Narrative Theory / Macro Analysis

The music video by Eminem called 'Space Bound'  directed by Joseph Kahn has a non linear story line which focuses on one particular protagonist such as Eminem's character making it single stranded.What makes the music video non linear is because of the use of flashbacks of the past for example denoted at 1:50 in the video.

This Music video is a heavily visual narrative driven story as it depicts a failing relationship, the music video is non linear which i will explain further on but since its a mainly narrative driven performance music video. it fits with in the Narrative theory set by Todorov which depicts an Equilibrium, a disruption,  Recognition, repair and a new equilibrium as the relationship starts of well and becomes bad as it goes on and then it finally comes to a new equilibrium where it was all a dream or was fake.

The music video also follows the rules set by Goodwin, such as the use of intertextuality such as the references of the typical American diner where everyone goes for sadness or happiness, which continues the ideology and stereotypes of the location, the music video also has many other references to films where there is a typical relationship that us flawed goes wrong by the man by stereotypes causes violence and abuse, this could also reference a song that he made a few years ago called 'Stan' not only from a visual style of rain and a dark and gloomy setting but also psychotic male who goes angry and kills his wife or girl friend over an event, which also sets up and creates his brand image and identity as a realistic and dark cultured artist who creates material of the dark events in the real world.At points the music and lyrics directly link for example at the end at 1:23 when he shoots himself with the gun and says it in the lyrics denoting a direct link between the visuals and the lyrics which the videos does very well at but without completely over doing it which makes it subtle.


Space bounds iconography is very dark and depressing as the story is based upon a story of of a relationship built on hope and promise which quickly falls and becomes a very hostile and toxic relationship.The music video also utilities lots of close ups of the characters which have two meanings, one giving the story much more depth and emotion creating a much more emotional experience for the audience which links to the uses of gratifications giving the audience what they expect but also new.Then the close ups are also used to help promote the music video as it denotes and represents the artist.

The music video follows the rules by Sven E Carlsson that it is a a hybrid music video as it contains the many elements such as performance and the surreal elements such as the past and flashbacks within the video.There is also at very specific points there is animation and compositing such as the clone scene and the gunshot scene which not only improves the verisimilitude of the music video but it also helps create that surreal factor of someone shooting them self as a lot of people never really see such an event creating a shock factor making it surreal for them

Throughout the music video the Record label has lots of demands and requirements that they want tot help promote their artist such as lots of Close ups of Eminem which helps promote his image and makes the audience watch as they enjoy his music so having a music video publicizing him makes it a higher chance of gaining popularity while instead of not having any close ups

Overall the relationship between the the lyrics and the visuals is present and this is denoted from  the use of the dark moody lighting and melancholy use of of themes and even the location connotes a the dark gloomy forest helps give the use of isolation and loneliness in the music video which the narrative of the music video denotes.Even rain has the symbolism of a sadness as its commonly associated with a depressing mood.The lyrics don't over do the illustration as its subtle at most parts making it a much more mystery than a solid defined video revealing every single message its sending out.

At a point during the song there is a part where there is two contrasting elements one being the past ans present   denoted at 1:30 what this can connote is that this could link to the distortion of the perspectives by Goodwin just slightly because it has a perspective of two videos split in two denoting two different events happening simultaneously which can also help promote their image and identity