Goodwin's Theory

Goodwin’s Analysis Theory (Applied to Alicia Keys- Falling)

·         

Music videos demonstrate ‘genre characteristics’- style & iconography

         The style in this video has an urban feel to it; this is also shown when she takes a walk through her neighbourhood. Alicia Keys falls in to the R&B/Soul category; the multiple shots of her performing the lyrics and playing the piano really reflect this. 

·          There is a relationship between the lyrics and the visuals, with the visuals illustrating, amplifying or contradicting the lyrics.

          In this video, the lyrics very much conduct the narrative we see on screen, there is lots of lip syncing especially at the start of the video where Alicia is playing the piano and singing.  At certain points in the song when she says ‘you’ she repeatedly looks directly at the camera which emphasises the point she is making.

 There is also a close up shot of Alicia at the point in the lyrics where she says ‘I’m confused’. This shot really accentuates the vulnerability of her at this moment and captures the atmosphere of the song.

 There is a relationship between the music and the visuals

     The video opens with shots of Alicia playing the piano which emphasises the melody we are hearing in the song, the pace of the editing also changes with the pace of the visuals. For example, when she sings ‘oh, oh,oh, oooh’ shots change with each ‘oh’.

          We also see shots of prisoners looking very desperate in a field where they are clearly doing hard labour work. They then all come together to sing, this is a very powerful shot and amplifies the atmosphere of the song.

The record label’s demands...

The opening shot’s really set the atmosphere for both the foreboding video and the audio we are hearing. Alicia Key’s is known for her incredible talent in her piano playing and her amazing voice; the opening shots and close ups are key to her brand image.

There are also powerful shots where Alicia is on her own performing the lyrics.

    

  Intertextual reference

At the beginning we hear another of Alicia’s songs playing through the radio,  this provides further gratification/ pleasure for her fans; also something for them to relate to Alicia with.

       Voyeurism not present...

          In this video, Alicia Keys is very much in control of her feelings and appears strong and is a good representation for women.