Textual analysis

Lana Del Rey – Young and Beautiful

This video is simplistic which means that it doesn't have much editing. This is effective as the raw vulnerability is best for a love song. It also follows conventions as the editing matches the pace of the song; because it is a slow song there is very little editing.

Lana is multiplied through the use of mirrors which gives the idea of her having a large presence. This makes the audience think that she is important and relevant in the media.

The props and costume used within the mise-en-scene reflect and reinforce the tone of the song. The violins within the orchestra, the dark colour scheme and the teardrops on her face demonstrate that this is a sad song.

The colour red is used which connotes love and passion as this is a love song.

Both the colour purple and the diamonds that Lana wears connote luxury and signify her wealth and riches. Lana has been quoted saying "my music is a luxury" and so this is how she wishes to be seen by an audience.

Conventionally, facial close ups are used to display the emotion of a character to an audience. They are used in this video and we can see Lana’s unguarded emotions. Her sad expressions also reinforce that this is a sad song. There is no narrative but there are performance elements, for example when Lana is lip syncing. It is when she lip syncs that we see the close ups on her face.

The use of lighting to create shadows at the orchestra create a ghostly effect which represent a dead love/romance which is what the song is about.

There is the use of body language within this video as Lana frequently touches her face. Her hands to her neck are seductive which shows that she wants to be seen as desirable. Her hand to her forehead again indicates her sadness.

There is the cinematographic use of a dolly. This is when the entire camera moves backwards or forwards. Moving the camera backwards distances a subject by making it appear to be smaller and therefore further away.

As the song ends the conductor of the orchestra relaxes his arms. In an orchestra this is known as the ending to a performance. The lights also fade away, plunging the orchestra into darkness. This gives the song a simple and conclusive ending.