Theory/Theorists

GENRE-

Definition: a style or category of art, music, or literature.

TOM RYALL-  generic conventions are fulfilled ‘depends on the relationship between the text and audience.’ Conventions = narrative, themes, sterotypes, characters. 
This theorist relates to my work as in my music video I have included a stereotypical heart break narrative through the use of the flashbacks and close-up shots displaying the character's sad emotions which viewers can relate to. Stereotypes are also portrayed by highlighting that the female character in my video is indeed the emotional one, as there is a dramatic and emotional performance when she appears to sing the lyrics about the boy she loves.

CHRISTIAN METZ - Different stages of genre include classic, parody, experimental. 
Within my music video, a classic approach seems to be displayed through the mix of narrative and performance. However, it can also be argued that my music video also takes on an experimental approach through the flashback scenes (this include both the performance and the narrative within one shot which I believe is quite unique and therefore, experimental) 

NARRATIVE-

Definition: a story or account of events, experiences, or the like, whether true or fictitious.

CLAUDE LEVI-STRAUSS-  Argues that human cultural understanding is
based upon a system of binary oppposites.
This relates to my work as I have included the binary opposites of male and female through the two characters in my music video.

LAURA MULVEY – The narrative is delivered through the eyes of a male. She assumes the watcher in the diegetic world is male, the camera is male, and the audience themselves a re male. 
As the protagonist in my video wears clothes that emphasise her figure and the close-up shots emphasise body features such as her lips suggests how she is being used to appeal to the male dominated audience.

REPRESENTATION-

Definition: The description or portayal of someone or something in a particualar way.

LAURA MULVEY- argues that cinema positions the audience as male. The camera gazes at the female object on screen. ‘pleasure in looking has been split between active/male and passive/female’

STUART HALL -he argues that the media appear to reflect reality whilst in fact they construct it. The media constructs what we think, rather than reflecting our own opinions and beliefs. 
My music video represents how the protagonist is the character the audience should connect with and sympathise with as she is the main focus.

AUDIENCE-

Definition:


ROLAND BARTHES - 'Death of the Author' 
The audience is more important in terms of my music video, as the video can be interpreted in many different ways. As the narrative is not entirely clear, the viewer is left to wonder why this particular couple has broken up. They can bring their own interpretations into the story and it is up to them what happens next as the narrative is unresolved - the audience never fins put if the protagonist gets over her heart break.

RECEPTION THEORY -  We use our own personal experiences and cultural knowledge to interpret a text in a personal way.
The audience can use their own experienced to interpret my music video.

MEDIA LANGUAGE-

ANDREW GOODWIN-5 key aspects in music videos.
One is relation of visuals to song- My music video displays these as the flashbacks of the couple connect to the song about love. Therefore my music video illustrates the lyrics.

SEMIOTICS -  Ferdinand De Saussure – regarded as the founder of semiotics. A Sign = signifier / signified. A sign must have both a signifier and a signified. You cannot have a totally meaningless signifier or a completely formless signified. 
The shots of the painting of the rose is my video is a sign that connotes love. As well as the rose itself, the colour red also signifies other meanings such as passion, danger and hurt. This may highlight the break up.