Music Video Analysis Based On Andrew Goodwin’s Theory

Andrew Goodwin’s Theory

In Andrew Goodwin’s book ‘Dancing in the Distraction Factory’ he provides characteristics and features that can be found in music videos.

1. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with images.

2. There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music.

3. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (visual style).

5. There is frequently reference to the notion of looking (mirrors, screens, cameras etc.) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

6. There are often intertextual references to films, tv shows, other music videos etc.

The Script Hall of Fame ft. will.i.am

Yeah, You could be the greatestYou can be the best

You can be the king kong banging on your chest

You could beat the worldYou could beat the war

You could talk to God, go banging on his door

You can throw your hands upYou can beat the clock

You can move a mountainYou can break rocksYou can be a masterDon't wait for luck

Dedicate yourself and you can find yourself

Standing in the hall of fameAnd the world's gonna know your nameCause you burn with the brightest flameAnd the world's gonna know your name

And you'll be on the walls of the hall of fame

You could go the distanceYou could run the mile

You could walk straight through hell with a smile

You could be the heroYou could get the gold

Breaking all the records that thought never could be broke

Do it for your peopleDo it for your pride

How you ever gonna know if you never even try?

Do it for your countryDo it for your name

Cause there's gonna be a day

Lyrics:

When you're standing in the hall of fameAnd the world's gonna know your nameCause you burn with the brightest flameAnd the world's gonna know your name

And you'll be on the walls of the hall of fame

Be a champion, Be a champion, Be a champion, Be a champion

On the walls of the hall of fame

Be studentsBe teachers

Be politiciansBe preachers

Be believersBe leaders

Be astronautsBe champions

Be truth seekers

Be studentsBe teachers

Be politiciansBe preachers

Be believersBe leaders

Be astronautsBe champions

Standing in the hall of fameAnd the world's gonna know your nameCause you burn with the brightest flameAnd the world's gonna know your name

And you'll be on the walls of the hall of fame

(You can be a champion)You could be the greatest(You can be a champion)

You can be the best(You can be a champion)

You can be the king kong banging on your chest

(You can be a champion)You could beat the world(You can be a champion)You could beat the war

(You can be a champion)You could talk to God, go banging on his door

(You can be a champion)You can throw your hands up

(You can be a champion)You can beat the clock

(You can be a champion)You can move a mountain(You can be a champion)

You can break rocks

(You can be a champion)You can be a master

(You can be a champion)Don't wait for luck

(You can be a champion)Dedicate yourself and you can find yourself

(You can be a champion)

Standing in the hall of fame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mk48xRzuNvA

1. The relationship between the lyrics and the visuals

The lyrics are all about how if you try really hard at something you will succeed. This is reflected in the video through the use of boxing and ballet. We see two individuals who are outcasts in their societies and have to do there best to overcome the obstacles in their path and succeed in the sports they love.

The visuals show them training and making errors, but these are then juxtaposed by images of them succeeding.

The use of spot lighting in the images of them succeeding reflects the idea of ‘standing in the hall of fame’, all eyes are on you because when you are famous you are in the spotlight.

The video is promoting the fact that if you work hard you can achieve your dreams, no matter what your upbringing or disability.

2. There is a relationship between music and visuals

Throughout the video the pace of the music is matched by the moves of the artists but also the dancing of the ballerina.

This ensures that the video fits with the song and that it makes sense to the viewer. This is common in music videos for most genres.

The editing is also timed to the music. The cuts between shots are quick and subtle, fitting in with the beat of the music. This also helps the video to flow.

Also in several places the content of the images flows from shot to shot, echoing the flow of the music.

3. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics

The genre of this music video is categorised as pop rock by iTunes. Due to this genre we get band shots showing the whole group performing together, as well as the band leader on their own.

Although there is a narrative to the video it is intertwined by a large amount of performance, as is normal for the genre. This is important because the artists like you to see what their band is about, which is often expressed by how they make their music.

4. Demands of the record label and visual style

The video uses a large amount of close ups to promote the band, especially the lead singer. This is done to demonstrate his importance in the band and also because the lead singer is often the band member that is most recognised by the fans.

As there is a featured artist in the song there are many close ups which are two shots of the lead singer and the featured artist.

The clothing they wear reflects their brand identity which is quite casual and not too flashy or extravagant. However Will I am wears slightly trendier clothes to suit his identity and make him recognisable as separate to the rest of the group.

5. Reference to the notion of looking and voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

Although there are no mirrors or cameras in this video the notion of looking is made very clear by the eye contact the band members make with the audience.

This helps the audience to connect with the audience and feel like they are part of the video because the artist is directly addressing them.

Although women are shown wearing fairly skimpy clothing and elaborate makeup it is done because it is a realist view of people who do ballet. In this style of video the point is to get across the meaning through the narrative rather than simply show attractive people dancing.

6. Intertextual references

Although there are no obvious references to other media in the video there are some strong movie connections. The boxing reminds you of the Rocky films, whilst the ballet reminds you of the Black Swan. Their narratives reflect similar struggles to those shown in this music video.