Research - Andrew Goodwin's theory

Andrew Goodwin considers that pop music videos shouldn't use a traditional narrative structure (normality, problem, resolution). He feels that it doesn't really apply to them, that they should approach narrative differently. These are the three reasons why:

• Pop videos are made around songs, which doesn’t set a traditional story line like in films, for example.
• The singer is both the narrator and the character of the music video.
• The singer faces and looks straight towards the camera in order to engage the viewer, as the video is an extension of a live performance.

Repetition is also key in pop videos. The repeated use of images correspond to the way that the chorus, or a certain line, is repeated throughout the song. This allows the audience to be familiar with the genre and to set expectations to the genre.

Although music videos do not use a traditional narrative structure, it does have a form of closure and ending. The end of a song is usually reflected in the structure of the music, as it either builds to a climax or uses constant repetition before fading away.

Andrew Goodwin says that there are three types of relations between songs and their videos:

Illustration - This is when the video illustrates the meaning of the lyrics. Dance is sometimes used to express feelings.

Amplification - The meaning of the lyrics are exaggerated. It doesn't contradict with the lyrics, however it adds layers to the meaning.

Disjuncture - This is when the video doesn't have any connections with the lyrics. Lady Gaga's videos are very good examples, as she mostly uses disjuncture in her videos.