Summary of Andrew Goodwin's theory.

In an extract in 'Dancing in the Distraction Factory', Andrew Goodwin suggests that pop videos approach narrative from a different angle and do not follow traditional narrative structures- for example the normality-problem-resolution sequence. Pop music have features that we can easily recognise and likewise, videos have distinct features and characteristics that we can distinguish to see whether it is a pop video.

• Pop videos have easily recognisable features e.g. Use of dancing
• The singer often looks directly at the camera, which tries to involve the viewer with the performance
• Women are presented as attractive and sexy- they are presented as objects of male desire
• Pop videos are built around the song- and normally the singer is both the narrator and a character
• They rely on repetition of images
• It provides visual pleasure which would encourage repeated viewing
• Different instruments heard can be represented by different objects
• It could also be used to promote films and songs can be written for a particular movie which can combine images from the movie into the video e.g. Leona Lewis- I See You for Avatar

Pop songs and videos generally have a common closure/ending to the video. The way the music ends is similar to the song- and is reflected in the video. e.g. Constant repetition built to a climax before fading away. Because we are familiar with the genre and rhythms, it can carry certain expectations e.g. dance moves that are catchy.

However, some videos may be completely different to the normal pop narrative. Most videos concentrate on the main target audience but try and appeal to a wider audience as possible. This therefore leads to different types of narrative to appeal as much to the audience in any given genre. This includes:

1. Illustration - where the video tells a story from the lyrics. Dance can also be used to illustrate and express feelings and mood in the song.
2. Amplification - where videos add layers of meaning which can emphasis on the lyrics to express the meanings being portrayed.
3. Disjuncture - where there is little connection between the lyrics and the video, or the video contradicts the lyrics.

All music videos will fit into one or more of these categories to provide visualisation for the audience.