Analysis of a music video: Lana Del Rey- Born To Die

For our research into music videos we were selected the 2012 song 'Born To Die' by Lana Del Rey to analyse. The video itself being both a performance and narrative piece we expected there to be a general plotline involving the singer herself (which indeed was the case). Furthermore the song's title 'Born To Die' was in fact the inspiration behind the video as we predict our main protagonist's lives to end in tragedy and destruction (the video itself touching upon death and religion). As well as this, the video's non linear structure assists in evoking a sense of intrigue from the audience towards the somewhat ambiguous storyline.

Our opening scene introduces our two lead protagonists in a somewhat non narrative sense. Beginning with a medium long shot the camera slowly zooms forward depicting the male and female characters in a semi-nude embrace in front of a rippling American flag (a symbol for both their patriotic roots and their connection with the 'American Dream'). As they are partially naked it may be inferred of the sexual relationship between the pair; Del Rey appearing delicate and innocent contrasting indefinitely with the tattooed rebellious looking male.

We are then transported into a typically grandeur religious building (possibly that of palatial Roman origins) through a camera tilt. Revealing Del Rey again sitting upon a throne in white angelic clothing and also guarded by two tigers; this being symbolic for her wealth and most likely upper class roots within the plotline. We later learn that this church is in fact a metaphoric heaven as Del Rey portrays such avirtuous, dream-like appearance.

Our next scene presents the beginning of our narrative confirming with an establishing shot that the two previous characters are together to fulfil the 'American Dream' . Once again embracing, the body language states that the two are running away together and that the rebellious male is taking the class female away inside his car.

Broadening from the basic narrative throughout the video, we can later see a two shot close up of the runaway couple kissing and dispaying sexual affections towards each other. It is evident to see that the two are trapped in a passionate love with each other. However, it is also obvious that the male has a negative effect on the female, as if being a bad influence towards her and tainting her innocence. Hinting towards their self destructive pathway and his stereotypical bad boy image.

Another hint foreshadowing their futures is that of quick cuts to the couple arguing, the mae in particular acting in a peculiar and threatening manner. A short clip reveals the male gesturing towards Del Rey's head in a gun like motion, which eludes to the belief that he will be the death of her. As well as this, these smaller snippets suggest the slow breakdown of their American dream.

An alternative hint towards their demise is that of segments of the pair in bed, filmed at a high angle shot to almost confirm the female's helplessness. From their body language their is certainly tension as Del Rey lies with her body away from the male, with a blatent facial expression of resentment; whereas the male faces towards Del Rey whilst his fingers caress her neck. At first glance this may be denoted as a sexual gesture however an alternate interpretation hints towards that of him being the death of the female protagonist.

Through a later segment it is easy to notice the imminent danger which the couple face with a police car chase. With an over the shoulder shot, the female glance over at the male driving as they are pursued by police cars, as he is the one who is instigating the trouble. The red and orange lighting from the police car is also a symbolic trait for danger, as if a warning of the dangers ahead.

When we are then cut back into the calm church building a close up of Del Rey's angelic persona connotates death with a singular gesture of her thumb across the neck (a common motion of 'murder). This is the first time the character herself portrays a signal of death, confirming that the previous scene is a signal for the trouble they faced. Accompanied with the lyrics 'We were born to die'.

Later on we are shown a medium long shot of Del Rey's character crossing a corridor of lights flashing on and off. This may be inferred to be purgatory as the character finds herself lost in a setting of both darkness and light (following the lights ahead). Her attire of a lace white dress also gives a sense of ghostly angelic qualities with her, once again hinting towards her death having took place.

Our final scene leaves us with a sense of ambiguity as it may be characterised into three meanings. The scene itself depicts the male character in the foreground holding the bloody corpse of his lover, both of whom are semi nude; whereas the background shows darkness contrasts with red flames swaying in air. The first interpretation may be that this scene is indeed reality and shows the wreckage of a car crash which lead to the female's demise proving that he did in fact murder his lover in the end. Secondly, the next interpretation may be that Del Rey's outcome from purgatory was that she was sent to Hell for doing such corrupt deeds. However, the final theory is that of the male character being put into Hell faced with the guilt of killing his lover for all eternity, contrasting indefinitely with Del Rey's character who was sent to heaven as she is of course innocent.

The very final scene is in fact the opening scene repeated, this time with an almost ironic effect, as the two characters despite being originally symbols of love and patriotism, achieved nothing but self destruction and the opposite of the American dream.