History of Music

Research into Existing Products

Christian Metz’ model of genre development.

Metz Theory

Christian Metz in the book Language and Cinema (1974) explores the development of genre film and suggested the four stages;

1. The Experimental 
2. The Classic
3. The Parody
4. The Deconstruction

Experimental

Early horror films which explored films in narrative. 

e.g. Nosferatu (1922)

This was derived from German Expressionism from the WW1. 

Horror movies were created for escapism from the horrors of war and realistic issues. As humans we like to be afraid. (Psychology). 

Classic

Establishes the narrative conventions within a horror genre. This defines the most successful horror movies based in the most successful period. 

e.g. Frankenstein (1931)

Parody

These films mimic the horror genre in a comical way.
e.g. Scary Movie (1998)
       Carry On Screaming (1968)

Deconstruction

Where the generic elements of the horror genre are combined with another sub genre. 

e.g. Blaire Witch Project (1998)
      Saw Series
      The Sixth Sense (1999)

Music Videos

There are 3 different types of music video genres.

1. Performance
2. Narrative Based e.g. A Team – Ed Sheeran
3. Abstract/Serial – Somebody I used to Know - Gotye

Experimental: Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody




This music video is experimental due to the music video and style itself. The music video follows narrative and was one of the first of it's kind. The music video is a combination of narrative, performance and abstract.


Classic: Beat it - Michael Jackson

   

This music video is a classic due to being an original song with an original music video with original ideas. Beat was created in the prime time of music video era, when MTV was at it's most popular. 

Parody: Eat It - "Weird Al" Yankovic

 

This parody is constructed from the original Michael Jackson "Beat It", which has been deconstructed and recreated for a comedic affect. Parodies change the lyrics and the video however keep some aspects such as conventions of the original copy the same so audiences can make connections between what the parody is mimicking.

Deconstruction: Shania Twain – Man I feel Like a Woman




Deconstruction refers to an original music video being recreated to display a message. In this case, Shania Twain recreates "Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer" how the music video objectifies women. The backing dancers are dressed in scantily clad outfits and sexualised to appeal to a male audience. Shania Twain, in 2003, when women's rights started taking a modern twist, thus the music video swaps gender roles to sexualise the men in the music video. This adds the message of objectifying women, creating a deconstructed music video.