Today we had a double lesson, where we watched 4 music videos from different genres. We took some notes to see the differences and similarities between them.
This is the criteria we were noting:
1. A clear storyline based around Todarov's narrative theory
2. Propps' roles fulfilled
3. Mise en scene relating to genre
1. Taylor Swift- Shake it off (Pop)
Taylor's music video for 'Shake It off' definitely fitted Todarov's theory. There was an equilibrium at the beginning where Taylor is starting a dance class. She quickly discovers that she is a terrible dancer(even at every style that she tries: Ballet, Street, R&B, Cheerleading) this is the disruption of the piece. She resolves this disruption by "shaking it off" which obviously fits the theme of the song, which is to ignore people's negative views and dance like nobody is watching. She returns to the original equilibrium at the end, after trying and failing to learn to dance.
Hero- Taylor Swift, as she is the focus of the whole piece
Princess- The ability to dance, as it is what she thrives for
Villain- The 'haters', who demotivate the hero
The Mise en Scene of this music video was very interesting. The shots would often quickly change between different styles of dance. This was quickly noted by the clothing of the backing dancers as well as Taylor herself. In the 'Street' style of dance the actors were wearing loose fitting clothing with their hoods up, as well as sporting a retro 'boombox' to dance along to. The ballerinas at the beginning were all wearing their leotards and can be seen doing their stretches as the song begins. I feel this is symbolic of the fact that the song is warming up.
2. Linkin Park- Castle Of Glass (Rock/Pop)
Linkin Park's video shows a young boy who is happy in his equilibrium. There is then a major disruption as he is informed that his father has died in war. There is an attempt at repair as the protagonist follows in his father's footsteps and joins the military. The story reverts back to the original equilibrium with the young daughter of the boy at the beginning (who has now grown up into a man) receiving the news that her father had received when he was a young boy. this suggests that this is an ongoing cycle where no new equilibrium is created.
Hero- young boy
Villain- the concept of war (as no enemies are explicitly highlighted)
The mise en scene of the piece shows the band playing in an aggressive storm which is used to correlate the destruction of war with violent weather. There is a heavy emphasis on imagery that relates to the armed forces in this music video, as this relates to the theme of the song which is war.
3. Kanye West-Monster (Hip Hop/Rap)
Kanye west does not follow Todarov's narrative theory in a completely clear cut way. Kanye is shown living normally in his wealthy role, this is disrupted by a hoard of zombies which I feel are symbolic of his fans. This is eventually brought back to the original equilibrium. I feel as though this is to imply that the video is an ongoing representation and cannot be brought to an end
This music video has been used to shock news outlets into free publicity by making articles and videos about how offensive it is. This is a clever move by Kanye and his record company Rock A Fella Records as there was much uproar about the shocking nature of the video. This video is actually about slavery and by flipping the roles so that black people are in power, it produces a polemic on past social issues.
This piece is certainly post modern as it blurs the lines between good and evil. Kanye mirrors the behaviour of rich white people at a time when slavery was legal. This could be seen as a vengeful attack on white people in the past. Or as a way of exaggerating current social issues involving race whilst simultaniously flipping the roles.
As this piece is very much down to interpretation, there is only one clear role I can find relating to Propps' theory
Villain- Kanye
In relation to Barthes' Theory
This video has even caused an uproar in the feminist community, with one vlogger stating that "This video fetishises the aspects of a woman that dont even require her to be alive". Although I do feel as though this point would be more credible if Niki Minaj didn't have a section of the video devoted to her seducing a masked figure, that is revealed to be herself.
4. Fatboy Slim- Weapon of choice (Dance)
This music video perfectly follows Todarov's narrative theory. The man, played by Christopher Walken. Is seen sitting in his chair relaxing in a hotel. This equilibrium is disrupted by the music he hears, he then proceeds to dance around the hotel to the music, this is the attempt at 'repair'. The new equilibrium comes when he sits back down at the end of the video.
I feel as though this music video is very post modern, as it blurs the lines of reality and fantasy. This is particularly obvious when he begins to fly, and we begin to question whether this is real or a dream. Another notable point is that the hotel seems completely empty, with no one in the lobby or in any of the shots. This could link to an underlying tone of lonliness or could be to amplify the freedom he seems to have when dancing.
Hero-Christopher Walken
The mise en scene of the piece makes it even more shocking and humerous when the man starts dancing. This is because the setting of a very posh hotel, and the fact that the man looks like a well dressed business man makes it even more unusual when he begins to dance.
I feel as though this piece is entirely for entertainment and shouldn't be taken too seriously.
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