Goodwin's Theory of Analysis

Goodwin's Theory of Analysis

Andrew Goodwin in his book on the rise of MTV, 'Dancing in the Distraction Factory' (1992), identifies a number of key features which distinguish music video as a form:

·      Relationship between the lyrics and the visuals (with the visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the lyrics).

·      Relationship between the music and the visuals (with the visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the music).

·      Particular genres having their own music video style (such as live stage performance in heavy rock).

·      There is a demand on the pert of the record company for lots of close ups of the main artist/vocalist.

·      Iconography developed by the artist that might become part of their image.

·      Reference to voyeurism, particularly in the treatment of women, but also in systems of looking.  

·      Inter-textual references.

Goodwin’s theory is a great way to work out how to evaluate and analyse a music video. When I go to analyse a music video I will try to use the points made Goodwin’s theory to try and help me why the video is shot in a certain way/style, why the director has chosen to shoot it that way, the use of mise en scene, the camera angles used in the music and the relationship between the music video visuals, lyrics and the music itself.