Goodwin's theory states that there are 8 key aspects to a music video, these are:
1.Links between lyrics and visuals
2.Links between music and visuals
3.Genre characteristics
4. Intertextual reference
5.Notion of looking
6.Voyeurism (direct gaze,others looking at the artist, insight into artists life, screens and mirrors)
7.Demands of the record label (representation of the artist)
8. Performance, narrative and concept based music video.
I believe Goodwin's theory is correct, from studying many music videos from a variety of genres all of these 8 points have been present. The reason for this is without these points a music video is not really enjoyable to watch, each point helps to keep the viewers satisfied. Some videos may present these features different but that does not mean they are not included. Furthermore without some of the points e.g.1,2 and 5 a music video would not really be easy to understand these features help for things such as brand identity and recognition of an artist. Without Goodwin's theory artists wouldn't be able to create visually pleasing and worth while watching videos.
Below I have applied Goodwin's theory to American boy by Estelle Ft. Kanye West.
Links between music and visuals-The theory suggests that the lyrics in a music video will refer to the visuals shown and reinforce to the audience what is going on, in American boy Estelle says " I really want to come kick it with you. You'll be my American boy" This refer to Estelle talking to Kanye West and the other men in the music video and her showing her feelings towards them about wanting to spend time with them.
Genre characteristics- American boy is a mixed genre of R&B and Rap as it is a collaboration between two artists, although there are two genres they can be put together well as they have similar traits. In the music video Estelle is seen to be wearing a figure hugging dress and looking glamorous which is a usual look for a women in these type of genre videos. Kanye West is dressed more casually in jeans a shirt although he has an over sized fur coat which is showing his wealth and a typical garment of a rapper.
Notion of looking- This can be exemplified in several ways, such as when Estelle is looking directly the camera giving an intimate feeling and allowing the audience to feel involved as we have her gaze. Likewise we see close ups of Kanye whispering in her ear where the camera fixes on this as it seems to be very romantic and sexual which catches the audiences attention.
Voyeurism (direct gaze,others looking at the artist, insight into artists life, screens and mirrors)- As Estelle is the main singer in this song she is present through out, in addition she is the only female present as everyone is an attractive male- this can help entice female audiences. Estelle is shown to be wearing a short glamorous dress and at several points we see her dancing which shows of her body to the viewers, unlike the men shown in the video she is wearing the most revealing item of clothing compared to them who are covered up fully.
Performance, narrative and concept based music video- There is very little performance in the video as the lyrics are strong enough to amplify what is going on. There is no narrative throughout as the video is not following a story line it is solely the artist signing to the camera. Although Goodwin's theory suggests the need for a performance the video is very modern and uses a white background with only the artists shown in black in white which compliments in effectively and has a simplistic feel to it.
1.Links between lyrics and visuals
2.Links between music and visuals
3.Genre characteristics
4. Intertextual reference
5.Notion of looking
6.Voyeurism (direct gaze,others looking at the artist, insight into artists life, screens and mirrors)
7.Demands of the record label (representation of the artist)
8. Performance, narrative and concept based music video.
I believe Goodwin's theory is correct, from studying many music videos from a variety of genres all of these 8 points have been present. The reason for this is without these points a music video is not really enjoyable to watch, each point helps to keep the viewers satisfied. Some videos may present these features different but that does not mean they are not included. Furthermore without some of the points e.g.1,2 and 5 a music video would not really be easy to understand these features help for things such as brand identity and recognition of an artist. Without Goodwin's theory artists wouldn't be able to create visually pleasing and worth while watching videos.
Below I have applied Goodwin's theory to American boy by Estelle Ft. Kanye West.
Links between music and visuals-The theory suggests that the lyrics in a music video will refer to the visuals shown and reinforce to the audience what is going on, in American boy Estelle says " I really want to come kick it with you. You'll be my American boy" This refer to Estelle talking to Kanye West and the other men in the music video and her showing her feelings towards them about wanting to spend time with them.
Notion of looking- This can be exemplified in several ways, such as when Estelle is looking directly the camera giving an intimate feeling and allowing the audience to feel involved as we have her gaze. Likewise we see close ups of Kanye whispering in her ear where the camera fixes on this as it seems to be very romantic and sexual which catches the audiences attention.
Voyeurism (direct gaze,others looking at the artist, insight into artists life, screens and mirrors)- As Estelle is the main singer in this song she is present through out, in addition she is the only female present as everyone is an attractive male- this can help entice female audiences. Estelle is shown to be wearing a short glamorous dress and at several points we see her dancing which shows of her body to the viewers, unlike the men shown in the video she is wearing the most revealing item of clothing compared to them who are covered up fully.
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