Music Video analysis Miley Cyrus- We can’t stop

Intro

We can’t stop features many conventions of a pop/ R&B video such as:

> Violence > Drug use >Drinking > Relationships However many of these aspects are presented in a subtle way and in unconventional ways

The begging of the video starts with a close up of Miley. The video is very much there to promote her new image. The bold yellow writing re-emphasises this point and promotes the artist . Therefore we can deduct that her image is what will sell the video and song.Contrasting to the previous shot of Miley, the lighting and mise-en-scene of the costume and walls is dark and disrupted by the fog. It emphasises the promotion of Miley as the shots she's not featured in, are dark and ambiguous.

The inclusion of the two shot, shows a typical scenario of a couple at a party. It also links to the representation of Mileys new image of rebelliousness and sex appeal. Again the shot is darker and looks more like footage from a party.

An unconventional image of roasting marshmallows relates more to the youth culture. The inclusion of lighters relates to Mileys image, however it is made more innocent through the bright colours and the use of marshmallows.

Again another close up is used to display the events at this party . A food is contorted into a skull which could signify death, rebellion or toxic substances. The symbolism within Mileys video is supressed to an extent as she is trying to rid her old image without being to explicit. The medium shot of Miley allows the audience to see her provocative pose and dancing. The setting of the shot and outfit is all white which highlight her face and tattoos. Conforming to the genre of music again, Miley sheds her good girl image.

The slow editing of the knife being drawn across the fingers hints towards violence and a issue within youth culture. The video is extremely relatable to the younger generation as issues featured are extremely relevant. The pink liquid mimicking blood is seen as humorous and a joke. The image is also kept to one side of the frame in order to create the contrast between the white and pink liquid.Another pun is made with the

dancing teddy bears. The long shot highlights Miley at the front and central of the frame, relating to Carlsson’s commercial exhibitionist. The innocence is taken out of the bears due to the dancing and relation to the rest of the video. It highlights the rejection of Mileys old image and welcoming the new.

Direct mode of address is used in order for Miley to connect with the audience. Her sultry look paired with the red lips emphasises her lusty image. The made up hair, tattoos and gold jewellery are conventional to R&B/Pop.

The contrast in this medium shot between the blue of the water and black of the swimsuit and glasses show the corruption of the party and edginess of Mileys image. The censored tag also physically shows the more explicit imagery Mileys music video contains.

Editing

Slow motion and normal passed editing is used in order to keep in time with the slow beat of the song. Frantic images are made to look more conformed and less eccentric. However there are a variety of different settings and scenarios that are edited together to create the one party.

Camera

A variety of shots are used in order to highlight key themes within the music video and market Mileys new image.

For instance a lot of close up shots are used to present Miley to the audience and her new attitude.

Long shots are used to present the scene and the party vibe to the audience.

Theories

Goodwin's theory of disjuncture applies to this video as the lyrics have little relation to what is happening on screen.

Shores theories of simulated experience, anesthetization of violence through chic, adolescent male fantasies and immediate gratification can be applied to We Cant stop. This demonstrates its social currency and relation to youth culture.