Applying Goodwin’s theory to music videos

Sonia De Abreu

Goodwin’s PrinciplesGoodwin theory principles• Voyeurism: When other people look at the artist or an insight into their lives. e.g a

screen within a screen• Close up’s: Images of the artist, usually of their face, distinguishing features or face

to help make them more recognisable to fans,• Intertextuality: When another text is referenced e.g. parody. • Genre characteristics: What we expect to appear in their music video style e.g.

Metal being featuring extravagant stage performances.• Relationship between Music and visuals: The means the visuals illustrate amplify

or contradict the music e.g. fast paced may mean a lively video.• Relationship between Lyrics and visuals: When the visuals on screen illustrate,

amplify or contradict the lyrics e.g. an Image may appear on screens when it is referenced in the song. A good example of this is in the song

Applying Goodwins theory to a music video of my choice

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY

BEYONCE- SINGLE LADIES

VoyeurismThe fact that the only thing within the set is beyonce and two other dancers focuses all our attention on the women’s dance moves.

The video consists of three attractive females dancing.

There is a lot of skin on show at all times. The video exploits women.

The focus is very much on their bodies.

The black and white background makes the dancers legs stand out more

Close-ups

Close-ups are used throughout yet these are only on beyonce as it is her song and she is trying to promote her music. By using close-ups we really get an insight in to the artists face and therefore we are able to relate with the artist more.

IntertextualityLyrics and music video

All the single ladies (7x)Now put your hands upUp in the club, we just broke upI’m doing my own little thingyou Decided to dip but now you wanna tripCuz another brother noticed me

Goodwin suggests that lyrics will make constant reference to visuals on the screen. The Visuals will reinforce what we hear. In this particular music video within the lyrics printed above Beyonce does the exact actions. She is constantly dancing, rejoicing with happiness, dancing for single ladies and when the lyrics say ‘now put your hands up’ she literally does. This is a gesture of being in high spirits.

Genre characteristicsWithin Beyonce’s music video there are many traits that demonstrate this it is

an R&B music video, despite there being a very simple set the whole way through. The fact that she wears a lot of make up, has a fashionable sense

of style and is surrounded by beautiful women all in tip top shape illustrates that this is an R&B music video. If it was rock we would see that there would be a band and someone singing in to a microphone the whole

way through, dark colours, guitars and drums would also be obvious within rock music videos.

Evaluation

• In doing this task I have learnt the key aspect that I should be including in my music video. Music videos are very manipulative and include important traits depending on the genre that I will definitely bear in my mind when coming to making my own music video. Things such as close ups of women's faces are crucial in R&B videos as well as a heavy face of make up and barely any clothes.