Katy Perry appeals to
the young audience, 14-21
She tries to portray a number of images, like being an older
sister, or friend – someone an audience can confide in. Katy Perry's image is generated, this is not implying she is not genuine but she is dressed, presented and moulded in certain ways to appeal to certain audiences. Some of her songs reflect her private life, ensuring that her main fan audience are still engaged, and feel connected to her.
Reflect some anxieties young girls go through such as a
homosexual phase – perhaps, I kissed a girl represents this.
There is great amount of sexual imagery, and sexual refrences. The song has hidden sexual innuendos. Intrestingly, she is objectifying another woman through Laura Mulvey's "male gaze." This arises the idea of the male “fantasy.”
The shots are full of lingerie, seductive movements and vast amount of touching.
There are some close ups on the female body. The song seems to be leaning
towards the male “fantasty,” rather than a genuine desire for another woman. Many
may encourage Katy Perry for this video, opening up more doors for
homosexuality. However, its through objectification which is shown through the
lyrics, “just wanna try you on, I’m curious for you… no I don’t even know your
name, I doesn’t matter,” and “you’re my experimental game.” She is clearly
using the woman as if she were an inanimate object, to fuffill her own desires.
She justifies this by saying its “just human nature,” which sounds primitive
and primal. Is she saying it is okay to sexualise one another just because we
feel to experiment? Surely, if we all thought like this then we would be a
dehumanised population. We would be mere animals.
Katy Perry almost reminds me of a cartoon character - her image, being heavily influenced by the comic character Katy Keene is probably the reason behind this. This image is amusing, but gives you an idea of where her image stems from.
Here are some more of her music videos.
The music video is narrative, telling a story of a bipolar
relationship and how the female is furious.
Over the shoulder shots help create a smooth story line to
follow. The mid-shots ensure that we see what’s happening. As well as the close
ups, and extreme close ups. These shots is a way of conveying emotions,
reactions and conversations.
The low angles creates a sense of awkwardness, and
uneasiness. Highlighting that he may be
in control, whether he will agree to the marriage or not.
We are able to watch
her life – we feel included in the wedding and we are able to formulate an
emotional response when the male character does not respond to whether he wants
to marry Katy or not. The long shots start when the music starts which suggest a
change in atmosphere, she is unhappy and frustrated. The anger does not exactly
reflect the beat, and the dancers. The song is upbeat, and ironically sounds like
a happy song. The band scene adds to the fun, light atmosphere which perhaps interrupts
the innocent, sweet atmosphere at the beginning. Katy surrounding the male
character with other girls show her regain of control. The fast editing implies
her chaotic train of emotions, or just simply matches the upbeat dancing. There
is a range of colours she wears from white, to neon pink to black. This conveys
her colourful personality which is evident throughout the video. Also, the
mis-en-scene illustrates this idea of Katy’s fruitful personality. She is
present at a wedding, then at a night club. There are also rather peculiar props
such as a Zebra. Additionally, there are some references to brands such as Deiseal
Sunglasses and the Nokia phone. When an audience sees this, they are more
likely to purchase the product, raising the company’s profit. Furthermore, at
the end there is a transition where it signals, after all the trouble, there is
a happy ending.
One of my favourites by Katy Perry
Teenage Dream illustrates the desire to explore without bounds, "lets runaway and never look back." Truly a dream for every teenager. She wants to be adored, "without any makeup on." She's completely infatuated with him.
Katy is explaining that she's willingly allowing herself to be open and let her walls down. The wind blowing in her hair suggests her desire for freedom.
She's sexually attracted to him, and wants to go "all the way tonight." She enjoys the typical teenage ways of having fun; drinking, and dancing. Katy relates to teenagers who are exploring different aspects of their lives, learning and growing. Especially on the topic of being loved and adored.
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