In the music video “Formation” Beyoncé strives to portray her involvement in the Black Lives Matter Movement. Through camera angles such as the long shot perspective in the first scene of the sinking police car, the establishing shot of New Orleans after hurricane Katrina, and many others, the prominent rule of persuasion to join the Black Lives Matter Movement alongside Beyoncé is evident. Without the variation of these camera angles, the message would not have been as captivating and persuasive as it was. 

The first time the long shot perspective is used in the famous music video “Formation” is when Beyoncé is standing on the roof of a sinking police vehicle (0:01). This camera angle allows the viewers to see the scene, while still focused on Beyoncé in the center. The use of the long shot image paints the picture of rebellion, as the viewer can perceive Beyoncé as the last person standing, surviving what seems to be the remnants of Hurricane Katrina. This shot of dominance could be perceived as rebellion, as Beyoncé is showing that she has power over the police by standing on their car. This hints to the idea that since she is seemingly more powerful than the police, then the viewers should follow and listen to her instead. Also, the long shot angle reveals that she is alone. This could make the point that she is there willing to stay behind through the hurricane to help any survivors that might be trapped, while the police have abandoned those trapped. The portrayal of Beyoncé’s power and leadership is also demonstrated through this, showing that she has what it takes to lead a rebellion.

 The establishing shot in the next clip provides the viewer with the setting of the video, which appears to be New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina (0:11). Through this film technique the audience can visualize the town and setting of the video. Without the quick glance of the setting, one could become confused as to where the scene is taking place, or why it is important. The setting is crucial to the message Beyoncé is trying to send, as a more rundown and struggling city is portrayed. Beyoncé focuses on targeting those individuals who are going through more strenuous times, as they are more likely to join a movement for change. This is because they have more to gain and less to lose from change than those in more prosperous towns. New Orleans is supposed to be the town that is being represented in the scene, as this is a perfect platform for her message of change. Beyoncé could be suggesting through the setting of the video that if she was in charge during the time of Hurricane Katrina, less lives would have been lost, or that she would have stayed behind to help. One can see that New Orleans is the setting that is portrayed by the name on the sinking police car in the first clip of the video which reads “New Orleans Police” on the windshield and side of the vehicle. Also, through historical knowledge of the damage and flooding that Hurricane Katrina produced, one could infer that the scene was supposed to be taking place during that time.  

Another example of an establishing camera shot takes place in the scene where Beyoncé is dancing in an empty swimming pool, surrounded by other women (1:20). As the camera panels across the pool, it helps portray the vastness of the setting in comparison to the small group of dancing women. This reveals the tight nit bond the women share as even though they are small in comparison, they are bonded as one as they move in unison. This image is exactly what Beyoncé wanted to portray in this scene, as she wanted to show how the Black Lives Matter Movement bonded these women together so much so that they move as one. 

The establishing shot is also used when Beyoncé and the men around her are standing on the porch of a house in the time of slavery (1:12). The time period of the scene can be inferred as the establishing shot provides clues within the clip, such as the men wearing full suits with a bowtie and top hat. During the time of slavery, many house servants and slaves had to wear this dress when working, by orders of the owner. The pillars by which the men and Beyoncé are standing by could also be an indication of time period, as they seem ornate and have an older design similar to a plantation owners house in the time of the Civil War. Many plantation owner’s houses were white during this time period also, which is the color of the house that is shown in the scene. This flashback scene forces the viewer to ponder whether or not African American’s were truly freed from bondage, or if they are still feeling the same effects their ancestors did many years ago. Through the establishing shot, the clip is able to capture the viewer’s attention and show the scene surrounding the action of the video. 

The close up camera shot of Beyoncé on the car helps capture the raw angered emotion that she seems to be feeling, while also quickly escalating the video’s intensity (0:24). Through this shot, the viewer can feel more connected with Beyoncé, as she is the main focus in the scene. As she lays upon the top of the police car the close up shot portrays her as seeming relaxed and confident, as if she is positive what she is doing is right. This sense of confidence is crucial for Beyoncé’s image in the video, as she is striving for people to follow her into the Black Lives Matter Movement. People will follow confident individuals, not weak or timid ones. The confidence Beyoncé shows in this clip is critical; without it she would not be portrayed as a fearless leader in which viewers want to follow.

The reverse shot is utilized in the scene where Beyoncé is dancing in an empty swimming pool surrounded by other women (1:20). This view helps switch between different angles of the ladies, highlighting the synchronicity of the dancer’s movement. Through their synchronicity, it creates a sense of unity and empowerment as the ladies all move as one. 

In the scene where Beyoncé is continuously shaking her head up and down dressed in all black, the direct address of the men surrounding her can be noticed (1:12). The men seem to be looking directly at the viewer, as if they want something from him or her. Along with this, Beyoncé is continuously shaking her head up and down, as if she is in agreement with the men. One can infer from the previous scenes that the message Beyoncé wants the viewer to receive in this moment is to join the Black Lives Matter Movement. The use of the direct address in this scene helps convey the message she is trying to send without blatantly saying it.

The camerawork and film tactics of the video are critical in portraying the message that Beyoncé is attempting to send, as without them the intensity of the video and the points of emphasis would not be captured. Whether it was the establishing shot of New Orleans, or the close up shot of Beyoncé on the roof of the police car: each technique helps aid in her message in some form. Through these shots Beyoncé can appear powerful and confident, which is key in persuading viewers to join the Black Lives Matter Movement. The support of Beyoncé is critical in this movement as she uses her fame and music videos to influence individuals across the globe.  