Question

How does Lady Gaga's BAD ROMANCE conform and subvert to the codes and conventions of a typical pop video.

It could be argued that bad romance conforms to the codes and conventions of a typical pop video as the video begins with low key lighting which is followed by high key lighting once the performer is introduced, which often happens in pop videos. Also, throughout the music video there are fast paced jump cuts. Furthermore, the video is choreographed and there is use of lip syncing which portrays that the main purpose of the video is to focus attention on the performer. Throughout the video there are certain shots where she is wearing provokative clothing which conforms to the codes of a typical pop video as often women wear provokative clothing which men are sexually attracted to and women may look up to as a role model.

On the other hand it could also be said that this music video suberts to the typical codes and conventions. This is because of the clothing she wears throughout the video, which is often very unusual and bizarre. The way she is promoted throughout the music video is in a rather psychotic way which is portrayed through the way she dresses and the actions seen throughout the video such as the make up she wears and some of her actions such as when she is standing in front of fire with a long dress. The iconography in the music video has elements that are not commonly seen in music videos such as the gothic theme shown throughout, as well as the use of red which could be used to connote love and passion but at the same time, pain and blood aswell.