Textual analysis: Applying Goodwins theory to Kanye West's Runaway

In relation to the 'Goodwin Six' theory Kanye West's Runaway can be linked to many of his ideas. For example, Andrew Goodwin believed that all music videos demonstrate certain genre characteristics and this can be applied Runaway. Although the track features repetitive mellow piano rifts throughout it can still be categorized under the Hip-hop/Rap genre.

It displays many of the ideas associated with the genre, e.g the video contains a lot of women dressed in what looks like exspensive clothing which is certainly common within the genre. However the music video also largely features ballet dancers performing elaborate choreography which is not what we expect to see, thus subverting our expectations. So perhaps that aspect of Goodwins theory cant be fully related to Runaway.

Goodwin also believed that  there is relationship between lyrics and visuals. Once again, in Runaway's case this cant really be applied. At first glance it seems that its just Kanye standing at a piano with ballet dancers surrounding him, but its definitely up for interpretation. You could certainly say that the dancers represent some of what Kanye is saying. Moreover Goodwin believed that there is also a relationship between music and visuals, unlike the previous theories discussed, this can be applied to Runaway. At numerous points in the video the dancers can be scene moving in the time with beat of the song, this is displayed in many music videos.

Another one of Goodwins theories was 'the demands of the record label will include the need for lots of close-ups of the artist'. This is demonstrated in Runaway on many occasions, from 2:19 to 2:42 is just a close up of Kanye whilst he plays the piano. This is shown again from moments 3:19 to 3:42, which is evidently purposeful. At certain times in the video and for a select amount of time Kanye can be seen from a close up for over twenty seconds.