Goodwin's music video analysis

Goodwin's music video analysis

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

1. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics.
2. There is a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals.
3. There is a relationship between the music and the visuals.
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.
5. There is a frequent reference to the notion of looking and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female.
6. There is often an intertextual reference (to films, television and other music videos.)

M83 - Midnight City

This music video concept was following the lives of supernatural children and their steps towards becoming independent and discovering who they are. Although the music video concept has completely nothing to do with the song, it is irrelevant. We are drawn towards the individuals and their personalities rather than simply watching a dull, common performance music video. The ending gives the music video a film like sense, as it ends with credits. This cleverly grabs the audiences attention as it is very different. The artist M83 actually released a prequel and a third instalment to this song. This could both be seen as a marketing technique or quite simply a brilliant change from the typical music videos.