Analysis of EMINEM FT RIHANNA - LOVE THE WAY YOU LIE Official Music Video

This video, like many others, is comprised of footage used to compose a parallel narrative, as well as clips of performances by both artists in-keeping with the theme of said narrative. As far as the performances go, both artists appear separately, shown in time with their respective verses of the song.
Initially, Rihanna, singing chorus, is portrayed in close up miming the song lyrics, a backdrop of fire behind her. The theme of flames is a key element throughout the production.
However, Eminem is featured at first in a perfectly ordinary corn-field, clear blue skies behind him - a stark contrast to the fire, suggesting a calm equilibrium opposed to the many connotations of fire - namely danger, pain, energy or passion, and in essence, destruction.
The narrative footage is comprised of two main protagonists - a female character, portrayed by Megan Fox, opposite her presumed boyfriend, portrayed by Dominic Monaghan. By the forty-second mark, it appears their relationship has become turbulent, and a somewhat violent argument breaks out, juxtaposed by fast cuts to Eminem rapping the lyrics. Their argument proceeds to slow, only to once again escalate - a theme represented previously by the motif of fire - unpredictability. Also, the well known phrase of "playing with fire" - portrayed bluntly by Megan Fox's character literally doing so within the video.
This is strongly suggestive of the state of their relationship - that on the one hand, it's seen as exciting, and on the other, merely dangerous. This connotation is strengthened as the chorus returns, and the couple reconcile despite their heated infighting.
This theme, of a love/hate, unstable relationship is underlined throughout by a variety of scenes - Monaghan's character lonely at a bar while Fox's sits alone, appearing dejected at their home - her crying, him putting his fist through a wall, spliced between footage of them both enjoying themselves. The lyrics of the song consistently reflect this message - the chorus, sung by Rihanna, featuring the lyric "I love the way you lie." "Love" offers obvious connotations of enjoyment - a deep emotional bond, while contrasted starkly to the word "lie," offering nothing but negative connotations such as betrayal of trust.
As the video draws to a close, the actual house in which the narrative is largely staged is aflame - a climactic conclusion, seemingly unavoidable due to the desultory nature of their relationship. As the flames consume their home, the denotations lend themselves to a clear conclusion - the destructive quality of the relationship will, in the end, become all-consuming, a negative throughout many aspects of their individual lives, yet, they will prolong it, because neither protagonist can exist, in contentment, alone.