Music Video Analysis: Habits (Stay High)

This music video effectively represents the idea of a dual personality and how things such as alcohol and drugs can cover a person's true emotions.

The video is primarily shot using a Fish Lens, which helps to visualise the idea of intoxication and give a wider view of the situation. This angle is used throughout when the audience is introduced to the main character, and follows her throughout the day.

Close Up shots are used in variation to the Fish Lens Mid-Shots to suggest to the audience what is happening and to create a establishment of what the character is experiencing. These shots are slower and more focused than the others, which helps to imply how fast the night and the character is actually going, yet how slow and vibrant it is in their mind. This links into the slow motion Editing used to effectively represent intoxication within this music video.

Furthermore, the use of cutting rate works to present to the audience ideas of emotional state and time. The slower cutting rate helps to create the idea of being trapped in the moment. This can be seen at the beginning of the video; with the rate speeding up towards the end. The rate is at its fastest when the character begins to cry and breaks down. This can be used to suggest the effects of alcohol as well as what is trying to be hidden. This rate also helps to link the video to its lyrics, and how the character "gotta stay high...to keep you off my mind". This compliments the visual aspect to the music video and helps to establish what is causing this breakdown and how the character is really feeling inside.

The use of costume and makeup effectively represents the character. Since she wears very casual clothing, we are able to understand that she is young and may therefore not be as mature and in-control as someone older. She visualises the stereotypical idea of a teenager. Furthermore, the makeup used in the video is plain and simple but significant to the story. Heavy, black mascara outlines the fact that she has been crying, since it runs down her face. The audience are forced to ask if the dark under her eyes is mascara or just because she hasn't been sleeping. This links back to the idea of being a teenager. At that age it is more rare for people not to wear makeup or have a conscious awareness of their image, regardless of the situation.

Natural lighting is seemingly used throughout the video, however it can be said that spotlighting is used on the character as the scenes get darker. This could be used to keep her in the focal point, or to define her appearance and mental state.

The fact that the singer covers the topic of breakups and intoxication within this song, and the fact that she herself stars as the main character in the video, could portray a personal experience or could be referencing her own feelings. This is important as it helps to increase the effectiveness of the video in terms of targeting her audience and creating an impression.