
Throughout the music video, “Blank Space,” by Taylor Swift, the love life of the main character is placed under a microscope. The viewer quickly understands that a life of luxury, focused on materialistic items, will not satisfy the void in one’s heart that is reserved for affection and devotion. Through the use of color, gaze, and detail, the director makes Swift appear aggressive and confident. Thus creating a strong persona which will conceal her fear of heartbreak, ultimately preventing her from experiencing true love. 

In the first clip (0:34) the the couple is positioned at opposite ends of the vast and impending dinning table, surrounded by symbols of wealth and lust such as the: enormous fire place, and pristine chandelier. Through the use of both color scheme and positioning, the viewer is compelled to look beyond the surface, further exposing the emotional distance between the couple. The use of color is one way in which the creator of the video relays the message of “troubled waters,” to the viewer. For instance, the monochromatic color scheme makes the room appear very dark and somber, while the outside light shines through. Therefore, the transition of tone from light to dark suggests that while at first glance, the relationship of the characters may appear to be blissful, below the surface there is an emotional distance between the two. Distance is further exemplified through the elongated depth of field at which the two subjects are placed from the camera. The wide view allows one to understand the abundance of wealth and material items that surround them, as well as the hovering tension that remains. 

Distance is illustrated once again through the indisputable space between the two lovers at the dinner table. Both Swift and her love interest are positioned at the two opposite heads of the table, establishing disconnect. This analysis further supports the suggestion that Swift does not truly allow herself to open up to love. Instead, she becomes emotionally disconnected due to the boundaries she creates in order to protect herself from the pain that coincides with heartbreak.

After examining the second frame (1:48) it becomes evident that Swift will never feel comfortable enough to completely let down her cold and aggressive guard; thus, yielding to the inevitable feeling of lonesomeness. For instance, through the of lack of detail it becomes suggested that Swift will allow any man to fill her, “blank space.” Thus hindering her chances of ever finding true love. Furthermore the absence of specificity regarding the man’s face becomes evident to the viewer, and additionally symbolizing the lack of significance he holds in her heart. The man does not possess any distinct features and, therefore, suggests that the main character lets anyone fill her blank space - the massive void within her heart.

An example of Swift’s dominant front that she withholds when dealing with relationships is illustrated through a bird's eye view. Instead of perceiving her partner as an equal, she is pictured gazing down on him from her balcony, as if she is superior. In order for her to find what she is looking for, Swift must view him as her equal. Additionally, this particular shot highlights the large role that material items play in the relationships of the main characters. The minuscule man, surrounded by a sea of green, demonstrates that her focus lies on the wealth and the material aspect of a relationship. As a result of not focusing on the connection and emotions between a partner, the character Swift is portraying, once again, hinders her chances of finding true love. How she repeatedly holds herself above the men in her relationships, further demonstrates her aggressive and confident demeanor. 

The third and final frame (2:53) demonstrates through the use of color, how the character Swift portrays is her own worst enemy. The close up shot places Swift as the main focus, exposing details that represent her outer appearance and inner most feelings. The harsh black eyeliner resembles her tough exterior, while her crystal blue eyes reveal her inner innocence and sorrow, in regards to love. Another way in which the creator relies on color to relay the main message is through the coinciding harsh tones of the ruby red apple and her red lips. The use of such a warm color suggests aggressiveness and correlates with the tale of Snow White. The harsh and intimidating gaze suggests that Swift is poisoning her own relationship and will forever be awaiting her own “Prince Charming.”

Gaze, distance, color, and detail in general illustrate the underlying message of the music video, “Blank Space.” Even though the viewer comes to realize that the character Swift is portraying is emotionally distraught and saddened on the inside, she comes across very harsh and cold blooded. She believes materialistic items can sustain her relationships, but this will never be the case. In order to allow one’s self to truly feel love, distance must be nonexistent and emotional boundaries must be torn down. 
