who directed the music video formation
by
Melina Matsoukas
What was Melina Matsoukas (formation director) known for
Politically charged visuals, strong black female representation and high production values
How does formation use and challenge music video conventions
Uses star performance, choreography and close ups
BUT
Challenges conventions through political messaging and non-linear narrative
How does media language communicate power information? 
Low angle shots, luxurious costumes, symbolic settings, central framing
Construct Beyoncé as authoritative and dominant
Name key symbols and meanings information
Sinking car police-criticism of police brutality
Plantation house-slavery and historical oppression
Southern Settings-black heritage and resilience
How was Ray represented information?
Black people are represented as powerful, proud and diverse
challenging negative stereotypes
How does formation reflect Paul Gilroy’s ideas (post colonial theory)
Reject white dominated narratives and celebrates black identity and history in mainstream media
How are binary opposition is used and debated
Black empowerment vs white authority (police)
Some argue this risks reinforcing racial division
How does the video challenge Stuart Hall’s idea ideas about stereotyping?
It avoids reductionism (group of people simplified/reduced) by showing multiple black identities rejecting simplistic stereotypes 
Why is formation anti-essentialist? (Reject the idea that a group of people has one fixed identity)
It portrays black women as multifaceted -wealthy, creative, political and sexual
How do you bell hooks Feminism apply?
Focuses on Intersectionality-racism, sexism and class oppression affecting black women
How does van zoonen apply to formation?
Female bodies are visible but Beyoncé controls her sexuality, challenging passive objectification
How does formation challenge the male gaze?
Sexuality is framed as self expression not to please the white male viewer
Why is the release strategy important of formation?
Released before the Super Bowl and world tour -shows tension between activism and commercial profit
How much different audiences interpret formation
Dominated- empowering political statement
Negotiated-powerful but controversial
Oppositional-divisive or anti-police
What ideologies are challenged in formation?
Patriarchy, white supremacy, capitalism, and traditional gender roles
How does Beyoncé construct identity in formation?
Through costume lyrics and performance
She asserts control success and cultural pride
How does formation differ from the typical mainstream music videos?
 it’s prioritise political meaning of escapism, challenging audience comfort
