A2 Media Research

1. APPLICATION OF ANDREW
GOODWIN AND GENRE
THEORIES.
Toxic- Britney Spears

2. TOXIC MUSIC VIDEO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOZuxwVk7TU

3. FEMALE BODY
The portrayal of the female body is extremely prominent within the
‘Toxic’ music video. A lot of close ups are used on Britney’s face, legs
and bum. She is also shown to be wearing a very minimal, sheer cat
suit, as well as a an air hostess outfit which shows off her cleavage
and legs. This is generic of a pop music video as it exploits the
female body and shows it in a provocative way to engage male
viewers and make them want to watch it again and again. This is also
an example of the star image theory proposed by Andrew Goodwin as
it makes Britney out to be the lead of this music video and portrays
her as a sexual icon, which became her unique image further into her
career and how she is recognised within the industry.

4. GENRE CONVENTIONS
The music video is typical of a pop music video as it uses conventions
such as the bright colours throughout the video. Example of this is
the red nail varnish Britney wears, which could also imply danger and
promiscuity. Along with this is the bright blue uniform she wears and
the orange tinge at the beginning o the video. This makes the video
more vibrant and up beat, like pop music. Other examples of genre
conventions within a pop music video is the choreographed routine
within. This is typical of a pop music video as it adds a less serious
element to the video, whilst still conveying a story.

5. LYRICS
In the music video, some of the lyrics match up to what Britney is
seen doing on screen. Examples of this are:
“Baby can’t you see, I’m calling.”- She is seen on the phone to
somebody as she says this showing the lyrics within the actions she
does.
“Can’t come down”- As she says this she drop down out of view of
the camera again replicating the lyrics.
“Don’t you know that your toxic”- An image of the word Toxic comes
onto the screen and is show. When she says it again we see her take a
vile of something toxic which again matches up with the lyrics.

6. INTERTEXTUAL
The film that Britney Spears is referencing to within the music video is
‘Mission Impossible’. This is evident in the section just after she has
stolen the poison. This replicates the scene where Tom Cruise is seen
stepping over laze beams. This creates the impression that she is
strong and powerful as it make the audience remember how heroic
Tom Cruise was and makes them apply it to Britney Spears.