Analyzing Taylor Swift's Blank Space Music Video

A music video is a short film that combines music and imagery for promotional and artistic purposes. Over the years, music videos have evolved from simple scenes of bands playing instruments to multimillion dollar high-concept performances, thanks to the availability of cheap digital video equipment and platforms like YouTube. The song is always produced before the video, as it serves as a guide for directors and producers in creating visuals that enhance the song's message and appeal to the audience.

Music videos are often an interpretation of the lyrics in the song, although some videos are simply filmed versions of live performances. Regardless, the main purpose of music videos is to promote an artist or band and their music. Various factors are considered when producing a music video, such as the setup and departure of different moments and the significance of certain scenes.

In this paper, the author will analyze Taylor Swift's music video for her song "Blank Space" using the tools from the book "Experiencing Music Video: Aesthetics and Cultural Context". The video, which was shot over three days at Oheka Castle in New York, tells a narrative story that aligns with the song's lyrics. It depicts a couple whose relationship turns sour when the man cheats on the woman, leading to her seeking revenge. The video and lyrics showcase the anger, jealousy, and eventual breakup, with the woman continuing her cycle of ex-lovers.

The connection between the lyrics and visuals is evident throughout the video. Taylor Swift's actions in the video mirror the lyrics, and there are instances of word painting, where images align with specific words in the song. The video also maintains a strong connection between the music and visuals, with cuts and shots synchronized with the beats of the song (Vernallis 161).

The color scheme of the video follows the norm of using neutral colors in electropop videos, but certain scenes alter the color scheme to evoke different moods. The costumes and setting play a significant role in creating these mood shift. Additionally, Taylor Swift takes the foreground in the video, as her movements and actions align with the song's lyrics and rhythm (Vernallis 57).

The target audience for this music video is anyone familiar with Taylor Swift's public image and the media's portrayal of her love life. The video serves as a mockery of these stereotypes and can be seen as directed towards those who stereotype her as a "boy-crazy" woman.

In conclusion, analyzing the "Blank Space" music video reveals the technical and aesthetic features that enhance the audience's appreciation of the video. The video effectively portrays the narrative described in the song's lyrics and maintains a strong connection between the visuals and music. The color scheme, video foreground, and target audience all contribute to the overall impact of the video. Through this analysis, it becomes clear that music videos are not just a promotional tool but also a means of artistic expression.