Lana Del Ray - National Anthem (textual analysis)

Lana Del Ray - National Anthem holds the genre of pop/alternative. However this doesn't specifically come through on her latest video as it portrays a very vintage feel, using all technical aspects to achieve this such as  a black and white setting as well as dampening the saturation in order to achieve an old fashioned look, emphasised by the costume as well as the narrative. This specific video is narrative as well as abstract, down to its vintage imagery and iconography, as well as there being evident lip syncing throughout.

A box frame has been edited upon the screen in order to create an old vintage tv looking set, which enhances the whole theme of the video. This vintage feel is constructed through the mise en scene, such as the location, costume and props. Her costume is extremely nineteen 40/50's seen through her dress and even make up, a fake beauty spot which is inspired by an intertextual reference, marilyn monroe. Props such as the vintage car also emphasise the 1950's feel, as well as the cigar. These little aspects all build up to create the ambience which lana del ray was obviously looking for.

The Camerawork within this video is dedicated to creating and informing us of a stage image. Extreme close ups are contuinely used as well as a specific steady cam pan up her body to suggest a sense of voyeurism, which Andrew Goodwin theoretically stated. Regular close ups of her nails are also portrayed as they are an icon of her image, which is reguarly seen throughout the media. As well as the constant show of flowers, which are also apart of the iconography that surrounds lana del ray.

The lighting throughout is an extreme form of soft lighting, creating a flawless, almost angelic look. There is also an obvious orange glow throughout, suggesting either artificiality or it was filmed during 'happy hour.' Because the lighting is so bright it almost creates a blurred effect, creating a dream like setting. Slow motion is another editing technique that is vividly used throughout, creating a sense of desirablility towards Lana and her lifestyle within this video. This is conventional within a pop music video as it is predominantly about star image , and star image ( especially with females ) creates a sense of voyeurism which the audience want to see.

The setting is typical of a pop video as it is very romanticised, set on a river/lake.. which creates a slow sombre ambience which the song runs alongside parellel with. This romantic aspect is also created through the use of costume as lana is wearing red, the colour which holds connotations of passion , love romance and desirability. Whereas all the other characters are wearing very muted pastel colours therefore emphasising the focus on to her. There are often high angle shots used in order to show lana as the submissive character within the video which she is proud of as she appears to be the vulnerable protagonist.