Music Video Analysis

Ariana Grande - Focus

There are many conventions throughout this video that make it a 'typical' pop music video, these include performance footage/ singing towards the camera, straight from the start, Ariana sings towards the camera, This creates a direct mode of address between her and the audience. The chorus also shows us synchronised dancing, which is also quite popular within the pop genre. much like other pop videos, the editing pace matches with the beat of the song, making it seem like it fits with the production of the video.
A difference for this genre is that this particular music video does not include a narrative story, it is all performance.

The first few shots of this video are only of Ariana's lips and eyes. Lips are a sexualised part of the body, so showing this feature in the first second immediately gives a representation to the audience of her not wanting to be known for her acting on a children's programme but as a musician.
Ariana is classed as an American sweetheart, and it is obvious through this video she is trying to break out of the role she has been given.
She is also shown in a light, creating shadow on all of her recognisable features, making her just a body, this contrast of shadow and light also highlights the way her body looks, supporting the unrealistic body image presented throughout the video. In some shots we are only shown her exposed legs, which will create unrealistic body goals among the younger audience, which is the majority of her fan base.
It isn't until the chorus that she is fully shown and given an identity.
The lyrics of the song also support the ideology that women should be a thing to look at, meaning they should take care of their appearance and clothing.