An important part of analyzing a music video is understanding its construction of reality. From many people’s perspective, this is a realistic view of the world depending on the circumstances of a relationship. This song is exemplifies the feelings someone may have following a break-up that they regret intentionally ending. Therefore, it is supposed to be realistic, as it tells a story that the listeners and viewers may have a connection to. Reality would be portrayed in this way for the artist and the song because it is based off of a real event in the songwriters’ life, and emotes feelings that many others have experienced or are currently experiencing. The unique (and only unrealistic) part of the video is when it snows indoors. Majority of the video, she is just sitting around her house, her bedroom, her kitchen, her bathtub, clearly doing nothing more than being genuinely depressed about the situation, which is what many people would do in that same position. Over all, I would agree that the video fits the song’s meaning, along with the artists fan base/ the pop culture of today.
Next, there are codes & conventions. I would not say that the video displays many mentionable stereotypes or symbols of the genre, but I would agree that the song does. Taylor Swifts lyrics, "I miss your tan skin, your sweet smile..." may somewhat imply that it is important for men to have those things. Although a lot of our society would agree, it isn't. Also, Swift says, "How you held me in your arms that September night, the first time you ever saw me cry." These lyrics, in some perspectives, could represent the steriotype of women being weak and/or fragile. Again: although a lot of our society would agree, they aren't. Other than these two quotations, Taylor Swift actually does an effective job of going against stereotyping. A stereotipical thing for someone do to is always label the man as 'the bad guy' in all relationships. In this case, Taylor Swift is admitting to her faults and confessing her regret, stating that the man did everything right and she was the one who had taken advantage of him.
Other important factors to consider includes creeds and values. As she grieves around her house, in deep thought and rependant, it is evident that the biggest emotion this song expresses is regret. This can also be seen through her lyrics, "It turns out, freedom ain't nothing but missing you wishing I'd realized what I had when you were mine. I'd go back to December, turn around and make it all right. I go back to December all the time." These lyrics prove that if she could restart, she would. And she would do it better - which is what regret is, isn't it? She regrets treating her significant other poorly, because he treated her how you should typically treat someone else when you are truly in love. This can most effectively be seen through her lyrics, "you gave me roses, and I left them there to die," and, "you gave me all your love and all I gave you was goodbye." This is where she confesses what lifestyle choices she did wrong. She explains this apology as swallowing her pride, as pride is important to her. Now, not only has she disappointed her boyfriend, she has also disappointed herself as she forgot about morals she had. Through her mistakes, she realizes how important the following values are to have within a relationship: love, commitment, effection, respect, and recognition when someone treats you well.
Commercial-wise, I think this is an effective way to sell the song because the video is different, and it is honest. Many people would disagree, but it is actually fairly rare for an artist to act-out such genuine emotions on camera that show a real connection to the song and the remorse that is emoted. The video effectively establishes the realism of the lyrics and music. It doesnt intend to emphasize the fact that Taylor Swift is famous in any way. It shows her as a normal person with real-life feelings. I would say that the target audience includes adolescents and young adults, which would mostly appeal to the ones who are dealing with heartbreak. Most break-ups usually happen in this age-group in people's lives, and a lot of the time, music is their go-to. Because of how genuine the lyrics, music, and video are, this music video definitely fits the song.
Overall, I think this is a good music video. It portrays a realistic construct of reality, expresses essential values in a relationship, and emotes real-life feelings that viewers may have a connection to. The video fits the song, and has been filmed in a way that tells a heartbreaking story. It causes the audience to be emotionally effected, which establishes the song and music video as art.
Watch Taylor Swift- Back to December
https://youtu.be/QUwxKWT6m7U or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUwxKWT6m7U
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