National Anthem - Lana Del Rey

Lana Del Rey's song "National Anthem" was released in 2012 directed by Anthony Mandler . Del Rey cited the video as "definitely the most beautiful thing she's ever done" and was very satisfied and proud of the final product of this music video.

The aesthetics of the music video embodies this nostalgic longing. Specifically Lana Del Rey creates a deep appreciation for American culture and history , particularly the 1960s.Though the fashion , hairstyles , makeup and architecture , Lana paid attention to the details to curate her aesthetic and nostalgic atmosphere. She pays homage to the small details of the period , while adding small details of this period too. Such as as Lana's nail polish designs are modern , as well as ASAP Rocky's box braids (which would have been deemed as unprofessional in the 60s). There also is a grainy and warm filter that follows up from the start of the video to the end too , that just adds to the beauty and makes everything look like a far away memory.

She uses intertextual references to the history of the 1960s , she was inspired and tried to reflect the history of JFK and his wife , Jaqueline . In the music video while trying to display the beauty of Jaqueline Kennedys life and the reflective nostalgia , she also wanted to exposes the inequalities and difficulties they faced as public figures

The music video opens with a black and white re-enactment of Marylin Monroe's infamous "Happy Birthday Mr. President" performance from 1962. Lana sings the song exactly as Monroe sang it but is not dressed to look like her. This sets up the scene for familiar historical events , with obvious and intentional illusions , but a modern spin on key figures. This is further seen when Del Rey finishes her happy birthday rendition and the screen transitions to American Rapper ASAP Rocky in the role of President John F Kennedy . Before Lana even starts singing the " National Anthem" the longing for 1960s American culture and glamour is evident . The rest of the music video follows up with glamourized and romanticized clips of JFK and Jackie's time in office and assassination , portrayed by Lana Del Rey and ASAP Rocky .

The music video concludes with a cinematic monologue , where Lana impersonating Jackie Kennedy talked about her grief and how much she loved her husband, with the angelic instrumental overlapping it. We see a re-enactment of JFKS assassination , the director Mandler explained "it was never about re-creating a death scene , it was always about the person sitting next to him". There was a heavy focus on the expressions Lana pulled in this clip , and seeing her pain though her eyes. The shot where she's coming out the car , is like the whole world is crumbling around her. The use of slow motion in this scene also helps us see her expressions from realization to her grief setting in.

The music video tells a full story . From the origins of John F Kennedy meeting Jackie , to their enriched life and luxurious lifestyle and family , to John F Kennedys death .