2. Rihanna - Diamonds
‘Diamonds’ is a popular music video directed byAnthony Mandler and features the music star itself Rihanna in the video.
This music video is part of my similar product research as I like the lighting, the use of close up shots, symbolism and the idea of
parts of the video been shot in black and white.
I also like the reverse effect used in this video, giving a sense of emotion which partly related to the lyrics.
Camera
The video immediately starts with a scene of diamonds which was expected due to the song title called ‘Diamonds’.The whole
music video is shot in Black andWhite, a good inspiration as I want to do something similar.A tilt is used showing the diamonds
being touched, probably by Rihanna.With only the scene lasting 3 seconds, another shot of diamonds are shown however this time
it’s a close up.
A wide range of different scenes are then showed which only last for 1-2 seconds. Quick editing is used in order to build an effect of
something serious.The Fire scene connotes something dangerous happening, a high angle, hand held shot of a road is used to
emphasis of running away, also tilting up slightly to see someone running, and then a close up of diamonds being rolled in a
manner suggestive of making a joint – a scene reminiscent of the single's artwork.This is portraying the diamonds being used in a
negative and unhealthy way, rather than considering it as a luxury.
3. Rihanna - Diamonds
A wide range of shots from close ups to mid-shots are used of the performer.The light used in the background only focuses on her.
The black and white filter/effect gives the video more of a vintage feel or gives a sense of emotion. The camera zooms into the artist
while she is singing the song and making eye contact with the camera.
Another shot is a low angle slanted shot used on Rihanna, portraying her dominance when she is performing, while the light are
flashing in the background.
I like the idea of how she is performing in the music video with only one effect and that is
the light. I can adapt this idea into my own music video.The lighting is very important in any music videos, in order to make the artist
stand out in the scene and be more on focus.
4. Rihanna - Diamonds
The close up of Rihanna is shown again while she is singing.This time there is some sort of shadow on her face as the lights are
positioned on her face.The shadow looks like a fence or some sort of caged window, portraying she stuck inside this dark room.
There is a jump cut to two hand held onto each other while the lyrics over the scene is ‘You and I’, therefore portraying the relationship
Rihanna is having and, gradually throughout the video, the hands are let go of each other.
A zoom in is used (on the 4th picture), Rihanna looks up with her hands together while singing ‘You’re a shooting star I see’ hence the
body language.The shadow of a fence or some sort of window is shown again but this time very clearly, maybe illustrating that her
confidence grows which is represented through the lighting.
The Slow motion shots of the two hands separately slowly and at the end eventually they are let go.
5. Rihanna - DiamondsEditing
A lot of quick cuts are used in order to show the tension in the music video.A lot of editing also includes green screen effect to get the
aurora lights halfway through the music video.
The music video portrays a powerful emotion which the artist is feeling,
and through the quick cuts constantly, it builds tension for the audience.
Reverse Effect is used when objects are going back to it’s original place after being dropped or chucked on the floor.
6. Rihanna - Diamonds
Mise-en-scene
The flowers represent love, romance and happiness however if the objects are falling and vases are breaking it could may mean
something negative.
Another scene is consisted of shattered glass being shown to the audience, shattered glass signifies
There is also many outfit changes throughout the videos, from a black corset to jumpers, to outdoor cardigans and shorts with simple
makeup.
There is also a scene of a rose burning in flames, which signifies something about Love and how it has been destroyed.Objects
around Rihanna are going back to it’s position. Reverse editing has been used to give emphasis on the situation that everything is
sorted.While the objects are going back to it’s place, Rihanna’s body language proves that she is upset about something.
The next scene moves onto the two hands which eventually are let go, probably linking into the mixed emotions Rihanna is
portraying through her body language.
Location is changed halfway through the music video, the outside signifies that Rihanna needs to move with the situation and get
out of the dark room.
There is a black horse running free while there Is another black horse on the floor.There is a low angle shot of the horse stepping on
it’s hooves and standing up signifying the freedom.
