How are media

representations of Taylor
Swift challenged in the
video Blank Space?
Blank Space is Swifts attempt to challenge
the way the media choose to represent her.
She exaggerates her behaviour through the
medias perception within the narrative.
It makes the audience question whether she
actually behaves in the way the media portray
her.
WIDE/ESTABLISHING SHOT
Swift is positioned centre-shot, in
an extravagant, luxuriously grand
room, this emphasises the
exaggeration of the narrative of the
video. The miniscule size of her
compared to the wide shot of
which she is framed in gives the
audience an idea that she is almost
doll-like as if this perfect world
is her own doll house.
GENERAL MISE-EN-SCENE
The balance of the room in
which Swift is situated
represents a degree of
perfection within the
atmosphere; it suggests that she
is in a perfectly ordered world,
one of which she retains ultimate
control.
COSTUME BLACK LINGERIE
Suggests that she possesses a dangerous, menacing,
yet seductive personality. This use of costume acts
as an element to sexualise her; this emphasises the
stereotype of women being objectified this links
to the previous shot (Wide/Establishing shot), in the
sense of how she can be perceived as an inanimate
object to play with.
COLOUR SYMBOLISM
Referring back to the discussion on costume, the black lingerie contrasts the
sheer quality and lavish interiors within the mise-en-scene of the light, soft
hues that form the background. She catches the eyes of the audience, not
only because the colour she is wearing conflicts with the predominant
colour the shot, but also because she is positioned in the centre of the shot,
breaking composition rules of photography.
In addition, the fact that there are elements of fantasy in this music
video, the colour black could perhaps suggest the idea of Swift portraying
the role of a witch, which enhances the concept of her being a controlling
and malicious figure.
INTERTEXTUAL REFERENCE
The red apple in this shot connotes that danger is foreboded, as an apple
seems harmless, but the colour of it may suggest darker ideas. The fruit CLOSE-UP SHOT
also makes complete reference to the feature-length film Snow White and The use of an extreme close-up gets
the Seven Dwarfs, where a poison apple is used for the antagonist to gain the audiences attention this also
total power. In the video, the apple acts as her temporary boyfriends head, reinforces the idea that the media
which reinforces the idea that she carries dark magic one which a isolate her; as her head is almost
sorceress would possess in order to manipulate and control her long list of centre-shot and is practically cramped
within the dimensions of the screen.
ex-lovers and more to come.
She is acts as a magnet to the media,
as she attracts so much attention
MODE OF ADDRESS from everyone.
The eye contact Swift makes seems to
be directed towards the viewers RED LIPSTICK
watching this video, this could imply Red carries a duality, in terms of what is represented in this music video. For instance,
that she is forcing out a message to the red symbolises intense and passionate love, which is an element of the narrative (the
world. Similarly, The use of breaking two main characters are in a relationship). However, a more prominent meaning, which
the fourth wall and looking bluntly into gradually becomes evident as the storyline progresses, is the idea that danger is in the
the camera creates a strong sense of mix; someone in the relationship will inevitably become vulnerable. Red also makes
intimidation. reference to the Femme Fatale archetype, meaning that the person in this case the
male in the relationship will be susceptible to Swifts controlling dark powers; she will
reign over in the relationship.
 RULE OF THIRDS
FOCUS PULL
The male, who is perceived as physically larger in
The use of the focus pull in this shot could suggest that
the shot as he is closer the camera, is actually the
everything revolves around her; the fact that her beau,
belittled figure as he is placed further to the side of
who is out-of-focus, has all of his attention on
the shot. Whereas Swift on the centre-right
something else and not on Swift, in-focus, not only
corner of a third, is balanced pleasingly within the
implies that he may have little interest in her, but also
shot. She would draw the audience more because
tells the audience to pay attention to her as he is not.
of her positioned which, again, would gain the
She does dominate the shot, as she is seen clearly;
attention that she so desperately desires.
ultimately meaning that if he doesnt pay attention,
then the whole world should so they can see what is
to come.

FOCUS PULL CONTINUED

The use of this element also brings to attention that the male is used as an object
in this relationship; the fact that he is blurred out of clear vision, could hint at the
idea that he is replaceable, that he is just an external addition used to enhance
her image. This also subverts to stereotypes of women being objectified as it is
the man who acts as a toy, as well as women in power. Despite that point, the
music video has elements which conform to female stereotypes (being needy and
desperate; always-wanting-a-man; unstable and hysterical without a man).
BIRDS EYE SHOT MISE-EN-SCENE
The positioning of the camera A little bowl next to Swifts shoulder contains
catches the eyes of viewers, as Swift black-and-white heart-shaped candies; the
is set in the centre of the shot. This colours could represent the duality of their
suggests that we should be focusing relationship. The white signifying purity and
on her more than anything else as peace (as they are both not disturbed by
she is the primary subject of her anyone in their world); black epitomising
world. This camera angle could also trouble and fear fear he couldve avoided
suggest that there is a powerful force and should been aware of, if he was paying
watching her from above, which attention.
emphasises that everyone is
watching her even omnipotent
beings are constantly observing what
she does, just like us. BLOCKING OF PEOPLE
The mans face his identity is practically cropped out of the shot, implying
that his face has no purpose. This makes reference to the title of the song
Blank Space; she could insert anyones face to substitute the previous man, as
it all seems to be based purely on appearance.