Taylor does not answer. This sets up the emotional journey that this woman will go through in order to decide. This breaks the conventions of a music video however while doing so makes the narrative of the video very clear. The establishing shot shows a window with rain during from outside. This foreshadows the heartbreak which will follow in the video and also implies the sullen mood of the protagonist.

The lighting in this shot has enabled the cinematographer to create a lot of shadows which further implies the depressed mood of the protagonist. The audience notices that this will not be a video to make them happy but instead one that will make them feel sympathy for Taylor Swift's character. The costume choice also contributes to the narrative as she is wearing a loose fitted grey jumper. The representation created is that she is dressing for comfort because of recent heartbreak. Clothes often suggest mood, for example is a woman is feeling confident and happy she may wear a dress, the opposite representation is created in this music video.

A flashback is then shown on the screen. The audience can see from the increased lighting and change in costume (the protagonist is wearing a lighter coloured dress) that this part of film is from a happier time in their relationship. The closeness created by the tightly framed two shot implies that they are in love. I think I may use a shot like this in our music video has it symbolises a loving relationship.

This medium long shot I believe shows that the two lovers are in their own worlds oblivious to outside judgment but merely enchanted by their mutual love. This is shown by the distance and lower angle of the shot as well as the fact that the characters are not looking into camera. Therefore this shot captures an intimate moment. The shot begins in focus and then blurs out. This could possibly further represent the intimate and private moments of their relationship that are just for them.

I really love this medium close up shot which displayed the hands in the foreground of the photo in shallow focus and blurs the background (the two lovers). I think this is symbolic of their current closeness (e.g. the intertwining of the hands). However the fact that the male character is more blurred than the female and placed further in the background could suggest a one sided relationship.

However the narrative changes as the dietetic sound is heard once more. The shot shows one of the protagonists friends saying 'There is something you should know about him' after this the diegetic sound ends and the singing continues. We can see the two having a visible conversation as the protagonist eventually looks devoted. This shot marks a change in the narrative and the song as the flashbacks are greatly reduced and Taylor Swift sings 'maybe I was naive'. Which signals her changing mindset.

The protagonist is filled with emotion as we can see from this close-up. She looks out of the window and appears to realise that she has to let this relationship go as she sings 'I'm gonna find someone someday who might actually treat me well'.

The diegetic sound from the beginning of the video as the male love interest repeats 'can you give me another chance'. In response to this the ASL decreases and the viewer sees flashes of shots which we assume is her memories with him. The protagonist replies with 'no' and the audience therefore rejoices as we witness a woman regaining empowerment and control.

How this researched has influenced my planning: 

• This researched post has shown me how to successfully break conventions using diegetic sound. 
• I will re create some of the close up shots in the video which is useful to show romantic relationships.
• Use jumpers to symbolise loss of will. 
• To use a montage of shots with a shorter ASL at the end of the video to show memories tormenting the mind.