Jealousy by Will Young is the first music mainstream video that I have chosen to analyze using Goodwin's theory, identifying narrative, media language, representation and ideology.
The visuals and music compliment the video and most of all the artist. Close up shots of Will Young are used so his audience are engaged, also they can relate to him and his style. Music artists are forever setting styles and trends within fashion and hair styles. I believe Will Young's signature hairstyle would be the quiff in his fringe, audiences and his fans get influenced by these trends.
Will Young raised to fame when he won the singing competition Pop Idol. Over the past 10 years he has expanded his projects in to acting and I believe he has brought his acting skills to this music video. He isn't just singing the song he makes a connection with the lyrics and the visuals, he plays a character. The song jealousy is portrayed with the visuals as he is always in the background, in the dark and the star attraction is the male and woman acrobatic dancers. There are clear connections with the visuals and lyrics as throughout most of the video he is singing and performing engaging with his audience.
He is viewed as an aspirational role model to some as he is very open and comfortable with his sexuality and this is very comforting to his audience who want to do the same. In today's society representations of gay citizens are a lot more relaxed and alomst viewed as normal compared to it being absolutely fround upon 40 years ago.An artist 'coming out' can be a controversial and a make-or-break situation but it has helped Will Young create the loyal fan base that he has today.
Voyeurism plays a big part in this music video, it portrays that even the biggest stars have weaknesses. It shows Will Young in a vulnerable emotional position compared to most music videos where artists flash their cash and gadgets, living the life.
Intertexuality references link to the Black Swan (2010) where a dance performance is fought far with jealousy and hunger for the lead role. Also a montage edit has been used in a mirror scene where his reflection is different to his actions this reminded me of the split personality in Black Swan.
Natural lighting has been emphasised slightly in the day scenes compared to the night performance where spotlighing is heavily used. The contrast of black and white within mise en scene is used aswel as it being the main form of lighting creating spotlights, silhouettes and shadows.
I like the references to Black Swan, Josie. There are some good elements here but it could do with a little more specific comment to really be effective.
ReplyDeleteDo you comment anywhere about whether the lyrics link to the visuals - if so, can you quote a lyric and describe what we see at the same time? You could also comment on whether the images cut to the beat of the music. Look at voyeursim again - does this video allow us to see the star in a way that we wouldn't normally? Maybe letting us get close up to them and see them in a private moment??? If so, make this clear.
You may want to offer a general comment at the end about whether you think Goodwin's ideas about conventions for music videos generally seem to be right or not?