Analysis and Evaluation of ‘Power’ by Kanye West
In this essay I will be analysing how the star image is portrayed through their video and which themes are explored. I will explain this through looking at the elements of mis-en-scene, editing and camerawork.
Firstly the mis-en-scene in this video helps to highlight the stars image by Kanye West to showing his ethnic background. For example, West is the only coloured male in the entire video. This is highlighted with his black clothing when the rest of the actors/dancers are white females dressed in white angelic dresses. Therefore this highlights ‘Black Power’ which makes it very controversial. Kanye is being portrayed as a god-like figure, having a black god is also very controversial. Kanye is also wearing a big golden chain, which reflects his wealth. This subverts to the stereotype of black people being poor, reflecting upon historical situations e.g. slave trade.
The location of the scene is portrayed as Heaven. Creating a very stereotypical image for the audience. This shows us that Kanye wanted to make sure that the audience would know that it was heaven to support his star image of being a religious man. The temple pillars surrounding West highlights how he is a godly figure and should be worshipped, highlighting his star image that he dominates the industry and should therefore be worshipped by his fans.
The females in the video are all holding weapons and wearing animalistic horns, which seem threatening and make them seem powerful. Despite this, the women are all stood beneath Kanye and are all facing towards him, as if in worship. This highlights his dominance and how he should be praised for his work. It also highlights how the women may be worshiping him in other ways, in a sexual manner. Therefore showing that only women are worshiping him then he may be seen as a sexual object. Portraying a ‘sex-god’ image to his followers.
One of the women in this scene directly below Kanye has large phoenix wings. This conveys Kanye’s fantasy and over the top world which he may be living in. Showing the audience that he has a very artistic , eccentric and exaggerated approach to life, making him seem interesting.
The central beam of heavenly bright light, above Kanyes head, again symbolises his god like presence as well as helping to keep his figure clear amongst all the surroundings of the video. Along with many other symbolic objects, such as the women pouring water over themselves, highlights baptism. The dagger highlights the symbol of sacrifice and the halo above West’s head symbolises how he is angelic, which juxtaposes to his bad boy image.
Towards the end of the video, two white males with swords go to smite Kanye but before they can hit him, the video finishes. This symbolises how Kanye is indestructible and how no ne will ever be able to beat him. Portraying a ‘hard-man’ image. Overall the mis-en-scene represents themes of power, race, authority, religion and sex. Showing Kanye Wests image of being a ruler in the music industry.
The editing in this video helps to portray the same themes. The perspective is of Kanye’s the entire time. He has the most screen time. Therefore this shows his star image as being dominant and in the lead, again highlighting his god like status. It also shows the audience how he wants all the attention to be on him, showing that he may be slightly arrogant, which in time will affect his star image.
The pace of the video seems very slow. The movements are all in slow motion effect. This highlights how Kanye has the power to control the scene. This symbolises the lyrics of the song and again his star image of being a ruler. It also highlights how he may have the power to ‘stop time’ almost. Again conveying his strength or wealth. However the editing speeds up during shots of the women, highlighting sexuality. The motto of ‘fast women’ could be symbolised,which is part of Kanyes image. Then towards the end, the video cuts to an image of the word ‘POWER’ and Kanye is still central to this image. Showing that Kanye is at the centre of all power. Indicating his star image.
Kanye is trying to portray a narrative that he is a man of power which relates to the lyrics of the song. He is a God like figure of religion and sex, which juxtappose’s each other. Possibly highlighting how he is torn between religion and his bad boy image.
The camerawork also shows his star image, as he owns the most close ups. Showing his importance. The camera tracks away from Kanye who is central permanently in the shots and throughout the video. As this is happening the camera reveals more and more females. This shows how Kanyes star image is based on sexuality and how women are an important factor to his work/life.
The rule of thirds is another important factor as Kanye is always central. This leads to a dominant and worshipful symbolism, which highlights his power and godliness. It also shows his male authority where he is the only male dominating all of these women. Conveying perhaps a sexist approach as he is able to control so many women. However the female sitting beneath Kanye is facing away from him and looking directly at the camera. This shows how she too is powerful yet she is under Kanye so she is inferior to him. This shows that Kanye is superior to even other powerful women. Again, leading to a rather sexist view. However it could also show that women are of great importance to Kanye and that’s why he wants them around him so much. Overall the editing shows his authoritive nature and sexuality. Which are both elements of his star image.
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