Andrew Goodwin feels that traditional narrative analysis does not apply in pop videos; there are several reasons for this. A pop video only lasts a few minutes whereas novels, films and other type of media last longer therefore they have more time express to the audience all the relevant themes.
Reasons for different narrative structures:
• Pop videos use the singer as the character as well as the narrator.
• The singer usually looks into the camera. In a way this breaks the ‘ third wall’ in order to involve the viewer and making them feel more involved with the performance, creating the illusion that they are watching the pop star live.
• Pop videos are built around songs and songs don’t often pose traditional narrative structures.
Repetition is used throughout pop videos for a variety of reasons. Often an image is repeated throughout music videos like the way lines and verses are repeated in songs. This allows us as an audience to become familial with the themes and ideas that are presented in the song. It also allows us to become familial with the genre and set certain expectations. Repetition is also useful in advertisement. Music videos will be played on the TV, songs will be played on the radio and adverts may be played on the TV. Therefore the use of repetition will link these different types of median and make it seem like one, as the audience will become familial with certain visual images that has been repeated throughout.
Pop songs and pop videos all have something in common; they all have a form of closure and ending. A pop song is usually around 3 minutes long therefore the video has to end after 3 minutes. Thus is how it is usually done; it builds a climax or reaches a constant repetition until it fades away.
Goodwin believes there are three types of relations between songs and videos:
• Illustration: this is when the video has narrative
• Amplification: when the video contradicts the song lyrics or adds new layers of meaning
• Disjunction: when there is little connection between the song and the music video
Typically pop videos are easily recognisable. This is due to the use of clichés and stereotypes. In the majority of pop / RnB/grime videos women are seen as objects of male desire.
Videos also try to appeal to a wide audience range. This can be shown in different ways such as a song from an older band but the video would be of them in there younger days. This would be appealing for a younger audience and the bands core target audience as no one will feel left out. ☺
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