Where to begin with Kanye’s daring new video? Directed by Spike Jonze, “Flashing Lights” is yet another fantastic voyage into the darkest depths of the rapper’s royally complicated psyche. It’s more of a short film than a traditional music video, really; one blogger has described it as “Eminem’s ‘Stan’ meets Fatal Attraction,” which is fair enough. Watch it below, then click through to the jump, where I’ll go all Gabriel-Byrne-in-In-Treatment on Yeezy and try to parse this thing’s hidden subtexts.
Huh?! Let’s review: The video opens on a shot of a beat-up car in an empty desert. A statuesque woman gets out of the car,walks a few yards, strips down to her lingerie, and sets her doffed clothes on fire. She then goes back to the car and pops the trunk to reveal a bound-and-gagged Kanye. She kisses his tied-up face briefly, withdraws an enormous shovel, and viciously stabs it into the trunk over and over again — but the camera has panned away at this point, so we can’t see what effect this is having on poor Ye. And then it just ends, mid-song!
It’s definitely a lot more out there than any other promotional material you’re likely to see from a multi-platinum pop star this year. For that reason alone, it’s a very compelling viewing experience. But what does it all mean? I’m tempted to read the off-screen victimization of Kanye’s body as some sort of metaphoric self-punishment for the standard rap-video objectification of the female character’s body in those opening shots — a vivid way of turning the tables on a cliché. Then again, this isn’t the first time Kanye’s played with images of his own violent martyrdom. Or could his in-trunk demise be some sort of dream-logic flashback to his near-fatal car crash?
Then again, maybe it’s just a meaningless stunt to try to stir upsome controversy. Any of you interested in helping me parse this strange little clip, or am I just overthinking this?
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Has Kanye ever said anything that made you say, “That guy’s got a head on his shoulders”? You’re overthinking it. Catchy riff on the synthesizer, though.
Nobody has commented yet? I saw the video earlier today, and frankly, I like it. I was no West fan, but no one can deny the likability of “Stronger.”
Back on topic, though… the video is a brilliant interpetation of the lyrics, where West describes all the things his girl likes, how much she likes to show off, and then apparently humiliate him by leaving after all he has done for her.
Frakly, in a world of rapidly declining CD sales and slashed budgets at traditional labels, putting a video like this brazilliamce by Jonze is genius.
Kinda arty, kinda poppy, all pubby.
A definite thumbs up from this gal, hip-hop purists be darned.
Is this a teaser? Kanye has this posted on his blog also, so I’m guessing no. What happened to the last minute of the song? Also, the preview picture he offered up months ago is nowhere in this video.
If this really is the entire thing: 1 – There’s nothing spectacular about it! 2 – I do give him props for, I’m certain, going against what the studio wanted.
I thought Kanye was trying to convey what’s it like to have a demanding girl in his life and how he literally feels trapped in his life…definitely an original idea for a video, and it makes people talk, which is exactly what he wants!
Dan – Um, yes in fact he has. Maybe he’s never been totally “sane” but he has done plenty of stuff that goes beyond the exterior surface and continues to be one of the most intelligent people in music right now. So to dismiss him of any deeper meaning is not fair to me
I’m totally getting obsessed as I was first disappointed but now I find the whole thing to be fantastically creepy. I don’t know what I think! But it is exciting that a music video has got this reaction from me. I’m just sad the song had to get cut so much since it is one of the best on the album
I had originally thought the video was taking so long because he intended to give us a great deal of lighting & special effects due to the nature of the song’s title. But then when the clip popped up online last night, I’m like its ONLY 2:50? Where is Kanye at the 1:25 mark? Where’s Dwele? And then when she pops the trunk, I’m like WHOA. But seriously, this video doesn’t look like it took long to film or even write, so did he wait BECAUSE he announced his Glow In The Dark Tour dates? Or did he scrap whatever video treatment he originally had and went with this because he was in a darker place after the death of his mother? I mean, I’m sure we’ll never know, but due to the grisly nature of this video, I DOUBT Mtv will be nominating it for a Video Of The Year Award like they did for “Stronger” last year. I’d LOVE to know the story behind the concept though. Hopefully, things will be brighter for the next clip for “Homecoming” with Chris Martin.
let me quantify myself. I’m not rap artist lover, I can’t understand half of what they say…blame my generation or my age, whatever….I’m just now getting around to KW and while he’s a little cocky, his cockiness has gotten him this far so it doesn’t bother me…about the video…intriguing…I kept asking — how did she get that body? Who is she? not — what’s the video about? It looked like a young Pam Greer from her Cleopatra Jones days….anyway, I think it’s just a part one of a longer story…he’ll probably do a R.Kelly and do a sequel…but it is gloriously photographed…you can guess I’m into film.
it’s just a music video, dont know what all the fuss is about. One other thing, why censored the part where she is pouring the gasoline???
I hate to be a know it all, but Tamara Dobson was Cleopatra Jones and Pam Grier was Coffy/Foxy Brown. I know, they’re hard to tell apart:)
Its well done but derivative. Much like the rest of the album it just rips of late 90s dance music, albeit really well. If this were a video for anything other than hiphop no one would think twice.
Not to be a hater, I love Kanye, and am glad he has influences outside of hiphop.
Good point, Nick. Well said. Spike Jonze makes great music videos, though. Look at the vids that he’s done with Björk if you want proof.
Just because a car is dusty doesn’t mean that it is “beat-up.” That is a new Ford Mustang.
Total Genius Simple New Awesome Powerful Deep Cool Can’t wait to see what everyone else thinks of the video
Thank you Fatima….but doesn’t she look like a young Pam or Tamara?
I absolutely love this video! To me, this is like Kanye’s mea culpa for the ridiculously overdone circus act videos he’s done like “Touch the Sky” and “Stronger.” It’s great that he and Spike realized less is more: in this case, all they needed was a car, a shovel, and only 3 camera shots. The first thought that came to my mind as well was that the woman was getting revenge for every woman ever featured in a rap video (kind of like Madonna’s infamous “What It Feels Like For a Girl” video from a few years back). So far this video and Feist’s “I Feel It All” are my favorite of ‘08.
Sally- I would have to agree! She certainly has the intimidating beauty to be like them. Not to mention the chest!
I just really hope this makes more popular artists put more effort into making lasting videos. Yeah, Kanye’s had some really fun and cool videos as of late (MUCH better than mosts artists), this is the one that will be sticking with me. Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, Kanye has never had a bad video! But this one is much more exciting to me.
cool video. already been done though.
reminds me A LOT of Axelle Red’s “Rester femme”.
…this is her: http://www.rita-g.com
I was really surprised by this video. I thought it was awesome.. didn’t expect him to not do the whole song though. But it’s perfect. That’s all it needed.
Sorry to tell you but it is a simple rip off! I know you people do not watch classic movies, because you did not see that it was stolen from the opening of the movie Goodfellas. How simple are people today? In the industry, it called “recycling”. It is not original when you lift it from a known number one classic hit movie. P.S that man has serious issues with women.
I was watching this video with my girl and at first it threw me off. Of course, I had to use my DVR, rewind and take a 2nd look. I hate to say it, but most hip hop heads, are not into “lyrical content” any more. If you’d ask the average person how they’s picture or imagine this video, before viewing this clip, I’d bet the average responce would be some fluffed up imagage of Ye’ (Kanye) up in a club, surrounded by flashing light, with flashbacks to various sceens and interactions with a female…Wrong! Flashing Lights is…a parallel to Neon Signs, Writing’s On The Wall, Tell Tell Signs, Smoke Signals…I could go on with more antecdotes…This video is perfect. If you truly listen, this is the issh that going through his mind while in the truck…”As I recall, I know you love to show off but I never thought that you would take this far, but what do I know?” …These are all the thoughts that every guy had had after dealing with a crazy chick. “Why did I ignore the FLASHING LIGHTS?”…
I read that Rita G said this video is abstract and it means whatever you want it to mean. This has been my favorite Kanye song for a while, and seeing the video was a pleasant surprise. Although I liked Stronger, it didn’t have the underlying vibe that I felt he wanted to convey. With the success of his albums and videos, I think he felt it’s time he could make a video that was truly a piece of art for him.
To me, it isn’t exactly about a woman scorned, or his helplessness toward women. He is a person that willingly makes bold decisions. Flashing Lights symbolizes his choice to follow the lure of something that my not be the right thing to do. When he’s in the trunk, he almost appears willing. He doesn’t attempt an escape, he just kind of lets it happen. He seems to have tapped into something that few artists are expressing right now, and he has the means to make something that will fly over the heads of most, but will sink with some. It’s the thinking man’s video, which is rare.
if you dont get the video….
LISTEN TO THE LYRICS. people LISTEN TO THE LYRICS. LISTEN TO THE LYRICS. people LISTEN TO THE LYRICS.LISTEN TO THE LYRICS. people LISTEN TO THE LYRICS.LISTEN TO THE LYRICS. people LISTEN TO THE LYRICS.LISTEN TO THE LYRICS. people LISTEN TO THE LYRICS.
Well, i must say its definetly eye catching! I had to watch it three times. But I feel like what he means by flashing lights, is like a warning. I think he drove the female in the video to do what she did, but he didnt realize cause he didnt see the signs… but this video is really creative and i love it!!!!!!!!!!
Song, video and artist (if you can call him one) all S.U.C.K….
To answer the question, the video twists on the whole “video ho” conform to show an empowered, beautifully gifted woman hand it to raps biggest name. the song debuts and we all expect a flashy ass video, but instead we get a video ho’s sweetest revenge. the vid also plays on the song’s hook of a girl obssessed with the fame, driven wild she kills yeezy on her own psychosematic ladder to stardome. aszucker@gmail.com
SELL OUT = LOSS OF RESPECT
WTF!? Kanye…what the hell is your problem?! You’re promoting the same “Big booty Big Boobs” ideology that is partly responsible for your mothers death.
Yeah its sad, and my condolenses go out, but think about it.
And come on…you think its okay to blur out a can of gasoline, but not a woman’s bare ass? Don’t even get me started on how her face is cleaverly hidden behind a large wig.
And to think…you want the Grammy’s to show your punk ass some respect…with this stunt do you really think you deserve respect?
I thought you would have been classy and tried to raise the bar for women’s empowerment…but I see you’ve learned nada!
Thanks for nothing you sell out.
The way she lovingly caresses his face, kisses him so tenderly – then pummels him to death so violently… Disturbingly beautiful.
There’s a thin line between love and hate….
This is the typical cliche scenario of a video. Guy gets caught up in the life of fame, money and pretty women. Women always say (usually joking) that if we caught our man cheating, we would kill him. He’s just really playing it out in the video. The burning clothes was taken from “Waiting to Exhale”. And the stripping down to the thongs..let’s be honest, that was just to keep the men’s attention.
I don’t care for Kanye, but I love the song..and for some odd reason I’m feelin the video a little.
I think the woman’s supposed to be Britney- dun dun dun! She looks very similar to Britney at the infamous VMA performance and part way through when she’s walking back toward the car is reminiscent of the dance routine of the performance. I don’t know what the reasoning behind it would be but it looks to me as though we’re supposed to somehow subliminally process the clip as Britney-related and the lyrics relate a little to the whole fallen star concept. Any thoughts on this?…