Analysis of R&B Video

Chris Brown - With You



This video is concentrating mainly on the artist Chris Brown; he plays the main role in the video. He lip-syncs throughout the video using a variety of side shots, mid shots and close-ups.
The video is both performance based and narrative based. He showcases his dancing skills in the video appealing to many male fans and also female fans. This could be that its a demand of the record label (Goodwin's theory on music videos); they want to represent the artist as both a good dancer and singer. Also he tells a love story in the music video with the use of a female actor. It is shown that there is some conflict between them and that she has left him; this shows a link between the lyrics and visuals. Then it moves on to him reminiscing about their relationships. There are some shots which may appear sexual; this could appeal to the target audience as its showing a realistic view on a relationship. The girl is stereo-typically good-looking with a 'sexy' figure; this refers to the media of only using girls who look good. Also it could appeal to male fans. In reference to Goodwin's theory on music videos, there is a strong use of objectification of women. There is also a complimentary use of a link between the music and the visuals.
The video is set both outside for example the streets and the bus and inside e.g. his apartment. This shows a realistic view on a guy that his age, who would spent both time in his apartment and outside. The surroundings appear realistic and don't look like sets made for the video. It captures a laid-back feel to it with the mixture of dance and narrative in it.
There is a variety of shots which include pan, close-ups, long shots and establishing shots. The majority of the video uses a niche type of filming and editing, to rotate the shots and make it appear that he is sat upside down in his apartment and walking upside down.