ANDREW GOODWIN’S THEORY Lady Gaga feat Beyoncé- Telephone

The 6 Features Of His Theory1. There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals- the lyrics are represented with

images

2. There is a relationship between music and visuals. The tone and atmosphere of the visual reflects that of the music – illustrate, amplify, disjuncture

3. Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics (e.g. stage performance in metal videos, dance routines for boy/girl band, aspiration in hip hop)

4. The demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close ups of the artist and the artist may develop motifs which recur across their work (a visual style.)

5. There is frequently reference to notion of looking (screens within screens, mirrors, stages etc.) and particularly voyeuristic treatment of the female body.

6. There are often intertextual references (to films, TV programmes, other music videos etc.)

There is a relationship between lyrics and visuals

“Sick and tired of my phone ringing”

“My telephone” “My

telephone”

There aren’t very many links between lyrics and visuals in this video. The main ones are linked to the name of the song “telephone”. Whenever she sings anything to do with a telephone there is a visual image.

There is a relationship between music and visuals

In this music video, the edits happen on the beat- there is a shift in images.

When the artist picks up the phone at the beginning of the song, the music starts to play.

Music videos demonstrate genre characteristics

The genre of this song is pop. We can tell by the characteristics used in the video, as there are a lot of dance routines, this is typical of a pop genre song, as it involves a lot of performance. Also the artists wear many different costumes in the video this is very typical of a pop music video too.

The demands of the record label

Throughout the music video there are many close ups of both artists (Lady Gaga and Beyoncé). Both artists (when in the close ups) skin and hair look flawless, they are also both wearing quite skimpy/sexy outfits. All of these characteristics are of importance as they help to sell the artist.

Notion of looking

In this music video there are some references to voyeuristic treatment of the female body- maybe it is trying to appeal to a male audience?

There are some uses of the notion of looking by the use of the security camera, just before Lady Gaga enters the jail.

Intertextual referencesThere are quite a few references to film in this music video. There are opening credits at the start of the video as well as end credits at the end of the video. There is also a reference to TV programme with “to be continued”.