Research: Andrew Goodwin Theory

Andrew Goodwin came up with theory about the features of music videos. Goodwin wrote a book in 1993 called ‘Dancing in the Distraction Factory’ it underlines the key features in a music video. Here below is a brief summary of the structure of music videos.

  Andrew Goodwin theory states that majority of the time; music video’s there do not have a clear conventional narrative structure, meaning that does not set out to have beginning middle or end. Instead music videos are constructed by the lyrics; it is the relationship between the lyrics and visual representation. Furthermore, the artist/singer or a leader of band can play both the narrator and the participant. They tend to be repeated in most of the shots and are the base tracks. In addition the artist/ singer looks directly at the camera, which breaks down the fourth wall – and imaginary wall of a 3 wall box set, this make its more personal for the viewer and  acknowledges the viewer of their performance .

  Music videos repeat certain images that associate the main theme of the song. For Example it can be specific lines or the repetition of the chorus. Andrew Goodwin suggests that intertextuality can occur due to the repetition of rhythm or song; this allows the viewer to acknowledge the genre and have certain expectations.

  However, music videos do have certain ending; the ending is based on the structure of the song. It either builds to a climax or constant repetition that fades slowly at the end to indicate the ending of a song.

  Andrew Goodwin also suggest that there are 3 types of music structures.

1.      Illustration

2.      Amplification

3.      Disjuncture

   An example of an Illustration is  Florence and the Machine - Spectrum

 

The reason why I have chosen this video is because  the message of the lyrics are being conveyed through dance,which sets the mood for the audience, by the ballet arrangements and the expression and the arm movements by Florence. 

  

 An example of an amplification music video is Beyoncè - If i were a boy

 

The reason why I have chosen this video is  because throughout the video the theme of the gender role being swaped is carried out, which reingorces the message of the song and giving it a deeper meaning.

 

   An example of an Disjuncture music video is Rudimental featuring John Neman – Feel the love

 

The reason why i have chosen this video is because the use of horses doesn't go with the lyric and it sets out confusing for the audinece, because when I first watched the video i didn't understand it and it seems to be unnessary.