Thank you, Lady Gaga, for bringing back the music video, yet again. Gone are the days when you can turn on the television and be continually entertained by music put into visually stimulating form, usually with some sort of story or character-driven romp into the song’s meaning. Today, if you’re lucky enough to come across an actual music video, it’s usually little more than a club scene with a bit of grinding, or maybe a walk down a dusty dirt road.
But, alas, Lady Gaga does do a good job telling a story with her songs, and her latest video “Telephone” featuring Beyonce, continues in the tradition. The video, or maybe it should be called a short film at 9 minutes 30 seconds, premiered Thursday night. Yes, even her video releases are publicized as premieres.
The jail and Americana-style diner scenes are fantastical, theatrical, and edgy in true Gaga style. The Thelma and Louis meets Quentin Tarantino flick was directed by her frequent collaborator, Swedish director Jonas Akerlund, who has previously worked with Madonna, Metallica, and U2.
In a time when a performer’s personal life tends to trump his or her actual performances in the eyes of the viewing public, it is novel that both Lady Gaga and Beyonce remain focused on creating music, and in some people’s opinion, art. Although both are incredibly famous, and highly visible, neither make their personal lives a tabloid drama-fest. Seeing these two powerhouses come together in a creative and, of course, entertaining way is refreshing.
Photos courtesy of ladygaga.com.