The document discusses several theories that are represented in Beyoncé's music video for "Run the World". It analyzes the video through the lenses of narrative theory, representation theory, audience theory, and genre function theory. Key points include: the video links to Propp's character types by portraying Beyoncé as a rebellious villain figure; it follows Todorov's narrative structure by establishing equilibrium, disrupting it, and then resolving it; and it plays with stereotypes of masculinity and femininity discussed by Levi-Strauss and Dyer. Theories of the gaze, semiotics, and challenging expectations are also addressed.

1. Link to NarrativeTheorists

2. Propp
Linking to Propps theory of character types, the
villains is more or less seen as the main woman
Beyonce.This is because she is rebellious against the
men and pus a group of girls together to fight for
their freedom.This goes against the typical
stereotype of a villain but shows off the power that
she has.
Todorov
the music video links to the theory ofTodorov by beginning
with a state of equilibrium in which Beyonce is riding a black
horse, this is the state In which all is normal and the scene as
been set. A disruption is then caused when the symbol of a fire
is shown and men turn up with riot shields as if they are
protecting themselves from the power of all the women.The
situation is however then resolved through the dancing of the
women, overpowering the men and making them stop the
violence, portraying their power and authority.

3. Levi strauss
This music video links to the binary opposites of Levi Strauss’
theory as there is a specific divide between men and women, this
is evident as they are both seen in different lights and is evident
by the way that they are portrayed.The men are potrayed in dark
clothing all covered up and the women in little clothing, this
shows them as a sex object too men but also shows how the men
aren’t that interested in the women in that way.
Barthes
Barthes narrative codes link to this music video in several ways.
The first bit of action is identified when the horse rears up, this
foreshadows the narrative of the music video and what will
happen next.The horse represents something that doesn’t want
to be constrained and held back, this is then proven when he
women don’t want to be controlled by anyone or anything, in tis
case (men).The enigma of this music video may make the
audience question as to why the men are holding up the riot
shields and defensive weapons against the women.

4. Link toTheories or Representation

5. Semiotics
The semiotics of this music video are shown by
different objects that could represent a feeling. A bull
is shown in this start of the video which can signify
power, this is further portraying how much power
beyonce has in this video against all the men that try
and get rid off them. Mulvey
The way in which the women are shown in low angles
to show off their legs and emphasis there body parts
in different shots, exaggerates the theory of Laura
Mulveys ‘male gaze’ factors.This is where the whole
audience of this music video look at the women
through the eyes of the men as were forced to see it
that way. Another example that portrays this is the
use of close ups on her face to exaggrate her lips and
suttle use of lyrics to come across more provocative.

6. Dyer
The stereotypes in this video present the different
seperation between typical men and women.The women
in this video are shown in little clothes with loads of
makeup, showing off their bodies.The men are however
shown in full clothing and are trying to be seen as the
typical job of the police exaggerating their power and
dominance.
Budrillard
The music video also shows how our typical
stereotype would make you think that the men
would overpower the women.This is the
dependent opinion of society and how we
wouldn’t expect the women to dominate the
male gender.

7. Audience theories

8. Hypodermic
The main hypodermic model of this music video is
to show that women can over-rule the male
gender. It shows the empowerment of women
from around the world and proves the message
straight from the beginning.
Uses and gratifications
This music video especially meets the aspect of diversion (a break
from every day life) this is because Beyonce and the rest of her girls
come together to stick up for women which you wouldn’t see in
everyday situations.This gives more of an exciting view to the
audience and however proves that these things can actually occur.
Another aspect that meets Blumler and Katz theory is personal
identity.The stereotype of women shapes the usual opinion that all
audiences have through the media, meaning that they are shown
as sexy and provocative, this is shown through the mise-en-scene
of their outfits.

9. Stuart Hall -Encoding/Decoding
A dominant member of the audience may accept
the text due to how they view life.This compares
to how a women may come out of her shell and
start to stick up for herself against the male
gender.
An oppositional member such as a feminist may
not want to accept the fact that women are being
portrayed in a bad a negative light as they are
breaking the rules.
Morley- Nationwide Study
‘Run the world’ by Beyonce is also relates to
the study of social and cultural context as the
women are going against the general
stereotype of men being the stronger gender,
this music video proves that women can repel
and dominate the men throughout the world.

10. Function of genre theories

11. Audience
‘The attraction of genre to the industry is closely
linked to its presumed appeal to viewers. Filmgoers
generally like to have a broad idea of what to expect
from any individual picture. Genres are constituted
not just by bodies of films but also by the established
expectations of viewers.’
Beyonce repetitively uses theses themes in her music
videos as she knows that they are successful and it is
what is expected from her audiences. If she was to
change the usual genre, people would loose interest
and loyalty to her image.
Insitution
‘the very existence of genre films and cycles is
a product of the film industry’s attempt to
overcome the problem of uncertainty…of not
knowing the future tastes of the mass
audience.’
This is relevant as all of Beyonces music videos
follow similar story lines which is usually her
relationships or contrast between the male
gender, that are shown with the women in a
revealing manor.

12. Ritual
‘popular forms can be partly understood as social rituals…A ritual is
a means of reaffirming certain basic cultural values, resolving
tensions and establishing a sense of continuity between past and
present’
This is relevant to Beyonces music video as it shows that women
can relate to her thoughts and feelings about women authority
around the world.This intrigues women and gives them a sense of
delegation that they want.
Classification and Interpretation
‘genres are not simply bodies of work or groups of films…Genres do
not consist only of films: they consist also…of specific systems of
expectation…which spectators bring with them to the cinema, and
which interact with film themselves during the course of the viewing
process. These systems provide spectators with means of recognition
and understanding. They help render films, and the elements within
them, intelligible and therefore explicable.’
Beyonces video is relevant to this theory as her genre of music is
mainly R n B and Pop, this means that audience expect to see this in
every music video and notice the general trend of the typical elements,
such as bright colours and story lines based around love, sex and
feelings.