The document discusses common motifs used in music videos, including fragmentation of the body through close-ups, mythical and mysterious settings like gothic mansions, elements of horror such as extreme violence, intertextuality by showing the recording process, ritual celebrations like parties, and impossible sequences through special effects and animation. Other features examined are shots with bright lights and clips from associated films.

1. Aspects Of A Music Video

2. Common motifs used in music videos are:Fragmentation of the bodyMythical and mysteriousHorrorIntertextualityRitual CelebrationOther featuresImpossible sequences

3. Fragmentation of the bodyFrequently used fragmentations include:Close ups, such as eyes, mouth, breasts etc.Body obscured by objects etc.This is a screenshot from Beyoncé's music video 1+1. It shows a close up her lower face and shoulder. This shot is objectifying Beyoncé as it is emphasizing her lips and hair.

4. Mythical and mysteriousMythical and mysterious aspects in music videos usually include things such as:Gothic MansionsMake believe placePost apocalyptic etc.This is a screenshot from Jessie J’s music video Nobody's perfect. It is a shot of a gothic mansion. As this is a make believe place it makes it seem larger than life and it shows that the artist is eccentric.

5. HorrorAspects of horror frequently used in music videos include:Extreme violenceHellWarSatan/monstersThis is a screenshot from Tempa T’s music video Next hype. It shows someone being pulled out of a car

6. IntertextualityIntertextuality in music videos often includes:Shots of cameras, sets, directors etc.Musician looks at him/herselfMirrors, glass, water etc.This is a screenshot from Take That’s music video Rule the world. It show the band in a recording studio, they have microphones and are in booths so you can tell they are artists recording a music video

7. Ritual CelebrationThis usually involves things such as:Parties on the beach, streets etc.Black artists are usually happyWhite artists are usually demonistic etc.This is a screenshot from Chris Brown’s music video Yeah 3x. It shows a party in the street where the black artist is happy.

8. Other featuresExamples of Other features used in music videos are:Shots into bright lights, sun, fireBreaks into narrative for the artist to singClips from the film that the song is featured inThis is a screenshot from Nickelback’s music video Hero. The shot shows a clip from the film that this song relates to which is Spiderman.

9. Impossible sequencesExamples of impossible sequences used in music videos include:Fast/slow motionSpecial effectsAnimation etc.This is a screenshot from Paula Abdul’s music video Opposites Attract. It shows animation where she is sitting with an animated cat