Negus Theory using Russian Roulette by Rihanna

Russian Roulette by Rihanna has many conventions of a music video. Negus suggests that Rihanna is portrayed as a synthetic artist because there are no instruments in the scenes. This is backed up by her change of outfits throughout which connotes her being sold on sex, this is how she would make her reputation in the music industry.

Dyer said that the scene represent characteristics of sexuality as the camera pans across whilst she is lying down as she is looking seductive. She is also portrayed as a rebel with a gun and is anti authoritarian.

Goodwin states that she is also being sold through sex by the use of excessive close ups. The lyrics also match the visual 'so lets pull the trigger'. Aswell as this there is cut to the beats which speeds up in the chorus, this makes the video flow and makes it easier for audiences to enjoy. There is also intertextual references to the film Hanna in the prison cell which could also be seen as a studio. Additionally, voyerism as there is a two way glass. Lastly chiaroscuro lighting which makes it softer on her.

Stewart crosses over most conventions with Goodwin so one more is the use of montages which are edited to the beat. Below are some screenshots of the montage.