This study guide will help you analyze the music video “This is America” by Childish Gambino. You can also find a summary of the video, as well as inspiration for interpreting it and putting it into perspective.
Donald Glover (b. 1983), also known by his stage name Childish Gambino, is an African American actor, rapper, and writer. He is best known for his role in the sitcom Community and for the series Atlanta, which he created, starred in, and directed. His 2018 song “This is America” debuted at number 1 on the Billboard charts and won four Grammy Awards, including one for Best Music Video.
Excerpt from the study guide:
Scene five (02:44-03:01) acts as a brief pause. The music stops completely as people run away when Gambino makes a gesture resembling pointing a gun. In the sixth scene (03:02-03:37), Gambino climbs on a car and dances. The camera eventually pulls away slowly and the music fades signaling the end of the music video.
In the final scene (03:38-04:04), Gambino is seen desperately running through the warehouse while people chase him. The music video ends without showing where Gambino was running to and whether he reaches it.
There are also several points of tension in the music video. For example, the moment Gambino shoots the guitar player (00:49-00:53) is a moment of surprise and a turning point in the sequence of events. This changes the audience’s perception of him as we realize he is capable of cruel acts.
The moment Gambino shoots the gospel choir (01:55) is also a moment of surprise but this time the moment also creates suspense as Gambino’s murders continue. We simply realize that this will continue happening.
The scene when the music cuts off completely as Gambino does a gun gesture (02:44-03:01) is also a moment of intense tension and suspense. At this point, the tension leads the audience to expect Gambino to take out a gun again but he only takes out a joint. This helps to slightly ease the tension and allows the music to start again.
