8/11/2019 Andrew Goodwin and Narrative Structure

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Andrew Goodwin and Narrative

1.

Character introductionexposition, atmosphere and plot

2. Rising action of the story

- Change

-

Event

-

Related to a conflict

3. Climaxturning point/main action

4.

Falling action - stability

5. Resolution

Spike JonesHow They Got There

1. The character begins by standing in the street having a drink. We can see that he is watching

passers by and minding his own business when he notices a lady passing by. The way he

looks at this lady portrays the idea that he finds her attractive.

2. The male character then begins to follow the lady, copying her movements. They both begin

to play around in the street copying each others dance moves. This part is used to change

the tone into a more fun tone, rather than the seductive tone set within the character

introduction.

3. The male character then gets hit by a car as the music video ends.

The fact that this music video does not contain falling action (number 4) or resolution (number 5)

introduces the idea of a cyclical (circular) narrative. This technique is often used when a scene

becomes too clich.

Alicia KeysTry Sleeping With A Broken Heart

1. Female artist is shown to be lying on a bed. The seductive tone within this opening relates to

the lyrics. This concept is backed up by the provocative choice of clothing.

2.

This character is then shown to have left the house and begins to walk the streets. We can

see in this music video that the neighborhood in which this particular part is set is seemingly

middle class. This then follows on to show her healing an injured dog.

3.

The climax of this music video, the climax point is shown when she appears at what seems tobe an industrial site. She is then shown to have special powers and the ability to fly.

8/11/2019 Andrew Goodwin and Narrative Structure

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4.

She is then shown to meet her ex boyfriend. At this point, it is suggested that she is a

powerful woman and doesnt need to rely on him anymore. This then creates the image that

the artist is strong and powerful, thus showing her to be a positive role model.

5.

She then leaves the building without him and the shot switches back to one of her laying in

bed, similar to the image portrayed in the introduction.

Theory: Goodwin said that there is a mix between performance and narrative in music videos. This is

done to generate interest and is an advertising tool. Common narratives are usually ignored as there

needs to be promotion of the artist. In music videos, the artist is responsible for creating and telling

the story.