Andrew Goodwins Theory

Andrew Goodwin's theory.

Dancing is the distraction factory.

Andrew Goodwin believes that's the traditional narrative analyses doesn't  apply to pop videos but the approach is used differently compared to novels and films.

Reasons for different narrative structures;

·         Songs don't pose traditional narrative structures ( normality-problem-solutions )

·         The singers are used for both, narrating and as a character

·         The singer breaks the 4^th wall which is looking directly into the camera ( to involve the viewer )

Relying on repetition

Majority of pop videos rely on repetition such as repeating images in the way the song repeats a chorus or line. We are able to familiarise ourselves with songs genre due to the fact they also tend to repeat parts and rhythms of other songs ( intersexuality) which use the certain expectations. The song will be shown on TV, played on the radio and used in advertising film or TV making the song familiar through repetition.

Pops songs and videos have a form of closure and ending. The ending is reflected in the structure of the music; building to climax or consist repetition before fading out.

There are 3 types of relations between songs and videos ;

·         Illustrations – video tells a story : “ Pap don't preach – Madonna”  dance is used to express the feeling and mood in this song.

·         Amplification – New meaning that doesn't contradict with the lyrics but adds layers of meaning.

·         Disjuncture – Little connection between lyrics ad video/ video contradicts the lyrics. “Michael Jackson – man in the mirror” songs about realisation but video consists of radical world events.

Videos can have recognisable features such as Michael Jackson with his yelps and twirls

Women are represented as objects, i.e. Madonna and Beyoncé are presenting themselves for males to look at. However they constantly look directly back at the viewers through the camera and cease to be passive.

Different instruments are used and represented by different objects, i.e. rack the casbah - the clash use footage of armadillo when the piano plays

Videos will try an appeal to a wide range of audience

Songs and videos can be written for certain movies with the video including images of the movie into the video. E.g. Céline Dion my heart will go on ( TITANIC)