1. Unit 29 – Music Video Production
Music Video Analysis Worksheets
Music Video Analysis - Sexuality
Song Title: Wrecking Ball
Artist: Miley Cyrus
Directions: As you closely watch the music video, answer the following questions with
as much detail as possible.
1. Describe any sexually explicit body language:
Throughout the video there is a number of sexually explicit body language portrayed by Miley,
for example presses a sledge hammer against her and even licks the hammer, creating a sense
of lust and that although the relationship between her and her ex-partner is over she still wants
him, adding to the idea that women need men.
2. Who is more sexualized – men or women? Both?
In this particular video although it is about a heterosexual couple, there is no men within the
whole video, however it is very male dominated. Throughout the video Miley is portrayed very
sexualized due to her either wearing white hot pants and a crop top or being naked, and mostly
due to her sexualized body language such as licking a sledge hammer. Therefore you can argue
that like most media texts it creates the idea that women have to portray themselves
provocatively in order to please men, therefore anchoring the idea that women are objectified.
3. Are there sexually explicit lyrics or messages?
4. How are subjects of the music video dressed?
Throughout this music video, Miley is dressed in either hot pants with a crop top or is naked.
Although you can argue that by being naked Miley is objectified, it also creates the idea that like
most women who come out of a relationship, Miley is extremely vulnerable and that she feels
she gave everything she possibly could to maintain the relationship with her ex-partner.
5. Describe the relationships between the men and women: Are they long or short term?
Casual or serious?
This video relates to a heterosexual relationship which is now over. Throughout the video a
negative representation of heterosexual relationships is portrayed. The way Miley is portrayed
creates a very vulnerable and emotional representation of women who have just come out of a
long term relationship. Also although the relationship is over, Miley is still surrounded by a male
dominated environment for example the mise en scene has been constructed to resemble a
building site and even when she is naked she is still wearing male building boots, therefore
creating the idea that in a heterosexual relationship it is very male dominated and that women
depend on a men to support them.
6. What’s the message of the song?
The message behind this song is about a heterosexual relationship breaking down and the
women not being able to cope, becoming very emotional and vulnerable due to women
depending on their ex-partner and regretting their actions during the relationship.
7. What type of music is the song?
The type of song is a pop ballad