MS3 Introduction

TaskKatie Spencer

Presentation of Narrative• General definition – a spoken or written

account of events• Media definition – the coherence given to a

series of facts, the way a story is related

Narrative in Music Videos

Areas of Study for Narrative• Propp’s TheorySinger is hero/protagonist

• Todorov’s TheorySong is the attempt to resolve

• Dress Code• Gesture Code• Setting• Audio Code

• EnigmaResolved by chorus

• Genre, ConventionsTo different music genres: Pop and Rock/Soul

means different conventions – pop (unique, theatrical) rock/soul (natural, dramatised)

SimilaritiesJessie J – Nobody’s PerfectLove, regretting outburstParty of guestsSinging into camera (i)

Fairytale (haunted castle)Establishing artistFeeling alone in a group

Florence & the Machine – Rabbit HeartLove, controllingParty of guestsSinging into camera (i), communicating with people in video (c)Fairytale (enchanted garden)Establishing artistFeeling alone in a group

TopicSubject MatterBanquet TableIsolation/Collaboration of ProtagonistGenre of NarrativeClose ups of ProtagonistWoman amongst Crowd

DifferencesTopicIndoor/Outdoor setting

Tone of Instruments

VoiceoverDress Code of Protagonist

Lighting

Change in setting

Genre of Music

Jessie J – Nobody’s PerfectIndoor, dark and contained villainViolins, electronic beats, cymbal, Story tellingBlack hair (straightened unnatural), fur coat, high heels, dramatic/changing make upDark, dramatic, artificial

Corridor, banquet room, white box roomPop (tries hard to impress and be individual, explosions)(similar to Lady Gaga, therefore conventional narrative pop video)

Florence & the Machine – Rabbit HeartOutdoor, freedom heroine

Flutes, harp, heavy drum beat (heart)

NoneRed hair (wavy natural), pale loose dress, bare feet, natural make up

Natural, bleached effect for brightness of sunlightRemains outdoors, in the same ‘garden’

Rock/Soul (in touch with nature, little special effects/stunts)