EXTENSION: Shot-by-shot breakdown of Lorde / Perfect Places.

To inspire shots for my own music video, I did a breakdown of shots for some of Lorde's music video Perfect Places. It helped me identify patterns in the cinematography and the reasoning behind why the particular shots were taken.
 1. Mid-Shot: This is the opening shot to the music video. As mentioned in my analysis of the video, the shot and it's composition is very important. The mid-shot allows the audience to identify Lorde and her surroundings. The symmetry of the composition means the audience's attention is drawn to Lorde. Her focus is down the lens at the audience instantly engaging them. 
 2. Close-up: The two shots are bridged together by Lorde's eye contact with the audience. The close-up adds intimacy between the artist and the viewer. The composition adds interest between the two mid-shots where Lorde is central, but remains visually appealing because of the rule of thirds. 
 3. Mid-shot: This shot is the same as the first shot the viewer sees, apart from the fact we are viewing Lorde from behind. The fact the camera is moving along with Lorde means the viewer feels included in this experience.
 4. Mid-shot: This shot allows the viewer to see both Lorde and the bonfire. The fact she is in front of it implies her power and importance in the video, introducing the fearlessness she portrays throughout the visuals and lyrics of the video.
 5. Close-up
 6. Establishing shot: With no 'characters' in the shot, and the camera is moving, it makes the viewer feel like they are in the shot. Makes the viewer feel as though they are experiencing the same thing as Lorde.
 7. Mid-shot: The fact it's from a low angle reinforces the idea of Lorde being a powerful, fearless character.
 8. Extreme close-up: The intimacy of this shots reveals a vulnerable side to Lorde. The lighting in the video allows us to focus on the side of her face illuminated by it. It makes the audience feel as though they are sharing something personal with her.
 9. A wide shot: We see Lorde from behind as she walks up to the gate and leans on it. The wide shot lets her stay in shot as she moves and we are able to see what she is appreciating as she appreciates it. This sets the premise for the whole music video. 
10. Long shot: The viewer is introduced to a different setting but the audience still has that connection to her through the eye-contact she makes down the lens. 
11. Mid-shot
12. Mid-shot: Again, the viewer is able to see both Lorde and what she is looking at. 
13. Mid-shot:
14. Close-up
15. Close-up: These subtle changes of shots/angles adds interest to the video but ensures there is continuity. 
16. Long shot: Composition is important here. Rule of thirds is used so attention is drawn to Lorde.
17. Long shot: Through analysing the video I have realised a pattern with the cinematography. Every time a new setting is featured in the video, a long shot is used to establish Lorde's surroundings. She is often placed in the centre to remind the audience she is the main feature of the video.
18. Long shot
19. Mid-shot
20. Long shot
21. Long shot: As there is a new setting, a long shot is used. Again, Lorde is placed in the middle. Although she seems small compared to her surroundings, her interaction with it suggests that she is at peace with it. 
22. Close-up
23. Close-up
24. Close-up: The three previous shots are close-ups of Lorde in three different settings. The similarity between these three ties them together. 
25. Long shot
26. Long shot
27. Mid shot
28. Mid shot
29. Mid shot
 30. Mid-shot
 31. Long shot
 32. Mid shot: A series of shots are used as Lorde runs through the grass. They switch between the front view and back view. The camera is always moving. This creates a disorientated feel for the audience which mirrors what Lorde appears to be experiencing herself. It's here that the tempo of the music changes so the addition of more transitions and the quicker pace to the action works effectively.
 33. Long shot: Similar to one the audience has seen before apart from the focus is less on her surroundings (the cliff) and more on her because the cliff features less in it. She is no longer overshadowed by it and stands out against the neutral background of the water.
 34. Extreme close-up
 35. Long shot
 36. Long shot
 37. Long shot
 38. Mid shot
 39. Mid shot: New setting. However, this time the sequence of shots is almost reversed. It begins with the mid-shot, where the audience can see the business of the setting and take everything in. 
 39. Long shot: The next shot is even further away. This helps the viewer identify Lorde's isolation in these formal situations, which reflects the lyrics of the song. 
 40. Long shot: The camera moves even further away from Lorde. These succession of shots are very quick and replicate that uncomfortable feeling.
 41. Mid-shot: The next three shots contrast the previous three. Lorde is shown in this mid-shot to be relaxed.  
 42. Mid-shot
43. Close-up: The video returns the familiar pattern of moving closer to Lorde as the shots progress. 


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