Narrative Analysis

Lana Del Rey - Born to Die

 

A linear structure is used within the narrative structure of this video. This music video provides evidence of Kate Domaille's theory 2001, as she states that every story ever told can fit into one of eight narratives. The narrative that fits in with the idea of Romeo and Juliet, carrying out the conventional idea of a love story. Within this video Lana Del Ray and a male have an intimate relationship, it creates the idea of a relationship including arguing and there is also a death at the end, as there is in Romeo and Juliet and Titanic. The representation of the two characters within the narrative makes it a recognisable and conventional love story. Also, the theory of Tim O'Sullivan 1998 applies, as he argues that all media texts tell us some kind of story. Through careful meditation, media texts offers us a way of telling stories about ourselves. For example, in this music video, the ideology is in relation to finding "true love" and sticking with them until death, this is important in our society as generally it is what everyone wants. The idea that this video is conveying is that Lana Del Rey stayed with the character, despite the fact he was rebellious and not good for her, this shows she was going against the opinions of others and following her heart. As the theory suggests they are not usually our own personal stories, but the story of us as culture or set of cultures. Theory allows up to be aware of a particular set of conventions, such as this video where a male and a female fall in love, as this is stereotypical.

Todorov's theory is also relevant to this video, as he believes within a narrative, there is an equilibrium, a disruption occurs then the equilibrium returns, as the problem is restored. In this video, there is a happy theme to start with as the female and male are content with their relationship, this is shown through intimacy and them being together in various different places as the portray feelings of happiness through facial expressions, they fall out, as they are both alone and show signs of being upset and distraught, this stands as the disruption, then at the end they come back together again, repairing the damage of the disruption. The first shot of them hugging in front of the USA flag, is also used again at the end, to form the feeling of happiness and calmness that was existent at the beginning, this refers to the equilibrium being achieved again, in reference to Todorov's theory. Also, Levi Strauss states that we see the world, people and places by binary oppositions, his theory states that all narratives are arranged around the conflict between the opposites, the theory can be applied to this video as it is Men Vs Women, during the video there is some element of conflict as they fall out and merge back together at the end. Michael Shore's theory can also apply here, as he created the idea of all videos being recycled styles, most videos seem to include topics such as power, love and the idea of the 'ideal' life. These ideas are used repeatedly in forms of media, including this video, as all of the above concepts are applied in Lana Del Rey's music video. As they theme of love is strong throughout, the 'ideal life' is them being together, and power is existent within this relationship. These are all recognisable aspects that audiences have witnessed continuously throughout the production of all music videos.