11. Theory 3

Theory 3 - Carol Vernallis
Vernallis compared editing techniques between music videos and Hollywood films and how this affects the narrative. She suggested a number of differences between music videos and Hollywood films. For example, in music videos there are usually incomplete or obscure paths, where as in Hollywood films there is a single clear paths throughout the film.

Another technique she analysed is the order of shots. For example in music videos the shots are unconventional and shift more freely between each one. This is the complete opposite to Hollywood films as the shots have to be conventional as the audience will get confused and there may not be any meaning.

Vernallis also reviewed characters and narrative in each. For example, in music videos the character and narrative are revealed incompletely. For example, a character is revealed in a number of shots and the narrative is gradually revealed throughout the video.

The difference between continuity and discontinuity is also a factor in music videos and films. For example, discontinuity is often used in music videos. This is done by drawing the audience away from the narrative by foregrounding other structures and elements, such as characters, props or locations. However, Hollywood films use continuity editing as a film is made of a narrative, meaning the audience will have to be drawn in to the narrative.

Although, there are elements only music videos do. An example, are visual hooks. These create continuous shots linked by a single feature such as an item of clothing or prop. Another example is the use of elements and how sometimes elements are equal but sometimes elements are more dominant and others subordinative.


Lana Del Rey's video of Born To Die explains these features.