Lorde - Perfect Places Music Video Analysis

Lorde - Perfect Places

As my chosen song for my music video is by Lorde, I wanted to familiarise myself with the characteristics of her music videos. As this video was released on August 3rd 2017, it is the most current and realistic representation of Lorde as an artist.

1. Thought beats - Where you 'see' in the sound. 

It's clear to say that even to those who aren't a fan of  Lorde's music, she has a very distinctive voice. When Lorde first entered the music industry with her song Royals in 2013, listeners and viewers were met with a female artist that had a unique sound paired with a unique outlook. She has undoubtedly made a mark on the music industry and it was said 'in a moment when too many new artists seem[ed] afraid to offend or go off script, Lorde [was] an exciting contradiction' (Lindsay Zoladz, Pitchfork).

Four years later and Lorde continues to avoid the common narratives with her Perfect Places music video. Within it, Lorde not only acts as the narrator but she is also the only performer. This brings a level of intimacy between the audience and Lorde as the audience feel as though they are being directly addressed and are the only ones sharing these moments with the artist. This is one of the things that makes Lorde so successful; her ability to have such a personal connection between her and her audiences.

2. Narrative and performance

The importance of Lorde being the only person who features in this music video must be stressed, as it paints Lorde as a powerful woman who doesn't need to rely on the crutch of a failing romance to produce an interesting and repeatable music video. Instead, she's trying to reach out to people who can relate to the struggles that comes with that formative era from being a teenager to an adult. From a review by Stacey Anderson, Pitchfork, it is said that 'Melodrama (the album in which the song Perfect Places features) is Lorde's study of being a young woman finding her own conviction in unsteady circumstances.' This is reflected perfectly throughout the music video as she allows all the focus to be on her in multiple different situations - even down to the fact she is by herself in a boat, on top of the 'unsteady' waters.

This therefore makes the video as real as it can possibly get, which would ensure the repeatability of the video as young woman in particular could use it as a resource of empowerment. Most of the locations used are natural, such as when she is surrounded by plants, when she is by the sea and when she is in the water in a cave. This only highlights Lorde's raw and unmasked approach to music as well her want for people to see her for who she truly is.

3. The Star Image 

The indie rock genre is dominated by men, which makes it hard for female artists like Lorde to make a statement and get recognition. However, this is something Lorde has never failed at doing. In the Perfect Places music video, the different 'sets' and 'scenes' show she's very diverse. In some clips, like the very beginning, she is shown to be walking through long blades of grass, inquisitive and fearless.

The fact this is the first thing the audience see; a woman dressed very conservatively and complexion very bare, it makes a statement that she doesn't need attention drawn to her femininity in order to grasp the audience's interest.

Nonetheless, throughout the video she is shown to be wearing long, flowing dresses. Although that showcases her femininity, the fact no one else features in the video, suggests that this is for Lorde's own personal celebration; the fact she can dress however she likes, can be whoever she wants to be and that she's doing it for herself.

The aforementioned means that Lorde is portrayed in a very authentic light that would be influential for many young girls. The music video is equal parts beautiful and simple, which makes Lorde appear attainable and real.

4. Relation of visuals to song

Although the lyrics aren't directly illustrated through the visuals, they perfectly reflect the title and the chorus of the song. Each location, each shot, showcases the beauty of nature, insisting that they are perfect places. The whole song embodies what it's like to be young, free and careless and the shots of Lorde being all of the aforementioned helps drive home the message of the lyrics even further.

5. Technical aspects of a music video

Mise-en-scene was evidently a crucial part of the Perfect Places music video. As previously mentioned, the video had to appear authentic and real which meant locations were important. Within the video, Lorde is seen in the woods and by the sea, playing with artificial light and with fire. It is important that Lorde is shown to be comfortable in every location and in every situation; to show that she is at one with nature.

Cinematography was used in the video to bring both the intimacy of Lorde with nature as well as with the audience. Long/wide shots are used so audiences can see Lorde interacting and appreciating the nature around her. Many of these shots are taken from behind, so the audience feel as though they are part of the experience too.

In many shots, Lorde's address is directed towards the audience. If she is not looking at her surroundings, her focus is down the lens. This is made even more intimate by the use of close-ups.

Editing was clearly used to create a rich, cinematic style to the video. For each different location used in the video, there is a different colour scheme that connects Lorde with her surroundings so effortlessly.

Here, rich blues and greens are used to encompass Lorde within the scene. She can't be intimidated by her surroundings because she is part of it.