�ݺ�ߣ

MUSIC VIDEO GENRES Siannan Kerrigan

MUSIC VIDEO GENRE
A theory behind defining a genre of a music video is that of semiotics which
was proposed by Barthes. The idea is that through key conventions and
signs, an audience will be able to tell and understand the genre that is being
presented to them.
David Bordwell furthers this idea by arguing that the audience defines the
genre rather than the director.
However, it could be argued that the director helps construct the genre and
it is that audience that simply pick up on these ideas and come to their own
conclusions. This runs in line with Barthes’ theory.
Mark Reid on the other hand argues that the audience will decide on the
genre based on what they are told. For example, when watching a video and
told it scary, the audience will be apprehensive and prepare themselves for
something that is scary. If they were told that the video was funny, their
reaction and perception of the video will be different.

OLLY MURS – DEAR DARLING’ |
NARRATIVE
From the very first stills it is easy
for an audience to decipher that
this video is narrative. The mise
en scene contributes to this as
the setting is very realistic and
the location is set in a house/flat.
The sad/angry facial expressions
of the performer also contributes
to the understanding as it shows
that the reason for this emotion
will be shown in the rest of the
video.

NARRATIVE
During this part of the video a
couple can be seen behind the
performer and so a story is
being constructed. The couple
also indicate the reason to the
sadness of the performer in the
previous still.

NARRATIVE
This still shows the
development of the relationship
and the progression of the
story. The couple are now
arguing and the female is
shown walking away. The
performer is still located toward
the front of the shot and his
‘after’ reaction is shown. It is
made aware to the audience
that the image occurring in the
background will eventually
become the image in the
foreground.

WILL.I.AM - BANG
BANG|PERFORMANCE
The use of a band in the still
indicates that this video will
be performance based. The
main performer is central on
set and shows that he will be
the centre of attention.

WILL.I.AM - BANG
BANG|PERFORMANCE
The use of dancers further
develops this understanding.
The dancers add more of a
‘performance’ effect and so
makes it seem a lot more like
a show than a music video.

WILL.I.AM - BANG
BANG|PERFORMANCE
The use of a spotlight adds to
the performance feel. The
shot is a medium close up of
the performance and so they
retain the central point of
attention. The editing
involved in the stills also
further the concept of
performance as it delivers a
more theatrical feel.

MILEY CYRUS – WE CAN’T STOP |
IMAGE
This music video is based
heavily on the image of the
performer. The artist is know
for her outspoken and radical
image so it is vital to display
this in music videos. The
image shows the artist in a
selective way, that of being a
thug/gangsta, which is the
image that is wanting to be
portrayed. The costume in
the still plays a huge part in
creating this image e.g the
grills and chains. the artist is
also the central focus of the
close up shot.

IMAGE
This still shows the artist
laying on the bed in a
provocative manner.
This type of shot is used in
the video to sexualise the
artist and add to the image of
the artist being provocative.

IMAGE
This still represents how the
image of the artist being a
‘party girl’ is created. The
situation itself, a party, helps
create a sense of fun and
outlandish behaviour which in
turn will be associated with
the artist and further
develops the intended image.

�ݺ�ߣ

Music Video Genres

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot (19)

Similar to Music Video Genres (20)

Recently uploaded (12)

Music Video Genres