Goodwin wrote a book called 'Dancing in the distraction factory' where he outlined the 6 main characteristics of a music video:
1. Genre characteristics: each different genre has different conventions e.g. Rock and punk music would show the band performing on a stage, and Dance music would include a either a dance or a club scene to reinforce the conventions of the music. In the music video fireflies by Owl City, the genre is electronic and this style was developed was in the 80's. To reflect this a lot of the props and objects used in the video are retro and from the 80's era such as a toy robot, and a retro spaceship.
2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. In Owl City, Fireflies the lyrics appear on screen through a typo speak. Furthermore, the lyrics "as fox trot above my head" a shot of fox trot music being chosen appears. Another example is "a disco ball that's just hanging by a thread" a disco ball appears. The lyrics and visuals are working together in the music video to show the viewer what the lyrics really mean.
3. There is a relationship between music and visuals (e.g. upbeat song, shows synchronous cuts, editing will link to a part of a the song) In Fireflies, the whole song uses synchronous cuts with the objects around the bedroom. For example, the typo speak turns on saying 'Hello' when the music starts.
4. It reinforces the stars image, close ups and motifs. In Owl City's music video he is shown only at a side view, never looking directly at the camera. It reinforces the stars image but in a different way to the conventions. Owl City as an artist is very reserved and this also reflects his style of music; a one man band singing his music, no dancing or swearing. An example of motifs is Avicii's symbol he uses in his music videos and also at his concerts and on his merchandise. It's a symbol of him as an artist but also a logo for his music.
5. Voyeuristic treatment of the female body and using screens within screens as a notion of looking and watching. In the music video, the notion of looking is very pleasing to watch with all the lights and different toys keeps the audience interested and wanting to watch more. There is no voyeurism used because there are no women used in the video, nor are any women referenced to in the song.
6. Using intertextual references. In this case there are no intertextual references, but this alone does not completely make it a bad music video in the eyes of Goodwin's theory.
Key terms: 3 different types of music videos
Illustration: The video illustrates the song, the images derive from the lyrics
Owl City Fireflies, is an example of Illustration as the images reflect the lyrics being sung and the child like tune with electric style reflects the location of the video being in a childrens bedroom.
Owl city Fireflies music video:
Emily you have made a promising start to your Year 13 blog. This reflects engagement with the course and commitment. Well done thus far, will mark in detail when I have a little more time.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say something like ..the video adds extra meaning to the song and doesn't relate to the lyrics..... ... you need to provide an example.
ReplyDeleteIt is clear Emily that you have been engaged in your Advanced Portfolio since your first Year 13 lesson. Well done, I am pleased with your effort. Do note how you can improve your posts.