Unit 3: Multimodal Analysis

Taylor Swift’s “You Need to Calm Down” Youtube MV

STAGE SHOT 1 SHOT 2 SHOT 3 SHOT 4

Salient Visual
Frame

SEMIOTIC RESOURCES
A. Speech I’m just like damn, It’s You need to calm Control your urges to Like can you just not
7 a.m down, you’re being scream about all the step on our gowns?
too loud people you hate You need to calm
down
B. Kinetic Features
1. Gaze Looking down Directed at viewer Directed at Lateral movement
viewer/Eye block
2. Body Posture Sitting, legs crossed Fowler, legs crossed Straight Upright and open
3. Gesture Looking at the watch Limited movements, The “peace” finger Maintaining good eye
shoulder shrug sign, dance movement contact, limited
movements
C. Clothing
1. Material Agent Provocateur Norma Kamali high- Western-style silk French fries costume,
robe, lace Simone waist bikini, faux fur shirt, Saint Laurent chunky sandals
Perele bra, two-tone Vivetta jacket, sequin shorts, unicorn boots
heels sandals

KRISHA TENEGRA | BPEd 3-B

Unit 3: Multimodal Analysis
2. Color Peach, orange Pink, magenta Purple, gold metallic Red, yellow
D. Cinematography
1. Lighting Dim, backlight Daylight, broadlight Daylight Softlight
2. Camera
angle/shot Eye level, medium Top angle, medium Eye level, two shot Eye level, two shot
shot (MS), zoom close-up (MCU), very (MS, LS) (MCU, MS, LS)
long shot (VLS), dolly
crane

https://youtu.be/Dkk9gvTmCXY

Short explanation/ conclusion:

Taylor Swift's music video for "You Need to Calm Down" uses a variety of semiotic features to convey its
message of promoting love and acceptance. The speech in the video is used to call out hate and
discrimination while promoting self-love and individuality. The kinetic features, including the vibrant colors
and playful choreography, emphasize the joy and celebration of diversity.
The clothing semiotics in the video showcase various identities and expressions, from drag queens to tattoos,
promoting the acceptance of all individuals. The cinematography semiotics, such as the use of close-ups and
bright lighting, highlight the beauty and uniqueness of each person.
Overall, Taylor Swift's "You Need to Calm Down" music video is a powerful statement of inclusivity and
acceptance, using various semiotics to convey its message.

KRISHA TENEGRA | BPEd 3-B