Thursday, 19 September 2013
Tuesday, 10 September 2013
Forms and Conventions & Intertextual References
Forms and ConventionsAndrew Goodwin states that there are 6 aspects of a Music Video,
which we as the audience look out for. These are:
1. The relationship between lyrics and the visuals (visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the lyrics)
2. Relationship between music and visuals (visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the music)
3. Particular music genres may have their own music video style and iconography (such as live stage performance in heavy rock)
4. The artist may develop their own star iconography in and out of their videos, which overtime becomes part of their star image
5. Likely to be reference to voyeurism. This explains the treatment of women within the media.
6. Intertextual references, either to other music videos or films and TV texts
Intertextual References
The word intertextuality means to merge two text and merge them together, many artists do this for reasons such as popularity as making a reference to a popular book will boost the amount viewing the music video. Intertextuality is often quite hard to incorporate into a music video as usually the thing that is being incorporated has to be well known, easy to create and has to have a meaning for the music video to work.There are many types of intertexual references such as:Parody - Eminem Pastiche - Michael Jaskon Referencing - Lady GagaHomage - Justin Bieber
Examples of Intertextual Referencing Madonna "Material Girl". In her music video she makes a clear reference to Marilyn Monroe in "Diamonds are forever" in the way that she dressed and the background. In the footage Madonna is dressed in a similar pink dress, same hair cut, similar necklace and bracelets with men next to her holding love hearts. People who saw this footage were able to know where the reference and inspiration is from because it was such an iconic Marilyn Monroe moment therefore gaining Madonna more viewers on her music video.
Taylor Swift with her beautiful love song "Love Story", a lot of people know automatically what the inter-textual reference is to. There is an undeniable Romeo and Juliet feel to the music video. They have most likely chosen to use Romeo and Juliet as their inter-textual reference because it matches their song perfectly - the song is about love which fits with the passion and story of Romeo and Juliet.
1. The relationship between lyrics and the visuals (visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the lyrics)
2. Relationship between music and visuals (visuals either illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the music)
3. Particular music genres may have their own music video style and iconography (such as live stage performance in heavy rock)
4. The artist may develop their own star iconography in and out of their videos, which overtime becomes part of their star image
5. Likely to be reference to voyeurism. This explains the treatment of women within the media.
6. Intertextual references, either to other music videos or films and TV texts
Intertextual References
The word intertextuality means to merge two text and merge them together, many artists do this for reasons such as popularity as making a reference to a popular book will boost the amount viewing the music video. Intertextuality is often quite hard to incorporate into a music video as usually the thing that is being incorporated has to be well known, easy to create and has to have a meaning for the music video to work.There are many types of intertexual references such as:Parody - Eminem Pastiche - Michael Jaskon Referencing - Lady GagaHomage - Justin Bieber
Examples of Intertextual Referencing Madonna "Material Girl". In her music video she makes a clear reference to Marilyn Monroe in "Diamonds are forever" in the way that she dressed and the background. In the footage Madonna is dressed in a similar pink dress, same hair cut, similar necklace and bracelets with men next to her holding love hearts. People who saw this footage were able to know where the reference and inspiration is from because it was such an iconic Marilyn Monroe moment therefore gaining Madonna more viewers on her music video.
Taylor Swift with her beautiful love song "Love Story", a lot of people know automatically what the inter-textual reference is to. There is an undeniable Romeo and Juliet feel to the music video. They have most likely chosen to use Romeo and Juliet as their inter-textual reference because it matches their song perfectly - the song is about love which fits with the passion and story of Romeo and Juliet.
Gender Theory - Mulvey's theory
Male Gaze theory
Mulvey's male gaze theory essay described what she saw as the male
point of view adopted by the camera to visually
pleasure the male audience. Mulvey also described how the
camera forces on women's bodies, treating them
as sexual objects in order to gratify men. She
also argued that the central characters in films are male,
meaning that the male audience can identify with them,
sharing the view that women are passive and there to be looked
at.
The Male Gaze typically focuses on:
- Emphasising
curves of the female body
- Referring
to women as objects rather than people
- The display
of women is how men think they should be perceived
- Female
viewers, view the content through the eyes of a man
Roland Barthes Codes
Enigma Code- This refers to any element in a story that is not
revealed or explained therefore it acts as a mystery (or an enigma)
for the audience.
Action Code-This code can be applied when an action implies further narrative.
Semiotic Code- This is when a part of something will be shown but it stands/represents the whole.
Cultural Code-This code is where the narrative refers to common bodies of knowledge.
Symbolic Code-This code is there to explain the complexities of a narrative, but can be interpreted in many different ways providing no fixed meaning or definition.
Action Code-This code can be applied when an action implies further narrative.
Semiotic Code- This is when a part of something will be shown but it stands/represents the whole.
Cultural Code-This code is where the narrative refers to common bodies of knowledge.
Symbolic Code-This code is there to explain the complexities of a narrative, but can be interpreted in many different ways providing no fixed meaning or definition.
Times & Narrative
Real time
Everything is happening within that moment
Reversal
Where is starts at the end but rewinds back to the beginning of the story
Dream sequence
This is similar to flashbacks but instead it's a dream sequence
Repetition
When the storyline is repeated over and over again
Ellipsis
where they skip parts because we know that they are going to happen
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is where a pre-figuring of events that have not yet taken place
Everything is happening within that moment
Reversal
Where is starts at the end but rewinds back to the beginning of the story
Dream sequence
This is similar to flashbacks but instead it's a dream sequence
Repetition
When the storyline is repeated over and over again
Ellipsis
where they skip parts because we know that they are going to happen
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is where a pre-figuring of events that have not yet taken place
Types of Narrative
As opposed to just having a performance aspect, many music videos
use a narrative that features a story of sorts playing out in front
of the audience that is, more often than not used as a tie in to the
meaning of the song.
Linear
Most music videos use a linear, or Todorovian, format in which all events in the narrative are in chronological order. Todorov's narrative theory follows five steps, the first being equilibrium in which everything is as it should be. This is then followed by the disruption of that equilibrium where something will happen to disrupt the balance of life, this is then recognised by the protagonist of the narrative. The protagonist will then begin on their quest to restore equilibrium, a quest which, in theory they will succeed in as the final step of Todorov's theory. This theory is used as a guideline for fairytale structures, a structure which has become increasingly less popular as directors make an effort to break the mould and create something more unique, however it still remains the most popular format for music videos. Example: Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the way
Non-Linear
In most videos in this modern times, directors try to stray form the linear chronological format of music videos so to create a more unique and artistic visual experience for the viewer. An example of this format is in the video for "The Scientist" by Coldplay. The video is filmed in reverse and sees the main character, Chris Martin, singing the song whilst walking in the reverse of how he would have originally travelled, he continues to walk and we see that he was actually walking away from a car accident, this is a representation of the lyric "take me back to the start" which features throughout the song. This is a format that is the reverse of the Todorovian structure with the equilibrium being at the end of the video but at the start of the overall narrative of the video.
Circular
Parallel Narrative
Parallel narrative is where it's the same scene but spilt into two screen and shot in different angles. This shows the actors or artist point of view of what they are doing at the same time as the other actor/singer
Convergent Narrative
Convergent narrative is where two story line and come together, as in we see two different points of views put together, for an example Fantasia - When I see you, in this music video we see two main characters coming towards each other
Interweaving Narrative
When more then one or multiple story-lines eventually weave together. Chris Brown Ft Justin Bieber - Next to you, this has a mixture of the two artist point of view of what's happening which collide together
Linear
Most music videos use a linear, or Todorovian, format in which all events in the narrative are in chronological order. Todorov's narrative theory follows five steps, the first being equilibrium in which everything is as it should be. This is then followed by the disruption of that equilibrium where something will happen to disrupt the balance of life, this is then recognised by the protagonist of the narrative. The protagonist will then begin on their quest to restore equilibrium, a quest which, in theory they will succeed in as the final step of Todorov's theory. This theory is used as a guideline for fairytale structures, a structure which has become increasingly less popular as directors make an effort to break the mould and create something more unique, however it still remains the most popular format for music videos. Example: Red Hot Chili Peppers - By the way
Non-Linear
In most videos in this modern times, directors try to stray form the linear chronological format of music videos so to create a more unique and artistic visual experience for the viewer. An example of this format is in the video for "The Scientist" by Coldplay. The video is filmed in reverse and sees the main character, Chris Martin, singing the song whilst walking in the reverse of how he would have originally travelled, he continues to walk and we see that he was actually walking away from a car accident, this is a representation of the lyric "take me back to the start" which features throughout the song. This is a format that is the reverse of the Todorovian structure with the equilibrium being at the end of the video but at the start of the overall narrative of the video.
Circular
The narrative begins at the end events (often with the climax).
The audience are taken on a journey arriving back where they start.
Example of a circular is Ed Sheeran - The A team, where the ending of
the whole narrative is put at the beginning so that after that then
the video shows who it actually happened
Parallel Narrative
Parallel narrative is where it's the same scene but spilt into two screen and shot in different angles. This shows the actors or artist point of view of what they are doing at the same time as the other actor/singer
Convergent Narrative
Convergent narrative is where two story line and come together, as in we see two different points of views put together, for an example Fantasia - When I see you, in this music video we see two main characters coming towards each other
Interweaving Narrative
When more then one or multiple story-lines eventually weave together. Chris Brown Ft Justin Bieber - Next to you, this has a mixture of the two artist point of view of what's happening which collide together
Todorov, Propp and Levi-Strauss theory
Todorov's narrative theory
Todorov in 1969 produced a theory which he believed to be able to be applied to any film. He believed that all films followed the same narrative pattern. They all went through stages called the equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition, reparation and new equilibrium (Five conventional stages)
Five stages:
- Equilibrium (All it should be)
- Disequilibrium (A disruption of that order by an event)
- Recognition (A disorder has occurred)
- Reparation (Repairing the damage of the disruption)
- New Equilibrium (Return or restoration of a new equilibrium)
Applying Todorov's theory to Toy Story
Equilibrium - Woody and all the toys are generally getting along well with each other. Woody is loving being the most favoured toy.
Disequilibrium - At Andy's Birthday party, a new toy (character) is introduced by the name of Buzz light-year is introduced and is the new favourite character.
Recognition - Woody recognises the fact that Buzz is the new favourite and gets very jealous and unhappy he is no longer being played with.
Reparation - Woody tries to remove Buzz from the equation. In trying he and Buzz Both get lost and have to try to find their way back to the house before Andy moves.
New Equilibrium - Woody and Buzz become friends from their teamwork and so they live happily in their new house and Woody is no longer neglected by Andy to play with the toys together.
Propps Theory
After studying 100 fairytale, Vladimir Propp developed a character theory for studying media texts and productions. Prop discovered that all characters fall into 7 broad character types, all of which can be found in a variety of different media.
The villain: Locked in a constant struggle with the hero, often trying to harm princess.
The donor: Gives the hero an object or a piece of information that helps them prepare for what is to come.
The helper: Assists the hero with their quest, often referred to as their 'sidekick'.
The princess: Needs assistance from the hero, usually because they are in some form of danger, typically the princess is the victim within the narrative.
The dispatcher: Is the character who sends that hero on their mission or quest.
Hero: Reacts to the donor and saves the princess, often resulting in them falling in love with the princess.
False hero: May appear good but has an ulterior motive, or attempts to take credit for the hero's actions.
Applying to Toy Story
Hero - Woody
Villain - Buzz Lighting & Sid's Toys
Donor - Sid's toys
Helper - Andy's other toys
Levi - Strauss Theory
Cluade Levis Strauss theory of binary opposition. Binary oppositions are sets of opposite values which reveal the structure of media texts, for example would be GOOD and EVIL. This theory also ties in with something called dominant ideology. Dominant ideology is the set of common values and beliefs shared by most people in a given society, framing how the majority think about a range of topics.
Male > Female
White > Black
Happy > Unhappy
Family > Single
Rich > Poor
Clever > Stupid
Ability > Disability
Todorov in 1969 produced a theory which he believed to be able to be applied to any film. He believed that all films followed the same narrative pattern. They all went through stages called the equilibrium, disequilibrium, recognition, reparation and new equilibrium (Five conventional stages)
Five stages:
- Equilibrium (All it should be)
- Disequilibrium (A disruption of that order by an event)
- Recognition (A disorder has occurred)
- Reparation (Repairing the damage of the disruption)
- New Equilibrium (Return or restoration of a new equilibrium)
Applying Todorov's theory to Toy Story
Equilibrium - Woody and all the toys are generally getting along well with each other. Woody is loving being the most favoured toy.
Disequilibrium - At Andy's Birthday party, a new toy (character) is introduced by the name of Buzz light-year is introduced and is the new favourite character.
Recognition - Woody recognises the fact that Buzz is the new favourite and gets very jealous and unhappy he is no longer being played with.
Reparation - Woody tries to remove Buzz from the equation. In trying he and Buzz Both get lost and have to try to find their way back to the house before Andy moves.
New Equilibrium - Woody and Buzz become friends from their teamwork and so they live happily in their new house and Woody is no longer neglected by Andy to play with the toys together.
Propps Theory
After studying 100 fairytale, Vladimir Propp developed a character theory for studying media texts and productions. Prop discovered that all characters fall into 7 broad character types, all of which can be found in a variety of different media.
The villain: Locked in a constant struggle with the hero, often trying to harm princess.
The donor: Gives the hero an object or a piece of information that helps them prepare for what is to come.
The helper: Assists the hero with their quest, often referred to as their 'sidekick'.
The princess: Needs assistance from the hero, usually because they are in some form of danger, typically the princess is the victim within the narrative.
The dispatcher: Is the character who sends that hero on their mission or quest.
Hero: Reacts to the donor and saves the princess, often resulting in them falling in love with the princess.
False hero: May appear good but has an ulterior motive, or attempts to take credit for the hero's actions.
Applying to Toy Story
Hero - Woody
Villain - Buzz Lighting & Sid's Toys
Donor - Sid's toys
Helper - Andy's other toys
Levi - Strauss Theory
Cluade Levis Strauss theory of binary opposition. Binary oppositions are sets of opposite values which reveal the structure of media texts, for example would be GOOD and EVIL. This theory also ties in with something called dominant ideology. Dominant ideology is the set of common values and beliefs shared by most people in a given society, framing how the majority think about a range of topics.
Male > Female
White > Black
Happy > Unhappy
Family > Single
Rich > Poor
Clever > Stupid
Ability > Disability
Genres of music videos
Electronic/Dance
Dance music video have inspirational story lines or real life situation story lines, these involves hand held camera movements, fast pace editing which is to shows the fun and dangerous life moments. Such as Calvin Harris ft Neyo - Let's go which is based on everyday party lives of different people from different country (America, Rio and Tokyo) Also another video example is Rudimental - waiting all night which is based on a true story of a BMX rider. Dance music video hardly have the artist in the music video, but they will only be in the music video when it comes to performance based (stages)Hip Pop
Hip pop music videos always have the artist in the video surrounded by boy groups, or females (video vixens) which is located either out on the streets or in a club (Night life). Hip pop music videos have many different props such as cars, money, alcohol, jewellery and many moreThe camera works and editing, the use a lot of close up on females emphasis their body which has slow pace editing but also the slow pace editing matches the beat/rhythm of the song.
Costumes; the artist will wear designer clothing (baggy) and the females in the music video will wear tight fitted revealing clothing to emphasis their body. Examples Nelly - Hot in here
Rock
The setting of rock music videos are in a large box set or a stage performance or abandoned.isolated places, they use dark lighting (dramatic feel) which shows the heavy-side or aggressive side using quick, sharp editing and camera movement to show the aggressive body language. The props used in the music videos are guitars, microphone, drums The costume of what the artist wears are dark gothic fashion styles with tattoos and piercings.Rock music videos present the artist are being strong, dominant and aggressive.
Examples Green day - Boulevard of broken dreams
Monday, 9 September 2013
EXO K - What is Love Music Video Review
Todays Music Video I'll be talking about is EXO K - What is love!
Firstly I just want to say is that I'M IN LOVE WITH THIS SONG! OMG HOW CAN LIFE GET ANY BETTER?? anyways back to normal. I normally get tired listening to songs that I play over and over again but with this song I can't get tired of it so with the music video, it's like a drug to me.
Back to the MUSIC VIDEO talk, I just want to say is that I'm disappointed in SM because normally in all their music video they always have 360 degrees slow motion camerawork when it doesn't even go with the beat of the song. However when they decide to release a slow beat R&B music they don't even put slow motion camerawork also when the lyrics literally says "slow motion" like common !
Secondly I am so happy with the Mise-en-scene of this music video, the location which is taken outside..which is very rare in a SM music video because most of their videos are set inside a studio with flashing lights. I was actually on the edge of my seat like "ooww look at that stone..look at the puppy dog and where were they going?" even if the video doesn't have a clear plot I like to think of it as artsy vignette showing off each members which is leading up to the eclipse scene....which everyone knows that no one can stare directly at an eclipse or else you'll turn blind. The costume is very casual and comfortable apart from what Baekhyun and D.O is wearing it looks like their stylist wrapped up their outfits with tin foils. The props used in music video was very confusing especially the part where the two guys are standing next to a puddle and there is a random desk in between them..and then the camera slowlys pans around them which shows both of them staring at each other while one of them is holding a kite (confusing). Another scene that confused me was the dance scene where one of the guy is dancing by himself..or with his own clothes? Like really was the necessary? Overall I found the video and song interesting
Saturday, 7 September 2013
EXO Growl - Music Video Review
In today's blog I'll be talking about EXO Growl Music Video
The Music video and song is crazily addictive I just love it !
Normally when I'm watching SM Entertainment music videos they always use boring box set videos with flashing lights and bizarre clothing outfits AKA which is in 90% of their videos, even though this music video contains two out of those three things it was one of the most interesting box set videos that I've ever seen from SM. HALLELUJAH !
The large box setting in this music video was totally necessary because it allows members in EXO members to freely move around and show their amazing dance choreography. The room they are dancing in looks very creepy with all the freckling lights makes it looks like an abandoned warehouse...and OMGosh did you see the ghost ? you'll be able to see it in 1.10 second part pause it and then go frame by frame you'll be able to see someone who looks like a ghost...but really isn't probably one of the camera crews who was dying to be in the video with the boys...
The camera work was fricking amazing !! I love the way the cameraman was moving, the fluid camera work working from person to person, focusing and tracking into each members, rotating around them really made it interesting and refreshing, also it gave the EXOtics better viewing ;) aka I am one.
Anyways its my first time seeing an SM music video which was filmed in one shot which you can tell by Kai when his hat falls off he does this amazing bombastic recovery instead of bending down and picking it up, he pirouette its like a boss and acts like nothing happened and in the Chinese version Suho accidentally steps on Sehun shoes.
Overall I'm in love with the song and the music video...HOW HOT CAN THEY GET???!!!!???!!!!??!!
*Sorry for my fan griling moments*
*EXOtics is their fans*
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