Post #3- Lady Gaga: Insane, or Genius?

As I was sitting in the library, I decided to watch the music video for Lady Gaga's single "Alejandro." After it was finished, I thought that the symbolism was phenomenal and demonstrated an interesting theme, which is the reason that I chose to discuss it in my blog.

I am going to include the video for Alejandro; however, I warn you that the content is highly sexual and may cause discomfort. If you choose to watch the video, please read the blog before viewing.

When the video begins, we are introduced to half naked soldiers lounging around the outside of a fortress. Other soldiers intricately march into various patterns, creating a precisely choreographed rhythm. Gaga herself appears, wearing an outfit that suits her craziness. The scene shifts to a funeral procession with Gaga in front of the casket, carrying her own heart. We go back to the fortress; it is evident that she is some sort of ruler.

Finally, the music starts and Gaga sings while men dance outside. They continue to dance until we see Gaga lying down in a nun outfit with a rosary clutched in her hand (note this). Again the scene changes, this time with Gaga pulling on a man from behind on a bed while other men are dancing on beds in the room. She dances with them. More sexual activities continue.

Now, she is in a “holy” outfit being lifted by the men. The nun version of Gaga swallows the rosary, which symbolizes the ingestion of holiness after the immoral acts that she had just committed. Men continue to pull at her and the scenes bounce back and forth between the immoral and moral sides of Gaga, representing her internal struggles. The video eventually ends with the nun Gaga incinerating, and I have read that this depicts her rebirth into a new, more pure woman.

Because Lady Gaga utilizes certain aspects of Christianity (specifically Catholicism) next to sexual acts, many religious individuals strongly oppose this video. However, they fail to look at the story that Lady Gaga portrays. She is actually trying to send a positive message, perhaps not with the disturbing sexual scenes, but rather with the outcome of the tale.

The director of the video, Steven Klein, discussed this exact theme in his interview with Rolling Stone magazine, so my interpretations were similar to the intended message. However, many people view Alejandro in very contrasting ways as this is not a set-in-stone analysis of the video. http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/17386/111856

Regardless of opposing viewpoints, I believe that this is Lady Gaga’s best creation to date. I hope that everyone who views the video can see the artistry that presents itself the same way that I did.