Research into Goodwins Theory - Miss Georgiou

Andrew Goodwin's theory states that there are 7 key aspects to a music video. These aspects consist of whether the video demonstrates genre characteristics, thought through beat which means you can see what the lyrics mean in your head. Also, the relationship between the song and visuals; narrative and performance of the song; the technical aspect of a music video and the star image (protagonist), lots of camera shots making him/her the centre of attention. With these seven aspect of Goodwin's theory I will be applying it to Katy Perry's music video 'Roar' to see if there are any similar key features that are present in her music video.

One of the key aspect to Goodwin's theory is the relation between the music and the visuals. There are three ways visuals are used to promote a song: 
Illustrate; where music videos use certain images and shots to illustrate or explain the meaning of lyrics to their song or genre.

Disjuncture; In this situation, the meaning of the song is completely ignored in the music video.
Amplify; This is where repeatability is used as the images and the camera shots are manipulated and shown repetitively throughout the music video and is drummed into our vision.
Katy Perry's music video 'Roar' uses Illustration as the lyrics of the song are reflected throughout. For example the song lyrics quote "you're gonna hear me roar" whilst the music video illustrates Katy Perry looking down at her reflection of a tiger roaring back at herself. This idea put forward by Goodwin, that there is a relationship between the lyrics and visuals is proven by Katy Perry's video most literally by illustration which helps the audience to put imagery to the song.


Another idea that Goodwin puts forward is the narrative and performance of the song. Andrew Goodwin believed that it was important for an artist to be involved in the music video by performing or acting out a role as the main character or singer. Within Katy Perry's 'Roar' music video she is shown as the main character of the song and also the singer which helps as it makes the song seem more realistic which also gives the audience a special connection and good understanding of the song. Throughout the music video 'Roar' there is a story being told-a narrative which helps the audience gain an understanding to the meaning of the song and the message the artist Katy Perry is trying to bring across to them. Performance is also used throughout as Katy Perry both dances and acts within the music video to keep the audience both engaged and entertained.


Goodwin also put forward the idea of a Star Image (protagonist), lots of camera shots making him/her the centre of attention. The star image is always very unique in the way he/she is presented whether that be through the clothes, their moves or their appearance. This helps to promote the artist/stars image towards the public and also helps to promote the music video itself in the process of creating and building up a public reputation for the artist themselves. Katy Perry is known for her unique sense of character and style and this is conveyed throughout the 'Roar' music video as she presents herself in flamboyant costumes and an unusual choice of narrative. The majority of camera shots used are central to Katy Perry to focus the audiences' attention on her to build up engagement despite the settings being distracting.

Another aspect of Goodwin's theory is the technical aspect of a music video. Goodwin says that the technical aspect helps to hold the music video together through the use of mise-en-scene, special effects, sound and editing. Katy Perry includes technical aspects within her 'Roar' music video. This includes special effects of a tiger in a fireflies effect signifying her 'inner beast'. The lighting and colour helps to set the mood for the music video and creates an emphasis on significant parts of the song to create a dramatic effect and also to thrill the audience. The mise-en-scene is also very vital to the production of a music video because it can help the artist gain authentication and also make their work appear more professional due to the advanced technology included within the music video. The beats of the song 'Roar' are also very useful as they can help to create effective cuts that go with the rhythm of the song to make the music video look more entertaining.

Andrew Goodwin believes that the demands of the record label will include the need for several close ups of the artist or band and the artist may develop motifs which reoccur across their work. There is use of the cinematographic element close-ups within the 'Roar' music video first seen when Katy Perry sings into the camera in shock. The use of the close-ups helps to create emphasis on the artist and her emotions. Furthermore they reflect the words of the song with the movements of the lips of the artist. This gives emphasis on the song and what is being said, as well as their emotions, allowing for the song to have more engagement to the audience, also making them feel as if the artist is singing directly to them, which then allows for a connection to be built between the artist and the audience.

Overall, Goodwin's theory allows for music videos to be analysed successfully and gives a clear insight to what is included in a music video. It gives visual guidelines telling us what is needed in order to produce a successful music video. From Goodwin's theory, I have concluded that the characteristics I would like to include within my own music video are putting forward a narrative and performance, adding a technical aspect to the music video and also being able to build a relationship between the music and the visuals.