Andrew Goodwin's Theory

Andrew Goodwin has a theory which he uses in reference to how music videos are made, as well as how the audience may percieve them.



Goodwin also feels that Pop videos do not need to confrom to a traditional narrative, therefore his main thesis has these aspects within it:

• ILLUSTRATION:

This aspect meaning that the video is built around the lyrics of the song, as opposed to traditional narrative structures (that often require a resolution), however Illustration normally uses Dance to express feelings and moods within the song. Therefore, it is solely a visual demonstraion of lyrics.



Owl City's 'Fireflies' is a  music video that demonstrates Goodwin's idea of Illustration in Music Videos, due to the literal meaning of the lyrics being displayed on screen, using props.

AMPLIFICATION: 

This applies when videos introduce new meanings that add layers of meaning, without contradicting the lyrics. Therefore, basetracks or repeated images would be vital in allowing the video to be understood, having these images drummed into our vision.

Beyonce's 'If I Were a Boy' is a clear example of Amplification as it does not correspond to the lyrics, however the dialogue within the video can add an extra layer of meaning within the Video, as it explains the role reversal that goes on in the video, as well as Beyonce participating in the Video herself and narrating her experiences and feelings.

DISJUNCTURE:

This is when a music video has a minor connection to the lyrics or where the video may be non-conformist to the lyrics. For example, Paradise by Coldplay features a man in an elephant costume on a journey to find 'Paradise' which is where the rest of his heard of friends are; also showing his journey to get there.

 



Overall Goodwin's theory can be recognised in many Music Videos, they also appeal to a wider audience without stereotyping or causing turmoil, they simply either convey strong emotion visually or have a completely different, or unexpected outlook on what the lyrics mean.