Andrew Goodwin's theory (RESEARCH)

Andrew Goodwin theory

 

According to Andrew Goodwin’s theory, music videos tend to have different narrative structure. Not all music videos have a traditional narrative analysis where it starts as a normal scenario, a problem occurs and then it is solved by the character. According to Goodwin, music videos have different narrative structures for these three clear reasons.

 

·         Pop videos are built around songs- and often songs do not pose traditional narrative structures (normality, problem and resolution)

·         The pop video uses the singer both as narrator and as a character

·         The singer often looks directly at the camera- this is an extension of (music hall) performance and trying to involve the viewer at home with the performance.

 

Goodwin also states that the Pop videos tend to have a massive use of repetition. He declares that pop videos often repeat images and footage to replicate a particular hook or chorus of the song. The repetition of these certain images and footage will often have a particular message or meaning it is trying to express to its fan. This message could be to represent the

artist in a positive way so that they have a wider fan base or it could simply be to display the type of character they are through their authentic appearance. A great example of this would be the famous pop star- Lady Gaga. Andrew Goodwin also argues that there are three types of visual expressions to music videos: Illustration, Amplification and Disjuncture.

 

·         Illustration- This is when a music video uses images and footages that correspond with the lyrics that are being sang by the artist. It illustrates the meaning of the lyrics and the genre. Hence why the term is called Illustration. Here is an example of music that provides illustration:

 

·         Amplification- According to Goodwin, this term is used when music videos use alternative footage and images to the lyrics of the song. Therefore providing a range of meanings to the song.

·         Disjuncture- This is when the images and footage is completely dismisses the meaning of the lyrics. A fine example of this would be one of Michael Jackson’s biggest hit- Man in the mirror. The lyrics are about self realisation but instead it shows images of world poverty and powerful leaders of social change.