J.D: Applying Goodwin's Theories to a Music Video

The video that I am applying Goodwin's theories to is Doncamatic, by the Gorrilaz.  In Goodwin's book, 'Dancing in the Distraction Factory' he noted that there were conventions found to be in the majority of music videos.

The narrative throughout the video is pretty impossible to understand, and does not bare much resemblance to the lyrics being sung throughout. however, this means that the song does in fact fit into conventions, this is because it is conventional for a synthpop video to be ill fitting to the lyrics.

The protagonist in the video spends the majority of time interacting with the set, rather than interacting directly with the camera. however close ups are still used, despite the lack of audience interaction. however Goodwin's notion of looking is employed throughout the video as there are many close ups from varying angles of the protagonist. thus making the video appear voyeuristic. a common characteristic of synthpop music videos.

As aforementioned the is little or no correlation between the visuals and the audio, meaning that the video could be referred to as disjunctive. however there are a few fleeting lyrics mentioning the deep, which could be interpreted to relate to the submariner.

however, whilst the lyrics do not correlate with the video. the fast pace cutting rate, bright flashing colours and fast moving protagonist could be said to relate to the upbeat nature of the music playing. the protagonist also interacts with the submarine at points which make it look as though he is influencing the music playing.

The submarine used in the video could be considered as iconography, as a submarine is a common occurrence in the Gorrilaz music videos, as well as the cartoonish set, which is similar to the original music videos created by the Gorrilaz company. there are also many references to other songs by the group. such as super fast jellyfish. (the song) as well as the possible sighting of the plastic beach near the end. which is a reoccurring item in many other songs. as well as it being the name of the whole album. 

All in all, I believe that this creates a conventional appearance for the video as the video follows many of the conventions of the synthpop genre, by following actions with the musics relationship with the visuals, and the protagonists relationship with the audience. as well as encorperating the iconography of the band. a conventional video.