CAROL VERNALLIS THEORY

BY FAHRIN SULTANA

I will briefly be explaining about the theorist Carol Vernallis and then using evidence from music videos from my chosen

genre of RnB to connote this.

She is known for her theory based on editing music videos. Her theory is based around concepts that are to do with the making of a music video and the

process involved behind it. For example, the narrative, the camera movement etc.

Carol suggests that the music video is a visual response to the music that it matches. Which implies that the lyrics often reflect what is seen in the video. Though this isn’t always the case, sometimes artists

choose to not use this approach and take a creative approach, something more abstract. In addition, some audience members may find it frustrating when an artist leaves them with a narrative that is a cliff hanger

and doesn’t necessarily have an ending.

I have chosen the example above which is by an RnB artist called Mario and this is one of his singles ‘’Let me love you,’’ This video suggests Carol’s theory to be true because

particular lyrics in the video ‘’Let me love you’’ are close ups of the protagonist and lyrics such as ‘’Do you enjoy being hurt?’’ matches with what we see which is another man and

a woman arguing. It has a narrative to it.

Carol suggests that establishing shots are one of the key camera features of a music video. This can set some balance to the videos and often sets the mood.

In relation to my genre there aren’t many RnB tracks which have an ‘establishing shot’ as such however there is one in particular where the beautiful location and scenery shot really works.

Mariah Carey’s song ‘’We Belong Together’’ is evidence of this particular theory of it actually working.