Rihanna Take A Bow
Rihannas Take a bow single was released in 2008...
The music video opening consists of a close up revealing Rihannas arms crossed, clearly focusing our attention on her body language and image as there is a significant focus on the gold jewellary she is wearing such as her gold paiget, necklace and engagement ring to evoke a wealthy lifestyle and conforming to the star image and rnb stereotypes of luxury and over indulgence of iconography.
The camera then continues to pan upwards to reveal facial features as she looks, looking down which could imply rejection and to show the audience she is upset, with a lack of interest, as she gazes down at her arcylic nails as if in a thoughtful state of refection or peering at her engagement ring which brings back memories, also creating irony as engagement rings are meant to suggest a commitment of promise and honesty which has obviously been broken. These items could be used to suggest nostalgic memories and importance to her as gifts. On the other hand it could influence her fans to want to be styled similar to her with golden jewellary, even when attempting to portray emotion Rihanna is always styled with which appears to be her posessions to continue to use her as an icon. This close up shot allows the audience to engage with the artists emotions, perhaps emphasising them as we are focused on only her. The black background and clothing allow us to focus on just her, also conveying her emotions which could suggest emptiness, hurt and a feeling of being alone. Her clothes are also black which blend into the background creating a feeling of nothingness as if her memories and happiness are non exsistant and destroyed, reflecting lower level of confidence. However later on in the video simple midshots are used along with close ups to show a change in mood and reveal more to the audience. The mid-shot eye line match tracks Rihanna as she walks directly towards the camera, while inside the house. The eye line match suggests an element of power and attitude which is supported by the way she walks carelessely forward as if confronting us; the audience, followed by a raised eyebrow connoting sarcasm. This lets us connect with further emotions such as anger and aggression which is portrayed by these actions, as we develop an understanding of how she feels towards her ex; betrayed. The confrontational pointing motion exaggerates her attitude and feelings but furthermore is another convention of n rnb or pop music video.
The editing is rather basic as they just cut from scene to scene however at times there is an odd fade for example when leading up to the first chorus, from Rihanna singing directly to the camera to her in her car to perhaps show her moving on, her next step. This could be suggesting a slow moving stage in her life, as the fade softens the scene and her hurtful emotions. However throughout these clips irony and metaphorical terms are used as she says 'curtains fully closing' to suggest the end to her being treated like a fool, as if she has been laughed at and intimidated because she has been cheated on. As it says this her garage doors are opening to reveal she is driving away and that this is a new start for her and the end of the past and that it is the end of his relationship with her, at the same time as the 'show being over' or him no longer being able to be in her life, company or house.
The lyrics conform to Goodwins theory as they connect to the visuals for example 'standing outside my house' the ex boyfriend is standing outside Rihannas house desperately attempting to get in, again relating to the general conventions to these videos as it strengthens the lyrics giving it more depth and meaning. Rihanna is also constantly used as a way of advertisement throughout the film, two significant shot revealed a close up of her watch and before hand blackberry phone allowing us to see the designer watch in detail and her mobile.
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