Sunday, 22 September 2013

Research: Andrew Goodwin – Structure of Music Videos (Dancing in the Distraction Factory)



According to Andrew Goodwin, circular narratives (Todorov’s theory) do not apply to music videos, as music videos are trying to portray stories from a different angle to novels and films. Music videos are built around the song itself; therefore they do not pose the traditional narrative structure (equilibrium - disequilibrium - equilibrium). Moreover, the artist plays the part of the narrator and character throughout the narrative, whilst often looking into the camera to involve the audience.

In comparison to films/TV, music videos often use repetition of same scene/location the way the song has a repetition of choruses. The repetition of the chorus and scene helps the audience to familiarise themselves with the genre of the song. All songs have a form of ending – builds to a climax or constant repetition before fading away.

Music videos have been widely found to follow one of three structures:
o   Illustration
o   Amplification
o   Disjuncture

Illustration – The visuals used in the music video relate to the lyrics and tell the story. A good example of this would be Jessie J's song Who's Laughing Now



Amplification – The visuals and lyrics do not contradict the lyrics, but there is a strong connection between the lyrics and the visuals



Disjuncture – There is very little connection between the lyrics and what the audience sees, and the meaning of the song are ignored visually


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