Setting

The physical setting of the music video for “This is America” by Childish Gambino is an empty warehouse. The warehouse is bare, painted in neutral colors, and lit by natural lighting. Because of this, the warehouse provides a simple background that does not distract viewers from the events that are taking place. 

At first, the setting appears to change when the gospel choir is shown (01:40-01:45) because of the big bright windows and red background. However, as the camera pulls back and Gambino enters through a door to the right of the choir, the illusion is shattered and viewers realize they are still inside the warehouse. 

In the context of a warehouse, the events that happen in the music video appear staged, which means that the setting is not...