Andrew Goodwin 'Dancing in the Distraction Factory' (1992)

To be awarded level 4 for your research and planning you must show evidence of detailed research into music videos of a similar genre. Below is a guide to how to analyse music video based on Andrew Goodwin's 'Dancing in the Distraction Factory' (1992).

Goodwin identified 6 typical characteristics of a music video:

In His Book Dancing in the Distraction Factory Andrew Goodwin points out characteristics and features that can be found in music videos. Looking at a selection of music videos which can be recognised

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.
(e.g. stage performance in metal videos, dance routine for boy/girl band, aspiration in Hip Hop).

2. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals. The lyrics are represented with images.
(either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).

3. There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music. (either illustrative, amplifying, contradicting).

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 (a visual style).

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

6. There are often intertextual reference (to films, tv programmes, other music videos etc).

Using Goodwin's ideas choose a music video of a similar genre to your and write a detailed analysis addressing the 6 features as outlined by Goodwin. Don't forget to include discussion of the technical aspects as well such as mise en scene, camera movement, position, angle and composition as well as editing techniques used.