So. We've had two weeks now to let the video for Lady Gaga's "Telephone" sink in. If nothing else, this provides a good opportunity for me to get at someone I've been meaning to talk about for a while now...
First off, what do I like about Gaga? A lot: She managed to single-handedly
resurrect the European electro-industrial sound that was thought to
have died years ago--and she gave it a huge audience. It delights me when I
can drop knowledge to people about Lady GaGa's potential precursors and
influences. "What's Liquid Sky you ask? IMDB it.
Now: What I don't like. The bad songwriting. Gaga markets
herself as creative, dissident and, well, gaga--and it's astoundingly
effective. So how can a mind like that get away with lazy songwriting
such as "and I cannot text you with a drink in my hand," and
the prolonged stutter after the chorus? I'll take corny phrases like
"disco stick" if it means she doesn't have to write in interjections as
filler for her songs, eh.
In this video, Beyonce appears for a second time in less then a year in
a song about phones with Lady Gaga. Seriously, Beyonce? You need
to diversify your gadget purse. A radio would do you well. Oh, and will people stop saying
"blowing up" in reference to a ringing phone?
Anyway, this lengthy video for "Telephone" was made by noteworthy director Jonas
Åkerlund. But, in this case, his talents are brought down by fulfilling
a bunch of music video tropes that make the video an overblown mash up.
Film references? Check. We all know who Quentin Tarantino is, thank you.
Stunt nudity that will guarantee the uncut version a spot on MTV at 1 a.m.? Check.
Gratuitous product placement? Check.
To the video's credit, the
sequence of events in the diner scene insinuate that white bread and
mayo are poisonous--and I happen to agree
As for the cigarette shades? I saw that coming.
