H.P. - Goodwin's Theory Applied to Fear and Delight

Goodwin writing frame – ‘Fear and Delight’ by The Correspondents (Wilks, 2013)

Andrew Goodwin, Dancing in the Distraction Factory (1992) carried out research into mainstream music videos and identified typical conventions. Applying his critical framework to music videos such as ‘Fear and Delight’ by The Correspondents (Wilks, 2013) determines to what extent the text is conventional.

This video could be categorised as being in the Electro-Swing genre.  It is conventional in that it has the following traits:

-       There is a Disjunctive relationship between the lyrics and the visuals, with no clear correlation between the words spoken and the action that is seen on screen.

-       In terms of the relationship between the music and the visuals however, the relationship could be said to be amplified, due to the fact that on numerous occasions the video cuts and action appear to be in sync with the beats in the track.

-       There is a high proportion of close ups, with the artist often jumping into the centre of the frame and looking into the camera, breaking the 4^th wall and creating para-social intimacy.

-       There is clear iconography, with the artist’s suit and second costume, along with his style of movement and choreography being typical of the artist. These traits can be seen in many of the artist’s other videos. His glasses, hair style and costuming are all visual motifs of the artist.

-       The notion of looking in this video is its defining feature, with around 8 versions of the artist usually onscreen simultaneously, sometimes it is more than this. This is a clear advert for the artist and their style.

-       There is an entirely voyeuristic view of the artist in the video, with the usage of the camera framing and angles being used to emphasise the slightly abnormal sound of the track.

-       Intertextual references to the artist’s other videos are littered throughout the production, including the usage of an actress who has appeared in other music videos and the other member of the band appearing on the piano.