Andrew Goodwin’s theory

BY RHIANA LETTS

Summary of his theory

Goodwin is explaining how traditional narrative ideas such as Todorov’s theory, cannot really be applied to pop videos.

When there is a narrative in a music video, it usually has it’s own format in comparison to Novels and films which are more conventional.

The difference in narrative structure are that;

The pop video is built around the lyrics of the song (Not the standard – normal- dilemma – solution)

The ‘singer’ can be used as both the character and the narrator

The ‘singer’ can interact with the audience by breaking the 4th wall

In pop video’s, images are often repeated, similarly to the chorus or other lyrics. The music video can be played on many mediums including; TV, radio and film.

The way a music video usually ends is by either reaching a climax or have a constant repetition which then fades. This is the way a music video usually concludes.

There are 3 types of relation the music video has to it’s lyrics;

Illustration- Video tells the story of the lyrics

Amplification- Video either introduces new meaning to the lyrics or adds a layer of meaning

Disjuncture- There is little connection between lyrics and music video or the music video contradicts the lyrics

Examples

Examples;

Illustration - https://youtu.be/vjW8wmF5VWc - Silento-watch me (whip/naenae)

It demonstrates the lyrics in the video. Genre - Pop

Amplification - https://youtu.be/LlY90lG_Fuw Pharrell Williams-freedom

The video introduces a new meaning and adds a layer of meaning to his song ‘freedom’. Genre – RnB.

Disjuncture - https://youtu.be/u01Qzjxw2SA Chip-Feeling Myself FT. Kano & Wretch 32

The video is just mainly showing them but has little relation to the lyrics. Genre- Grime