Yesterday was the big day that everyone was waiting for. The premiere of Lady Gaga’s much anticipated Alejandro video. For the past two weeks we have been seeing video clips of this video and wondered what could this video possibly be about. We see things from men marching in shorts, Miss Gaga being assaulted on a bed and guys dancing in panty hose and heels. But what is this video about exactly? Is this just another attention seeking attempt from Lady Gaga, or is there really a message here?
Lady Gaga described a little about her video on Larry King last week. She told him there is a “homoerotic military theme” in the video. (mtv.com) But it seems here that there may be a message here as well. The theme seems very similar to the German army in during the Nazi era, so what is the significance that they are wearing high heels? There is more symbolism in this video as well. In one of the opening scenes gaga is leading a funeral procession with a pierced heart in hand. According to video director Stephen Klein, the pierced heart “was to express Lady Gaga’s desire to reveal her heart and bear her soul.” (Marquee. blogs) Then who is it in the coffin? Next I will break down some of the symbols in Lady Gaga’s video Alejandro.
Army men in High heels
Gaga also stated in her Larry King interview that this video was in ode to the courage of the gay population. Although they are often seen as flamboyant in nature, there is much masculinity within the gay population as well. An army man is a sure symbol of masculinity. It is also showcasing their bravery as a minority in our society.
Bed assaulting
This one was a little disturbing and hard to watch as well. It seemed as if the masculinity within the gay culture is not only in person but the bedroom as well. A majority of this scene shows Gaga being pinned down. But there is also a small portion of the scene where we can see gaga dominating a guy from behind as well. Again this is the dominance struggle within the gay population.
Coffin
Since we can concur that the pinned heart is Gaga’s, we can also assume it is her in the coffin. Yet another rebirth for Lady Gaga, and this time she will not show her poker face, instead she’ll flat out say, I support the gay population, no mystery or guessing.
Plastic nun suit
This is an obvious insult on the catholic religion. This can be understood from the red cross on her private area. The fact that the suit is rubber can make one believe that something is not real like a toy being used on the process. While this is not the first time Gaga has negative symbols toward Christianity, this one is a little different. On the part where Gaga is being worshiped by the army of men can symbolize the acceptance of the gay population in her pseudo Christianity.
Creepy Face in the end
This is interesting because she is lying in bed and her face seems to melt away into a weird misshapen face. As creepy as this is, it could make sense with the plot. This must be the body that was in the coffin in the beginning of the video. This is the old me and she is birthed a new person.
Watch the video for yourself here www.vevo.com/watch/lady-gaga/alejandro/USUV71000865
References
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2010/06/08/alejandro-has-arrived/
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1641026/20100608/lady_gaga.jhtml
