formation- textual analysis, themes and representation

formation- textual analysis, themes and representations


Context

 Formation, lead single for the album Lemonade, was released the day before Beyoncé performed at the Super Bowl final in February 2016. The Formation music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, was released with the song.This music video has won numerous awards including a Clio Award for Innovation and Creative Excellence in a Music Video at the 2016 awards, and has been nominated in the music video category at the 59th Grammy Awards.The video is set against the backdrop of the flooding in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina and the associated racial tension in America, and also draws historical parallels with references to racism and slavery.


 Initial analysis - themes of conflict

the theme of conflict is shown in many ways, the way the black community is treated in modern society by the police, the way they were treated during the time of slavery. this reference can be seen in the clotging used in certain shots mimicing that of slvae traders and holders.  
the function of this music video is to get the audience to think and reflect. by comparing the treatment of slaves to the treatment of the modern black society. by it also being eleased to seen to the superbowl it also was designed for a large audience. therefore not only targetted at the black comunity for tyhem to refect on their own treatment but other ethnicities and their actions upon others. 
the large political statemnt is not typical of a music video as it can cause large contiriversy. 



  • this is representation of black culture 





  • this shot is taken in front of a large white manor house. this is commonly associated with the homes of slave owners as seen in many films. 
  • the use of black clothes could symbolise the mourning of those who died on these plantations and conflicts with the commonly seen white outfits wore by slave owners.
  • the dominant posture and layout of the people also symbolises their power and success over slave traders as they now control their homes. 



  • in this scene there are portraits along the walls similar to the style white slave traders portraites 



  • this scene is designed to show black culture. in this example it is through the use of wigs.
  • this is a form of beauty and a form of self expression. 




























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