By Fahad Miah

MUSIC VIDEO ANALYSIS - TAYLOR SWIFT MINE

Performance Scene• The performance shots are of Taylor located in an exotic looking

woods surrounded by pictures of her and her boyfriend hanging on string. The lighting is very bright which suggests that she is content and positive about their relationship. When the setting is shown through a low angle shot we can see the sun peering through the trees, giving the video a very natural feel which complements her country roots. • Within the performance scenes there is a lot of close up shots to

develop the idea of ‘star image’ as she was a fairly new artist when this video was produced and by using close ups allows the audience to recognise the ‘star’ and beginning to get familiar with her character and music.

• Her costume is a simple, white, dress which represents purity and delicacy which is later contrasted when she is dressed in black during the argument with her boyfriend when tensions increase. Taylor’s appearance is very simple with natural hair and minimal make-up, connecting with the natural surroundings she is in.

Past Narrative• Compared to the performance scenes, these shots have dark

lighting and has also used soft focus to allow the audience to realise the difference between the past and present. These shots are used very explicitly alongside the lyrics ; ‘Do you remember, we were sitting there by the water?’ and ‘You say we’ll never make my parents’ mistakes , during the shots of them walking by the sea and her parents arguing.

• Taylor Swift’s costume still remains white, still suggesting purity and peacefulness, which again is contrasted in the argument as the relationship is no longer peaceful.

• Most of the past narrative shots are high angle shots to give the audience the impression that they are almost looking down into a camera watching their past. From the first shot we can see that they are clearly in a happy relationship which contrasts her parents relationship as shown in the last shot. The parents are out of focus but we can still see that they are arguing. A side portrait of Taylor is in focus to tell the audience how she is being affected by her parents relationship and inside she hopes when she’s older that hers isn't like that.

Future Narrative• Apart from the scene of the argument the lighting in these shots

are very bright as they are significant and happy times during the narrative. The lighting during the argument scene is purposely dark as this is probably the weakest and emotionally darkest part of their relationship and in the video. Taylor is always positioned on the left side of the camera (the weakest) suggesting that her boyfriend has the dominion over the relationship and it’s relying on him to keep it going which is shown especially within the argument when she walks away and if he hasn’t have followed the relationship would break.

• The walking out of the argument was also taken explicitly from the lyrics- ‘I ran out crying and you followed me out into the street’. The explicit meanings allow the audience to follow the narrative much easier as there are direct links between the video and the lyrics. Taylor’s appearance still remains natural suggesting she is still the same girl as she was when she met him even after everything they have been through.

• The image of Taylor and her family at the beach relates back to the beginning when Taylor and her boyfriend were in the first stages of their relationship, walking across the beach, and now they are still together but with their own children. The majority of the camera angles are mid-shots which allows us to see Taylor and her boyfriend and at what stage they are in their relationship as the narrative continues.