Déjà Vu is a Beyonce song that features the vocals of Jay Z. Déjà vu was filmed in 2006 by British director Sophie Muller, who has also directed music videos for a number of big recording artists such as; Kings of Leon, Duffy, Pink, Shakira, Lily Allen and more.
Within Goodwin’s music video analysis, he states that there is a relationship between lyrics and visuals within a music video and that these can either be; illustrative, amplifying or contradicting. Within this particular video, the relationship between the two is illustrative and amplifying. This is shows as the video begins with the simple lyric “bass” which is immediately illustrated with a shot of Jay Z’s hand strumming a bass guitar. Similarly the next lyric of “high hat” is accompanied by a shimmy of Beyonce’s shoulders. As well as this, the running lyrics of “déjà vu” are greatly amplified throughout the video in many aspects; the continuous cross-cutting between shots of Beyonce between outfits are put together when a movement fits from one shot to the other, therefore making it obvious that she has done it before, a feeling of déjà vu. Repetition of movements by the artist as well as shots of her also symbolise the idea of déjà vu. This feeling is also represented when various shots of the artist show her in costume from different time periods and situations as the same thing is happening to her in a number of different circumstances. The slightly revealing outfits and almost erotic positioning clearly amplify the lyric repeated within the hook that is “sexiness” “Losing it” is intensified within the video by fast-paced cutting and almost crazy and over the top dance moves. Within Jay Z’s verse, the word “unusual” is represented through the awkward movement of Beyonce while she is dancing around. As well as the lyrics “light up the strobe” which is further amplified by a flashing light caused by Beyonce opening and closing her legs quickly.
Goodwin also states that relationships between the music itself and the visuals of the video tend to have a relationship that tends to be; illustrative, amplifying or contradictive. Taking this into consideration, the pace of the song is a common mixture of fast and slow. The various shots and amount of straight cuts between them further this, as well as the combination of fast and slow movements made by Beyonce when dancing and moving. This is also amplified through the use of slow motion within the video, for example, when Beyonce turns in front of the lake. Further exemplifying the pace of the music, the editing shows fast cuts with the double beats as well as randomly on off beats to quicken the pace and excite viewers.
The demands of the record label obviously included a large amount of close-ups of the artist to portray the idea of star image. In my opinion, I believe that the record company has looked to heavily include Beyonce’s image to sell the track. Alongside her outstanding vocals and writing skills, the video uses her in different outfits with completely contrasting styles to show her versatility. The genre of this song is a combination of pop and R&B. This is shown through conventions of the video; pop being a dance routine, the light-hearted idea of the narrative as well as the use and combination of fashion which attract both genders of different ages. The R&B genre of the song is shown through a rap in the middle as well as the very urban style and set of the video. Within the video, Beyonce is represented as a powerful woman as this is her known image within the media. Though she isn’t placed obviously on sexual display it is suggested that sex is also being used to sell the video as there are some provocative dance moves and suggestive actions. As well as the, at times, revealing outfits and the very sexual tension shown between her and Jay Z when she dances around him. I believe that the sexual image has been used in a professional way within the video in order to sell the track but they are, however, having the artist keep her own image as a respectful woman.In view of Beyonce’s previous videos, this one has very similar motif in the fact that her songs are of similar pace and genre due to the use of dance routines and variant outfits and locations. However, other videos of hers are conventionally dissimilar, with strange narratives as well as toned down costume and original ideas. This does further the image of Beyonce being professionally adaptable to sell her music in many ways.
The video is a combination of performance and concept. The performance is heavily induced through the amount of dance and lip sync within the song. The concept side of it is shown through the diversity and creativity of the costumes used as well as the locations and extravagant dances that make the video an art form.
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