Narrative Theory

Structure
According to Pam Cook, the structure should have linearity of cause and effect through out, meaning that one thing should lead to another. It should also have a high degree of narrative closure, and use verisimilatude.

Stage 1. Equilibrium (everything normal/calm)
Stage 2. Disruption (creates disequilibrium)
Stage 3. Recognition of the disruption
Stage 4. Action against the disruption
Stage 5. New state of equilibrium (a resolution)

It should start with the establishment of the theme or plot. (O' Sullivan et al)
This is followed by a development of a problem; an enigma (Roland Barthes)
Then comes the resolution

Kate Domaille- Every story can fit into one narrative types.
Achilles: Fatal flaw that leads to distruction
Candide: Hero who cannot be put down (Indiana Jones)
Cinderella: Dream comes true
Circe: The chase
Faust: Selling soul to the devil
Opheus: The loss of something personal
Romeo and Juliet: Love story
Tristan and Iseult: Love triangle


Vladimir Propp says that a character can fit into one of these categories
The Villain: struggles against the hero
The donor: prepares hero
The (magical) helper: helps the hero in the quest
The princess and her father: gives task to hero, identifies false hero, marries hero
The dispatcher: sends the hero off
The hero: weds princess, reacts to donor
False hero: takes credit for what hero does and tries to marry princess

My music video will not follow this common structure as it does not apply to the music video format.


Michael Shore argues that music videos are:
recycled styles … surface without substance …simulated experience … information overload … image and style scavengers … ambivalence … decadence … immediate gratification …vanity and the moment … image assaults and outré folks … the death of content …anesthetization of violence thorough chic …adolescent male fantasies … speed, power, girls and wealth … album art come to turgid life … classical storytelling’s motifs

Music video structure
Perfomance clip
Narrative clip
Art clip

Performance clip
If a music video consists of mainly filmed performance then it makes it a performance clip.
A common place used is a recording studio, but a performance can take place absolutely anywhere.
The performance can be split into three types:
song performance
dance performance
instrumental performance

Some videos even use more than one of these.

Narrative clip
A narrative clip is almost a short film, to a song. It contains a visual story that is easy to follow through out.

Art/abstract clip
An art clip doesn't use lip synching, or performance, or a narrative, it is simply art form.