Narrative Analysis

Beyonce - If I Were A Boy

The narrative begins with Beyonce and her partner explaining to the camera, key aspects of relationship (eg. commitment), which itself foreshadows that perhaps the music video will reveal that this couple are lacking these vital parts within a relationship. Opening in this way hints to the audience that this will be a very narrative-based music video, since it is very personal. Throughout the music video narrative, there are many cuts back to this shot type with Beyonce performing to the character - especially when an important lyric comes along, therefore it can be appropriately put emphasis on. It also takes the audience out of the very structive plot (where it explains the relationship of Beyonce and her  boyfriend) in order to reiterate the effect on her of this plot.

 Beyonce is then shown getting dressed and going downstairs whilst her boyfriend is cooking and truly making an effort for her, she is shown taking a brief bite of food then proceeding to leave. As reflected in the lyrics 'I would throw on what I wanted and go'.

Straight away the audience can tell that Beyonce is a neglectful partner, who seems to not care at all. As she gets in the car, she is seen flirting and laughing with her fellow policeman. As the video continues it becomes more and more apparent how neglectful, rude and disrespectful Beyonce is. Her boyfriend is shown sitting within his office, shopping for jewellry for her. Whilst she goes on to play the stereo-typical cheating role, standing behind her police partner and helping him to fire shots, going out to dinner with him and turning off her phone etc. Beyonce is represented as having all the power - a heavy physical job, being rather selfish and ignoring her boyfriend in order to put herself wholly first.

However it isn't until this scene within the music video that the audience realise how uncommited Beyonce is, the music video constantly builds this flirtatious relationship but she is clearly disrespecting her boyfriend in public and in front of him, whilst he sorrowly stands and watches. As she realises that he is watching, immediately she comes over however this is when he snaps. As they arrive home, the music breaks and the dialogue is 'When you act like that I don't think you realise how it makes me look, or feel' 'Act like what? Ain't like i'm sleeping with the guy', the audience feel a lot of sympathy for the boyfriend at this point. Beyonce also seems guiltless and unphased by her partners frustration and upset. Then there is a short humming sound effect and Beyonce repeats what her boyfriend had just said, then the boyfriend laughs and says 'Ain't like i'm sleeping with the girl'. The music begins again, 'but you're just a boy' and then the boyfriend character is shown walking down the stairs to Beyonce - who has made him breakfast. As her character did, he takes a bite and goes off to work. Only to get in his police car and laugh along with his policewoman partner.

The whole idea of the narrative was suggesting if I did everything that you did to me, you'd be outraged. The narrative of the music video becomes clearer, it is more stereotypical for a man to be disloyal in a relationship, it makes more sense in a way for him to work as a policeman and her to work in an office, wondering what he is doing (stereotypical womanly traits). Everything that Beyonce did, was just showing her boyfriends actions and the audience's sympathy is transfered to her. The lyrics reinstate the sad message developed by the narrative.
As the music video concludes, the audience are left with the overall narrative impression that the woman that the audience are introduced to primarily in the video, has been heavily afflicted by the actions of the plot.