Detailed Analysis (Taylor Swift Wildest Dreams)

Overall, the music video for ‘Wildest Dreams’ generally follows conventions of a pop music video.

Firstly, concept/narrative is conventional for both pop music videos in general but more importantly, for Taylor’s videos in general. This is because it is based on a love tragedy. This is effective as it makes the audience enjoy her videos more as they enjoy that genre.

Another genre convention that has been followed is the costumes Taylor wears are fashionable and fit within the concept of the narrative. This is beneficial as her fans link in with the clothes she wears and aspire to be like her. The costumes and the environment are usually neutral colours with bright tones. This convention is presented by her star image motif of her red lipstick and retro look. This is effective as it helps the audience make links between her lipstick and her image.

Additionally, the music video also includes a large number of close up shots of the artist. This works well as it shows the audience her lip singing, whilst giving direct address to the audience. This makes the audience feel a part of the music video as if they are there with her.

A further convention that has been followed if that there are quite strong relationships between the lyrics and the visuals in an illustrative way. For instance, as Taylor sings, “His hands are in my hair”, the image

to the right is shown on screen. This shows a passionate relationship between Taylor and the male actor. However, there is also some example of amplifying media. For example, when Taylor sings, “No one has to know what we do”, the image to the left is shown on screen. This can be speculated to represent that they are having a secret relationship or possibly an affair. However, this image is left open to interpretation to the audience.

A final convention that has been followed is that there are several examples of notion of looking through curtains and mirrors (examples demonstrated in images presented to the right). This makes the audience feel as though they should not be looking but intrigues them to see further insight into Taylor’s private life.

However, this music also challenges conventions in ways like portraying the artist in a happy mood. Alternatively, in the music video, “Wildest dreams”, Taylor is portrayed to be quite angry and controlling. Despite the negatives of this, it is effective as it shows her audience that she is like a normal person and how her life is not perfect.

A further convention that is challenged in this music video is that there is no set number of beats before the shot cuts. This shows there is not a strong relationship between the music and the visuals. Conventionally shots tend to cut between 2-4 counts but in this video it ranges between 1-5 counts. This is effective as it unnerves the audience in the way so much so it can be inferred to represent Taylor’s emotions in the video.

A final convention that is challenged in this music video is that there are no intertextual references. This can be seen to portray her originality as she does not need to copy someone else’s idea.

From this we can conclude that a music video does not need to meet every piece of criteria in Goodwin’s theory to be successful. This is evident in Taylor Swift’s video for “Wildest dreams”.