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. The long shot also reveals that Beyoncé is standing alone, pointing to her willingness to stay behind and help any survivors of the hurricane, while the police have abandoned all those left behind and trapped. The use of the long shot perspective demonstrates Beyoncé’s power and leadership, showing her willingness to lead a rebellion for the people in New Orleans.

 The establishing shot in the next clip (0:11) provides the viewer with the setting of the video, which appears to be New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Through this film technique the audience can visualize the town and setting of the video. This establishing shot portrays a run-down and struggling city. For her video, Beyoncé wants to target those individuals who are going through more strenuous times, as the actors in the video are meant to represent the real people of New Orleans. This is crucial for her video as the people of New Orleans can relate and connect with Beyoncé and the video on a more personal level. This shot is important because it brings a sense of reality to the viewers affected by the tragedy. Through this play on emotions and tragedy, Beyoncé makes the audience feel as if she is with him and is feeling their pain alongside them. The sense of connection between the Hurricane Katrina survivors and Beyoncé is critical in persuasion, and Beyoncé uses it purposely to make the audience feel as if she can help them. This coincides perfectly with her end goal, which is for the audience to join alongside her in the Black Lives Matter Movement. The establishing shot in this scene allows for Beyoncé to connect with her audience on a deeper level, and show them that she understands what they are going through.

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 captures the vastness of the setting in comparison to the small group of dancing women. The enormity of the pool in comparison to the closeness of the woman indicates how it is just them vs the rest of the world. When compared in size to the small group of woman, the pool represents the vastness of the world and how much more the small group of woman have to accomplish in order to have an impact on society. Beyoncé is calling people to action in this scene, portraying how much work is still needed to be done in order to achieve equality between all races and genders. This is her main goal of the scene, for people to see how much they are needed and how they can also become part of that tight nit group. Through the establishing shot of the ladies dancing, Beyoncé is able to portray the sense of unity and her call to action perfectly in the scene.

A final 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 can be inferred from the context clues such as the men wearing full suits with a bowtie and top hat: stereotypical dress from the time of American Slavery. House servants and slaves had to wear this dress when working, by orders of the owner. The pillars could also indicate the time period, as the architectural design and white color of the house is similar to the plantation-style house of the Civil War period. Through the establishing shot, it 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, today. 

The close up camera shot of Beyoncé captures raw anger in her face, escalating the video’s intensity quickly (0:24). Through this shot, the viewer can feel more connected with Beyoncé, as she is the main focus in the scene. This connection of anger between the audience and Beyoncé is crucial because this is the feeling that many survivors of the hurricane felt, as their whole lives were seemingly in shambles. As she lays upon the top of the police car the close up shot portrays her as intense 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 combination of intensity, raw anger, and confidence is one that is very compelling when seen in the eyes of audience. When joining a movement intensity, anger to fuel change, and confidence are three key attributes one looks for in a great leader.

The camerawork and film tactics of Beyoncé’s “Formation” music video portray the message of rebellion that needs to ensue. Without these film angles, 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 conveys her message of rebellion. Through these camera shots, Beyoncé appears powerful and confident, which is key in persuading viewers to join the Black Lives Matter Movement. Beyoncé uses this power to influence individuals across the globe to action.