Goodwin’s Theory

Before I began work on a project I looked at the theory side to the task at hand. One of the most important things I learnt was Goodwin’s Theory of video analysis which can be applied to music videos. The 6 aspects to his Theory are :

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 e.g. Calvin Harris’s sunglasses

Intertextuality: When another text is referenced e.g. parody. A good example of this is “Sabotage” by the Beastie Boys which takes characteristics which we normally associate with the 80′s Police Drama’s.

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 “Yellow” by Coldplay when the artist sings the opening line ”look at the stars” and in the background we can see stars in the sky.