2. Goodwin's first theory
“Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics”
• This video demonstrates this, as a generic video for pop-rock the
band tries to attract the audience by going for a video that makes a
statement and will be memorable.
• The narrative behind the performance is unusual but still holds
characteristics like, performance
• In the middle between the chorus and verses the song has a
instrumental of music which is a characteristic of rock. Although it
isn't long, this is so it appeals to a wide audience – giving it its pop
characteristics.
3. Goodwin's second theory
“There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals (either illustrative, amplifying or contradicting).”
• Well the men in the video are in drag which could suggest that the title: “I want to break free”
could be to do with them feeling trapped in there body of a man, which could translate to
different meanings to the audience.
• The drag are also seen doing domestic jobs that women are known for doing – this will reach
the feminine audience.
• Then goes onto a shot with the band, Queen, stuck in the middle amongst miners, who are
dressed in there uniform while Queen stand in there fancy clothes – suggesting they want to
break free from their 9-5 jobs that demand so much, when they’d much rather be making their
music. This gives the video a message to it
• “I want to break free” could translate to numerous different meanings to different people, giving
it a wide audience range that will relate to so many different people. Which is a pop
characteristic.
• When one band member says “I want to break free” he raises his hands in the air, as if free.
4. Goodwins third theory
• “There is a relationship between music and visuals (whether illustrative,
amplifying or contradicting).”
• The video is edited in time with the beat of the music – this is to amplify the
narrative
• When the chorus comes on, lip synching is often paired with it to give it a
more memorable finish.
• When in the kitchen the drag moves his leg along with the beat –
encouraging dancing
• When the instrumental comes in the narrative gets stronger and more action
packed to keep the audience entertained. And the dancing is in time with
the beat
5. Goodwin's forth theory
• “The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close-
up s of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across
their work (a visual style)”
• There are various shots of the band members. Close ups are used, as
well as dancing focus, when one member is dancing alone on camera.
They are mostly just of them in their recognisable outfits
• The video switches between scenes of the drag Queen, to the miners, to
the dancers – this is done in a random order to keep the audience
interested
6. Goodwins Fifth theory
• “There is frequently reference to the notion of looking (screens within
screens, telescopes, etc.) and/or particularly voyeuristic treatment of the
female body.
• The female body is used through the men dressed in drag, where they
dress like a stereotypical “sexy” housewife. Wearing stockings and a short
skirt to do the dusting. The dance moves used are very provocative and
would stereotypically be used by a woman
• Also at the start wear the drag is seen with rollers in his hair and fluffy
slippers on the floor
• As the women goes round cleaning the house she is ignored by family
members this could be reprehensive of how life is for a housewife at the
time
7. Goodwin's sixth feature
• “There is often inter textual reference (to films, TV programmes,
other music videos, etc.)”
• The characters in the video are seen reading newspapers which
promotes them. They are also placed with the predictable character.
The woman in rollers is seen reading home and chat, where as the
older “Grandma” figure is seen reading the newspaper.
8. Overall
• Overall the video is a hybrid and uses
narrative and performance to get the
audience interested. The narrative is
something that most of the audience can
relate to. The use of different shots get the
band well established and gives them a
memorable video to promote their music
to a wide audience
