Lana Del Rey: Surrealism and Post – cinema in music videos – music videos became a way of showing the artists’ aesthetic – the music industry is wedded to the idea that selling music requires a visual component now. Lana del Rey is one of the most influential artists of our generation. She is best known for her unique style of music and blend of jazz, blues and pop. However, she is best known for her aesthetics in her music videos that reflect her style and the feelings she is trying to convey with her songs.

“National Anthem” (2012)

In her music video “National Anthem”, Lana talks about glamour, love for her “cool” partner and money. She uses the era of the 60s mixed with modern elements and represents former president JFK and his wife, Jackie Kennedy. The video is shot in a vintage aesthetic and reflects successfully the idea of the “American Dream” and relates the title “National Anthem” to the relationship of the former president. Not only does the music video match the lyrics about parties and how her boyfriend (A$AP Rocky) is extremely popular, but the music itself is perfectly in sync with what is shown to us.

“Chemtrails Over the Country Club” (2021)

In the song “Chemtrails Over the Country Club” Lana del Rey sings “I don’t care what they think/Drag-racing my little red sports car”. She is signifying her status by mentioning her expensive sports car, but how she is rebelling against it and doing things that seem inappropriate or demeaning to someone of her status. In the music video she is wearing expensive clothing and luxurious jewelry, but is also seen surrounded by family and children. We have shots of nature, blue skies and animals. The video, completely cinematic, uses this imagery to show the singers’ rebellion to her status using the symbols of nature.

Both music videos are characterised by film grain, an aspect of analog filmmaking. The editing of the music videos that added this feature is a reflection of Lana del Rey’s aesthetic “Vintage Americana”, an aesthetic primarily based on American feminine fashion from the 1940s-1960s. These two examples of del Rey’s music videos show how music videos  now are a form of showing what persona artists are: what dispositions, traits and attitudes do they have? 

In conclusion, Lana del Rey reflects this new era of cinematic music videos, making almost a short movie to showcase her persona and reflect the meanings behind her songs.

Reference List

karbuczky, erin kratina (2021). Chemtrails Over the Country Club music video analysis. [online] Medium. Available at: https://erinkarbuczky.medium.com/chemtrails-over-the-country-club-music-video-analysis-2ebd1a253e4e [Accessed 27 Nov. 2024].

Vernallis, C. (2013). Unruly media: YouTube, music video, and the new digital cinema. Oxford University Press.

Giulia Lanfrancotti 33750235