Carol Vernallis Theory

Carol Vernalliss theory of music video was developed in her book The Kindest
Cut Functions and Meanings of Music Video Editing (2001). She analyses how
macro and micro elements create meanings of representations of the artist and
the performance in the music video.
Her theory is based on 4 different concepts; Narrative, Editing, Camera
Movement and Diegesis. The music video I will be analysing based on her four
concepts is Foundations by Kate Nash.
NARRATIVE
The lyrics in this video explain a couple
trying to hold on to their relationship
despite the fact that they are having
issues. The video shows the couple
having problems and then drifting away
from each other. There is a sense of
narrative and performance in this music
video.
The narrative of the video ends with the
women packing her bags and leaving.
However, in this music video we as the
audience are not shown the problems
and issues that arise between the couple
which means that this is fragmented
narrative. Even without this being shown,
we can suggest that the women left as
she couldnt take any more of it.

These objects also represent the narrative of the music video as it shows that
they were together, however they are now drifting apart which is clearly shown.

EDITING

The editing of the music video is usually

matched with the beat of the song in
order to emphasis on the song, this is
shown through transitions and different
editing techniques such as cross cutting
or slow motion edits.

Sometimes music videos may break the

rules of continuity editing such as this
video. This is conventional for music
videos as there is no diegetic sound
which relies on the visuals shown in the
scene.

In addition to this, editing can be

foreground which means that it could
be obvious or invisible which is also
known as continuity editing. For
example, during this scene there are
many jump cuts, cutting within lyrics,
images and juxtaposed frames which
make the scene interesting. The pace
of cuts differ to the pace of the music and rhythm.
CAMERAWORK
In music videos, extreme close up shots
are common as this signifies a vital
meaning. For this, hand-held camera
work the best which can also
exaggerate the shot which is shown in
this picture. The switch between a
hand-held and steady-cam emphasises
the movement, which reminds the
audience that they are watching an audience.
From this screenshot you can see a
master shot which portrays their issues
in their relationship. The props used
show that the couple is drifting apart as
you can see the women is holding onto
a teddy bear even though her husband
is there.

DIEGESIS
Fast cuts are made to keep up with the tempo and pace of the song which draws
the audiences attention. This means that not everything would be shown in the
scene due to cuts and different editing techniques.