Goodwin's Theory: Linkin Park- Numb (Essay Task)

I have decided to analyse Linkin Park’s ‘Numb’ music video, using Goodwin’s Theory of 1992. I have chosen to analyse this music video in particular, because it is a good example of a generic ‘alternative rock’ music video.

Goodwin’s theory states that there are five aspects to a music video- that there is: a relationship between song and visuals; a relationship between music and visuals; close ups of the artist, which may be a part of their visual regime; a frequent reference to the notion of looking, as well as voyeurism to an objectified female; and intertextual references.

In ‘Numb’, there is a relationship between the song lyrics and the visuals that you see on screen, which corresponds with Goodwin’s theory.  We can see this from the moment the first line is sang, “Tired of being what you want me to be”. When this is sang, the visuals cut to a scene of a university classroom, with a teacher teaching complicated science equations on a chalkboard, which doesn’t appear to look like the most exciting thing in the world. This view is emphasised by the students who look like they are bored out of their minds. This pattern of linked narrative carried on throughout the video, as the lyrics directly relates to the action going on, on screen.

Like Goodwin states, there is also a relationship between the melody and the visuals. Before the chorus, everything before and after it is at a slower pace. This is reflected on screen by the dull, mute tones of the colours, as well as the action that takes place in a rather slow manner. When the chorus is sung, the visuals become very fast paced (except for the protagonist), and video effects are used too to make the video seem more surreal.

There are also close ups of the band performing in rooms, whether it is the singer singing or the band members playing their instruments. This is part of their music video regime, as the narrative in most of their other videos is interrupted by shots of the stars.

One thing that doesn’t appear that Goodwin suggests is the notion of looking and voyeurism towards the female protagonist. This is due to the fact they want the video to be more relatable, as the lyrics are relatable themselves. Therefore, they use Mise-En-Scene to make it seem as if this is an everyday situation- a girl who is bored of her student life and wants an escape from it all to pursue her dream to become an artist. Because this is in the form of an everyday situation, it is not possible for her to be sexually objectified, as it would defeat the purpose of the video being relatable.

Another thing that Goodwin suggests that isn’t used is intertextuality, as it does not fit with the theme of the video. Intertextual references would, again, corrupt the nature of viewer identity. For this reason, the director makes it a point for the video to be consistent to the narrative.

To conclude, we can see that not all music videos contain all of the components that Goodwin suggests, however most of the elements are used, such as the relationships between lyrics and visuals and music and visuals. This music video in particular may not use intertextuality or the notion of looking & voyeurism because of its particular genre. From what we see in ‘Numb’ the video corresponds to the mood of the song, and what the song is saying, and for this reason, intertextuality and the notion of looking are not a vital feature of this type of genre.

604 words.