“If I were a boy” by Beyoncé Knowles, was released on the 12th of October 2008. The songs main plot is the difficulties of relationships, and the inequality between the sexes. The music video reinforces this idea, through a narrative of a male and female role reversal. For the majority of the video, Beyoncé is shown going to work and ignoring her supportive husband. Her behaviour is striking to the audience, who see her as ignorant, selfish and not really interested in her partner. Midway through the video the roles switch, revealing the couples reality. This is when it is revealed that she was showing how life is for her and that her husband is actually the police officer and she is the one he isn't taking much interest in. The audience then feels sympathy for the female, and questions the accepted behaviour of both genders. It gives you mixed feelings on the couple and who is actually in the wrong and whos side we should take.
One main scene is the role switch and when it is fully revealed. Beyonce is seen flirting with another man, and when confronted she states he is “so jealous”. The roles then change, and the scene is shown reversed. The dialogue in this scene helps emphasize the feeling of inequality whilst helping the audience relate.
Style
The video opens with a short dialogue of the woman and man, describing the important factors of relationships. This scene adds impact to the message of the video.The film is shown in narrative form, although there are short performance scenes at the end. This is after the audience understands the full meaning of the song. The whole video is shown in black and white, showing the opposite nature of men and women. Black and white makes it more effective and sets the scene.
Voyeurism is included when we see the shot of Beyonce in the changing room getting undressed. There is a mid/close up of her chest and body in just her work trousers and bra. The dress that she is wearing in the above photograph is very tight to show off her body.
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