GIRL POWER REPRESENTATION THROUGH HEROINE CHARACTERISTICS

C. GIRL POWER REPRESENTATION THROUGH HEROINE CHARACTERISTICS

Virtuous women belong to history. Women of the present are independent and beautiful.... Some men say that they do not love women who are not bad. ("Bad Girls," Marie Claire, May 2000 in Yang, 2007, p.361)

It is stated in Chapter II that today‟s girls and young women are not very much alike with the ones who lived in traditional expectation. They are no longer passive and submissive to male domination. In contrast, today‟s girls and young women are tough, independent and brave in fighting for their life. They are able to manage and master their own life without following any patriarchy values and traditional expectations. This changing characteristics among girls and young It is stated in Chapter II that today‟s girls and young women are not very much alike with the ones who lived in traditional expectation. They are no longer passive and submissive to male domination. In contrast, today‟s girls and young women are tough, independent and brave in fighting for their life. They are able to manage and master their own life without following any patriarchy values and traditional expectations. This changing characteristics among girls and young

These heroine characteristics of today‟s girls can be found easily in almost all nowadays media. Movies, music videos, and pop literature works are loaded with this type of women. They are usually depicted as confident girls and young women who have good self-esteem to show who they truly are. Interestingly, the pattern of heroine changes.Heroine is not only represented by girls and young women who have good personality which is different from traditional values but also the ones who are bad. Girls and young women who are mean, cruel, and rude are also considered as heroine (Hopkins, 1993, p.139). Music videos of Lady Gaga are the ones which capture this change.

In this part of discussion, the analysis focuses on finding the Girl Power representation through heroine characteristicsin three Lady Gaga‟s music videos. It analyzes the changing characteristic they represent, from the traditional to Girl Power characteristics through the narrative of the music videos, cinematography elements, lyrics and music.

1. Traditional Characteristics Represented by The Female Protagonist

Traditional characteristics which are represented by female protagonist are different in one music video to the others. In „Paparazzi‟, traditional

characteristics which are represented by the female protagonist are about the belief of the importance of love in young woman‟s life. It can be found in this characteristics which are represented by the female protagonist are about the belief of the importance of love in young woman‟s life. It can be found in this

Figure 21Figure 22 Figure 23

In the past, traditional values expected woman to have relationship with man. The one who did not have such relationship was considered as a bad woman because she did not live up to her nature. Winning a man and having a perfect relationship were placed in the first priority. This value is also lived and performed by Gaga as the female protagonist in this music video. In this two minute long scene, it depicts how Gaga and his boyfriend named Skarsgard engage in a heavy petting. Figure 21 which is taken with long shot depicts Gaga and Skarsgard are lying on bed, holding, hugging, and looking at each other tenderly. In this cut, their emotions cannot be clearly seen because it is taken using high angle. Figure 22 which is taken in close up depicts Gaga and Skarsgard are kissing. Figure 23 which is taken with big close up showing Gaga‟s and Skarsgard‟s face. Figure 22 and 23 are both taken using eye-level angle. By using In the past, traditional values expected woman to have relationship with man. The one who did not have such relationship was considered as a bad woman because she did not live up to her nature. Winning a man and having a perfect relationship were placed in the first priority. This value is also lived and performed by Gaga as the female protagonist in this music video. In this two minute long scene, it depicts how Gaga and his boyfriend named Skarsgard engage in a heavy petting. Figure 21 which is taken with long shot depicts Gaga and Skarsgard are lying on bed, holding, hugging, and looking at each other tenderly. In this cut, their emotions cannot be clearly seen because it is taken using high angle. Figure 22 which is taken in close up depicts Gaga and Skarsgard are kissing. Figure 23 which is taken with big close up showing Gaga‟s and Skarsgard‟s face. Figure 22 and 23 are both taken using eye-level angle. By using

when people walk. In this scene, that sound is created from the way they two are kissing and touching. There are moans here and there. The lighting which is used is also the one which creates a romantic mood, that is back light. All of those cinematography elements then create a completely romantic tone and a romantic mood and atmosphere of this scene. This scene then proves that Gaga has won Skarsgard.

Another thing that proves Gaga‟s representation of traditional expectation of having a perfect relationship can be traced from the narrative they two utter.

While kissing and touching, and holding each other (Figure 22) they are exchanging admiration of love.

Gaga : Alskar du mig? (Do you love me?) Skarsgard : Det ar klart jag alskar dig (Of course I love you). Gaga : Puss, Puss (Kiss, kiss). Skarsgard : Kom hit (Come here). Litar du pa mig? (Do you trust me?) Gaga : Sjalvklart (Of course).

Gaga firstly asks Skarsgard whether he loves her and Skarsgard answers yes. Getting the wanted answer Gaga then asks Skarsgard to kiss her. He is kissing Gaga as if to prove that he answers Gaga honestly. The kissing Skarsgard gives to Gaga after answering her question also signifies that he really loves Gaga and his love is unconditional. He takes chances to do everything for Gaga. It is like

Gaga‟s wish is a command for him. After kissing Gaga, Skarsgard asks her a question in return. He asks whether Gaga trusts him. Gaga who gets what she

wants before, a kiss and an honest answer, says she trusts him. From Gaga‟s answer it can be seen how naive and meek actually she is. She loves Skarsgard so much that she believes every word he said without asking for another further explanation. However, it proves that they have a perfect relationship which is build in love and trust. It is like a fairy tale in which a princess finally meets her destined prince who rides his white horse. When there are love and trust in a relationship, it is believed that the relationship is a long-lasting perfect relationship. Thus, it can be concluded that Gaga is living the traditional characteristic of good girl which require her to win and live a love.

Traditional characteristics which are lived by the female protagonist are also represented in „Telephone‟ music video. „Telephone‟ is actually a continuation of „Paparazzi‟ music video. However, it brings different values of

traditional expectation toward girls and young women. It is all about limitation of female freedom.

Patriarchy is the basic root why women are living in traditional expectation or value. This patriarchy has put women in minority and men in superiority. The superiority power which man has enables them to drive women under his will. He can control woman in every way he wishes. This power is absolutely limiting woman‟s life and make woman submissive. They loose their freedom to live their own life as they want to and have to obey man‟s will. This Patriarchy is the basic root why women are living in traditional expectation or value. This patriarchy has put women in minority and men in superiority. The superiority power which man has enables them to drive women under his will. He can control woman in every way he wishes. This power is absolutely limiting woman‟s life and make woman submissive. They loose their freedom to live their own life as they want to and have to obey man‟s will. This

Figure 24

The picture above is depicting the cell block of a jail. It signifies the life of Beyonce which is restricted and limited by her boyfriend whom is starred by Tyrese Gibson. He considers Beyonce like his belonging. She has to do whatever

he commands her to do. Thus, this music video‟s title, „Telephone‟, connotes the nature of her boyfriend. A ringing telephone needs to be picked up so it will not produce any sounds and will not be irritating again. Gibson is a man who expects her girlfriend to fulfil his ne ed but forgets and ignores her‟s. The result is that Beyonce looses her voice in their relationship because she has to fulfil his need while she has no time for her own. The most essential result from her submission is that she lost her freedom of movement. The telephone is ringing at all time that it restricts her in living her own life and takes her liberation out of her hand. Her relationship becomes a prison and she is the prisoner who lives inside it. That is why the setting of the early part of this music video is a cell-block. It is as if to portray the circumstance where Beyonce lives in.

„Bad Romance‟ music video also brings different thing about traditional „Bad Romance‟ music video also brings different thing about traditional

Figure 25

Her action shows that she is living in traditional values which demand girl to be passive and submissive. She cannot accept this job because traditional values see this kind of job as an immoral one. Girls cannot have sex or the stuff like that with the one who is not her husband. Girl who does this job is considered as a bad girl because she lets herself to do such an immoral job. Besides, she is considered as a bad girl because she lets herself to be an object to be lookedat by man. In traditional values, girls are required to keep their body and sexuality. If she shows it publicly, she will be punished because she causes man fall into lust. Thus, if she says yes , she will be considered as a bad girl. Therefore, she cannot say yes. However, she also cannot say no because if she rejects this job she violates traditional values which demand her to be passive and submissive. Passive and Her action shows that she is living in traditional values which demand girl to be passive and submissive. She cannot accept this job because traditional values see this kind of job as an immoral one. Girls cannot have sex or the stuff like that with the one who is not her husband. Girl who does this job is considered as a bad girl because she lets herself to do such an immoral job. Besides, she is considered as a bad girl because she lets herself to be an object to be lookedat by man. In traditional values, girls are required to keep their body and sexuality. If she shows it publicly, she will be punished because she causes man fall into lust. Thus, if she says yes , she will be considered as a bad girl. Therefore, she cannot say yes. However, she also cannot say no because if she rejects this job she violates traditional values which demand her to be passive and submissive. Passive and

light mascara. This make up makes her face look pale. It signifies her passivity as there is no sign of resistance shown from the color on her face. Moreover, the camera angles which is used in this cut is high level. It is known that high level angle is used to show that the person whose figure is taken is having a lower position that the viewer. Thus, this angle signifies her submissiveness and that Gaga is less powerful or weaker than the viewers since she can do nothing to save herself. I t is also supported with the lyric she sings on. The lyric goes like „caught in a bad romance‟ together with double beats and snare drum sound in the end of the melody. It signifies her fear that she will deal in a romance which she never wishes to have. T herefore, the word „caught‟ is used to show the unwanted involvement and no escape from it. The double beats and the snare drum sounds signify the tension of this forceful scene.

Her submissiveness and passivity result to the reality that she has to entertain the Russian bidders. When she starts to entertain them, the fact that she lives in traditional values can clearly be traced from her gestures.

Figure 26 Figure 27

Figure 26 and 27 which are taken from medium long shot depict Gaga‟s gesture when it comes for her to entertain the Russian bidder. The backlight which is employed in these two scenes provide a clear depiction of the protagonist in this scene. In figure 26, Gaga is putting her hand in her chest and lower body as if to cover her breast and crotch. It signifies her uncomfortable feeling in wearing those revealing outfits. Since, she lives in traditional values, she never wears such a sexy clothes that reveals her body. Wearing such a sexy clothes never comes to her life because traditional values regards it as a way to disgrace female. It is so because when female wears a revealing clothes she will be a center of attarction of male gaze. Male will take a look at her and find pleasure on fantazising her body. As a result, she becomes the victim of male gaze. Therefore, it creates such an odd and awkward situation and feeling. Figure 27 shows Gaga is being moved closer to the bidder. Some girls are carrying her because she does not take an action to

do her job. It signifiies Gaga‟s reluctance in doing her job. However, as the story of this music video goes, Gaga‟s character develops

to be more complicated. She no longer performs traditional but starts performing Girl Power characteristics right after a moment which marks the turning point of to be more complicated. She no longer performs traditional but starts performing Girl Power characteristics right after a moment which marks the turning point of

Alike with the traditional values which are different from one music video to another, the changing characteristics that mark as the turning point of the female protagonist to move to Girl Power values are also different. In „Paparazzi‟,

it is told that Gaga is a rich famous singer. She gains lots of money, wealth, and publication from her fame as a singer. As a phenomenal celebrity, it is no wonder that Gaga is surrounded by millions of media which try to get both news of her carreer and personal life. However, she closes all doors for public about her personal life. In contrast, her boyfriend is actually thirsty for publication. He is longing for fame as well. Therefore, he traps Gaga by inviting paparazzi to come to an enormous mansion where he and Gaga are spending time together and kissing each other. When Gaga is seeing paparazzi are outside her mansion and findin g out her boyfriend‟s plan, she is getting mad at him and refusing to be kissed. Skarsgard, Gaga‟s boyfriend is trying to kill her by throwing her from the

balcony. He is doing so in order to get attention from the paparazzi and take Gaga‟s fame over him.

Figure 28

This accident somehow changes Gaga‟s way of life. Then, it becomes a This accident somehow changes Gaga‟s way of life. Then, it becomes a

The first thing she does in breaking traditional values and living in Girl Power values is that she is showing what is meant to be tough.

Figure 29 Figure 30 Figure 31

It is like an end for Gaga‟s life when her boyfriend throws her down. It can be seen from figure 29, 30, and 31 which are depicting „The Evening Star‟ newspaper in which she is becoming the headlines. In the first headline (figure 29), it is stated „LADY GAGA HITS ROCK BOTTOM‟ which is written in Verb + s/es, a jurnalism convention to write headline, which shows happenings in past

in active voice. Looking in the choice of word of „rock bottom‟, this headline is denoting two meanings. Firstly, rock bottom can be meant the lowest part, ground

of the mansion. If rock bottom means so, it signifies that the headline reports that Gaga had an accident in which she fell from her balcony to the ground. Meanwhile, rock bottom also meant as the most unhappy moment that ever

happens in somebody‟s life. Thus, the headline connotes that the accident which Gaga got bring her down to the most unhappy moment in her life. By the accident

to the ground but she also get the unhappy time when she lost everything. The lost she got can be traced down from the next two headlines above in figure 30 and 31. Figure 30 is depicting the headline that says „LADY NO MORE GAGA‟ while figure 31 is saying „LADY GAGA IS OVER‟. Both headlines signify that Gaga already lost her career and fame. From the choice of word of „no more‟ in figure 30, it can be signified that media decide to stop looking for and publishing any information related to her. It means that broader society will not get any information about her when the media decide to do so. When it happens, the accident takes Gaga‟s fame out of her life. Figure 31 which is saying „Lady Gaga is over‟ connotes that this time is the end of her career. It finishes in the time when she falls down to the ground. When she falls to the ground, her career comes along with her, jumping from the very top to the bottom. And so, the accident takes her career out of her life as well. Besides, the camera angles which are employed by those figures above are using high angle which make the viewers feel stronger than Gaga and put her in a weaker condition. Therefore, it is said this is the end of her life because she has lost everything. The only thing that left is just herself who is paralyzed.

Although she faces a hard life, she is not desparate, however. In contrast, she shows what is meant to be a tough young women. She tries from the very buttom to gain her career and fame back again. It can be represented from figure

32 and 33 which is showing how she learns to walk again using crutches.

Figure 32 Figure 33

From the long shot and eye level angle, it can be seen in figure 32 how Gaga is trying to walk. This kind of shot makes the audiences able to see the surrounding as well. Then, it is clear that Gaga cannot stand and walk on her feet. She needs the help of others. However, she does not lean on others. Although there are so many fellows of her, it seems that she refuses to be helped because it can be seen that no one of them is holding Gaga. Despite, she is leaning on her own crutches. It seems to be a simple thing to walk on crutches but actually it takes efforts. One should work so hard so she can walk using crutches. Gaga has to put all of her weight in her crutches and sway forward in order to get to walk properly. In using crutches, it needs no others. The one who uses crutches has to depend on herself because it is an individual not communal device. Thus, those two figures that depict Gaga is using crutches connotes that Gaga believes in her own capability and relies on her own although there are many helps that are available. It somehow shows Girl power values of self-determination. She was a victim of somebody‟s jealousy which made her paralyzed. She lost everything but

she does not want to give up. Yet, she fights to stand on her own two feet which are represented by the crutches. She tries to provide herself courage and spirit to

wardrobe signifies her needs of a strong material to strengthen and restructure her body which is paralyzed in order to make it firm and strong again. In another sense, the steel wardrobe connotes that she tries to strenghten and restructure her courage. She is steeling herself to get through all the difficulties in her life. The self-determination and tough spirit is created by the steel material which is made this wardrobe up. Steel represents strong and hard material. It somehow shows Gaga‟s spirit that is as strong and hard as the steel. The tough and self- determination spirit is strenghtened by the gold color it has. Gold color symbolizes good health. Although Gaga is not really in a good health, she does not pity herself by shuting herself up inside her house. In contrast, she fights back by learning from the beginning to walk. It shows that Gaga is an optimistic person. To show her optimism, then the gold color is chosen because it is known that gold represents and increases personal power, courage, and confidence. High key lighting is also employed in this scene to perfect the atmosphere of energy that fills it.

The tough, self-determination spirit of Girl Power is also carried by the lyrics which is sung when the scene of Gaga walks using crutches appears. It is told that Gaga is out of publication because she gets paralyzed. It makes paparazzi go away from her because there is nothing interesting left about her. Through this up-tempo chorus, Gaga is struggling to attract paparazzi back to her.

I'm your biggest fan, I'll follow you until you love me Papa, paparazzi

Promise I'll be kind But I won't stop until that boy is mine Baby, you'll be famous, chase you down until you love me Papa, paparazzi

She is stating „I‟m your biggest fan, I‟ll follow you until you love me, Papa, Paparazzi.‟ It suggests how determined she is. It is known before that Gaga did not really like paparazzi because they could possibly mess her life up by the publication they make. But after the accident hit her and took her fame out of her life, she states she is pa parazzi‟s biggest fan. It is clear that the praises which is given by her is only a word and she does not really mean it. However, she has to do it because it is the only way to attract them. It takes a great deal of bravery because she has to give her pride up by saying so. However, it does not insult herself because it is a way to get what she wants. She does everything she can, including pretending to be fan of paparazzi, to make sure that she will never lose what she wants to get. Then, she tries to convince the paparazzi that she is the only superstar who deserves to get their attention through the chorus that is saying

„There‟s no other superstar you know that I‟ll be your papa, paparazzi‟. It is such

a hard wish because in the past she was not really good to the paparazzi. She closed all access for them to get in her personal life. Therefore, to make it real, she is trying to woo the paparazzi with promises of being nice in this part of the chorusthat is singing „Promise I‟ll be kind‟. Again, she is showing her determination up by singing „But I won‟t stop until that boy is mine‟ and „chase you down until you love me, papa, paparazzi‟. The chosen word of boy represents a hard wish because in the past she was not really good to the paparazzi. She closed all access for them to get in her personal life. Therefore, to make it real, she is trying to woo the paparazzi with promises of being nice in this part of the chorusthat is singing „Promise I‟ll be kind‟. Again, she is showing her determination up by singing „But I won‟t stop until that boy is mine‟ and „chase you down until you love me, papa, paparazzi‟. The chosen word of boy represents

be famous‟ as a determined effort to get the camera back to her. Baby means

paparazzi. She promises to the paparazzi that they will not get any disadvantage by taking her in their camera and publication again yet what they are going to get is a fame as well. This sef-determination spirit is strengthened by the key that is used in this chorus. This chorus is played in A major key which signifies hope of seeing one's beloved again when parting. It seems very much alike with Gaga‟s wish to meet Paparazzi again after they left her before.

The second thing Gaga does in breaking traditional values and living up Girl Power values is by no longer being a naive meek girl but a poisonous tricky girl. It is stated before that to be a good girl in Girl Power era does not mean that one can do something bad. They can be so cruel and mean and still be considered as good, as long as they exactly know why and what for they do so. And Gaga is one of those Girl Power girls, good girl but in the same time performs as bad girl. This changes is caused by her will to not to be the victim of her boyfriend again. She does all the possible ways even the mean one. The changes from being a traditional good girl into Girl Power good yet bad girl can be seen from many ways. The first one is from her changing appearance.

Figure 34 Figure 35

Figure 34 which is taken before her boyfriend‟s betrayal, give enough description about Gaga‟s appearance. In that figure it can be seen that Gaga is wearing only a spooky eyes make up to bold up her appearance. Her lipstics is just the ordinary soft natural color. Figure 35 which is taken after that betrayal marks the changes. She is no longer applying soft color lipstics but black. It is like she wants to make a statement from these polarized colors. The soft bright color represents gentleness while black represents the opposite. Gaga seems to state that she has changed and moved herself from a mild to mean girl. She shows her new energy that enable her to do something bad and threatening to somebody else.

Black also seems to represent Gaga‟s bad experience that causes her changing characteristic.

The second thing t hat marks Gaga‟s changing characteristics into poisonous mean girl is her changing gesture and body languange toward her boyfriend who has hurt her heart.

Figure 36 Figure 37 Figure 38

Figure 37 is taken when their relationship was fine. They are exchanging a warm touch and looking at each other. They lost in each other eyes. In contrast, figure

36 and 38 which are taken after the accident depict that Gaga is changing into a cold person. Skarsgard‟s betrayal toward her somehow takes the very best of

Gaga. It takes Gaga‟s love, trust, and attention to Skarsgard. She is starting to fight by putting wall between them. This wall can be seen in both figure 36 and

38. Figure 36 which is taken using medium long shot shows Gaga is sitting next to Skarsgard. However, there seems to be a wall that blocks them. They are not speaking to or looking at one another. Instead, they are keeping themselves busy in whatever bussiness they do. The way Gaga sits also marks the changing gesture before and after the betrayal. She is sitting so stiff that she even is not leaning her back on the sofa. It signifies that she is not feeling comfortable sitting beside Skarsgard. It is because she is off over his nauseating hypocrite. The camera then uses pan right movement in which it is taking the picture from the right side. It c learly shoots Skarsgard‟s facial expression of surprise. He is not expecting that Gaga will be that cold. After a few minutes they are keeping in silence, Gaga is not trying to break the ice between them. In contrast, she is

The last thing that marks Gaga‟s transformation into a tricky girl can be found in the revenge she does to Skarsgard. As known, in Girl Power era, it is

possible for girls to kill the one who breaks their heart. And so, this is what Gaga does to take revenge to her boyfriend.

Figure 39 Figure 40

Firstly, Gaga is killing her boyfriend‟s servants to make sure that there will be no one who tries to make it fail. Servant in figure 39 is poisoned while servant in figure 40 is hung. From the close up shot and low key lighting which are used in figure 39, it can be seen how the feeling of mystery and horror fill the air. The mystery and horror feelings are risen from the wide black eyeglasses wore by the servant. That black eyeglasses is bolding the mystery feeling and representing death. The wide-open eyes is adding the mystery mood of this cut. The red lipstick she is putting and her half-open mouth strengthen the danger which comes to her. The mystery and horror feeling in figure 40 is build by the invisibility of the head of the servant. This picture is only capturing her legs. As for her boyfriend, Skarsgard, Gaga is poisoning him. The way she poisons her boyfriend can be seen in these cuts of scenes below.

Figure 41 Figure 42 Figure 43

From the close up shot which is applied in figure 41, it can be clearly seen that Gaga has prepared a poison which is being placed in her rings. The poison in her ring is purposed to kill her boyfriend. The killing intention can be seen not only from the poison but also from Gaga‟s black nails color. Black usually represents death and danger or something threatening. Gaga‟s black nail then suggests her hatred and revenge to her boyfried that she wants her boyfriend‟s death. In addition, there is a skull and crossbones in the right corner of the picture. Skull and crossbones are easily found in pirates flag to show how dangerous and mean they are. They arre also used to represent death. Thus, it strenghtens the idea that Gaga is fully wanting the death of her boyfriend. It is also showing how dangerous she is. After preparing the poison, she is pouring it into her boyfriend‟s drink then serving it to him. Figure 36 is showing the drink which has been added poison. The pink color seemingly is hidding the poison into a safe zone. It is because pink color usually represents a sweet and innocent love. Pink offers a tenderness and warmth. There is no idea that pink represents anger and something threatening. Thus, it is smart idea to use the pink color drink as the media to poison someone because no one thinks that it is poisonous. Everyone expects that pink drink is sweet. Figure 43 is showing Gaga‟s grimmed grin. The grin is From the close up shot which is applied in figure 41, it can be clearly seen that Gaga has prepared a poison which is being placed in her rings. The poison in her ring is purposed to kill her boyfriend. The killing intention can be seen not only from the poison but also from Gaga‟s black nails color. Black usually represents death and danger or something threatening. Gaga‟s black nail then suggests her hatred and revenge to her boyfried that she wants her boyfriend‟s death. In addition, there is a skull and crossbones in the right corner of the picture. Skull and crossbones are easily found in pirates flag to show how dangerous and mean they are. They arre also used to represent death. Thus, it strenghtens the idea that Gaga is fully wanting the death of her boyfriend. It is also showing how dangerous she is. After preparing the poison, she is pouring it into her boyfriend‟s drink then serving it to him. Figure 36 is showing the drink which has been added poison. The pink color seemingly is hidding the poison into a safe zone. It is because pink color usually represents a sweet and innocent love. Pink offers a tenderness and warmth. There is no idea that pink represents anger and something threatening. Thus, it is smart idea to use the pink color drink as the media to poison someone because no one thinks that it is poisonous. Everyone expects that pink drink is sweet. Figure 43 is showing Gaga‟s grimmed grin. The grin is

boyfriend successfully. In other sense, figure 43 can be seen as a snake‟s hiss. As it is known, snake is the most crafty animal in the world. This belief sources from

the story of snake‟s persuasion to Eve to disobey God‟s rules which resulted on the fall of man. It persuaded Eve to eat fruit of tree of knowledge of good and evil. It convinced Eve that by eating that fruit she would not be a sinner but a knowlegable man who knows everything which is good and bad in the world just as God knows. She did what snake told her to do but she got nothing except being sent away from Eden. Henceforth, snake has been the most tricky animal. It cannot be trusted because what it said and the reality that happens are poles apart. In figure 43, Gaga is likely to use this serpent symbolism. She is representing herself as crafty as serpent. She is performing double side personality just like the serpent did. In the outside, she is completely fluffy and nice. She is serving his boyfriend well by giving a sweet pink drink. But in the inside, she is just horrible evil. She has nothing except the bravery inside her soul to get things back on its proper track. Thus, she hangs onto her bravery which is driven by her anger and revenge to clear people who hurt her out of her life. It is this evil power which enables her to sadistically poisons her boyfriend as a way to take revenge of what

he has done before to her. Her double side personality is backed up by the music which is being played in the moment she is poisoning her boyfriend. The lyric is sung in two voices, high and low pitched voice. It is suggesting that Gaga is a two he has done before to her. Her double side personality is backed up by the music which is being played in the moment she is poisoning her boyfriend. The lyric is sung in two voices, high and low pitched voice. It is suggesting that Gaga is a two

a sign of how mean she is. There is a narration that Gaga calls 911 and inform that she has killed his boyfriend. The conversation between 911 operator and Gaga is trascripted below.

911 Operator : 9-1-1 an emergency?... Hello? Gaga : I just killed my boyfriend.

This conversation is visualized by the cut of the scene below.

Figure 44

Those reactions, the visual and audio, suggest that Gaga is not afraid of being caught or found out. Instead of running away from police, she calls 911. It seems she wants to declare to the world that she has successfully killed her boyfriend. It also declares her bravery to be a bad girl by killing people. While her expression in figure 44 above is signifying the determination in killing her victim. There is no expression of feeling guilty or scared. There is only „oops‟ expression. Oops is

actually an expression of surprise or feeling sorry about a mistake. But, from close up of Gaga‟s face it is clearly seen that she is not sorry about the murder. She is actually an expression of surprise or feeling sorry about a mistake. But, from close up of Gaga‟s face it is clearly seen that she is not sorry about the murder. She is

The third thing Gaga does in breaking traditional values and living up in Girl Power values is that she is no longer putting romance but fame as priority. After the betrayal of her boyfriend, Gaga realizes that love she faithfully builds cannot give her any success. The one she really loves cannot be an answer of her desires of love and success. She did not get a happy ending romance as a symbol of her success in life. In contrary, her love totally screws her life up. At this point, she starts to see love in a different way. Her new perspective about love and romance can be seen in the lyrics of this song. There are two verses come in sequence after chorus which contradictory to each other and signify two different ideas. In earlier verse she sings „ I'll be your girl backstage at your show. Yeah, cause you're my rock star in between the sets‟. The lyric tells that Gaga is really in love with her boyfriend, Skarsgard. She will not refuse to do anything that Skarsgard needs. The sentence that sings I'll be your girl backstage at your show is signifying her faithfullness lays with Skarsgard wherever and whenever he goes. Thus, if words can describe, she is like a real big fan and Skarsgard is the rock star. However, the next verse signifies different idea. It sings „Shadow is burnt, yellow dance and we turn. My lashes are dry, purple teardrops I cry. It don't have a price, loving you is cherry pie‟. Shadow signifies Skarsgard‟s real

hurt her.This lyric is suggesting that although Gaga loves and trusts Skarsgard so much, she cannot stand for Skarsgard‟s shadow which he tries to cover up. She is describing her love actually is as sweet as a cherry pie. However, what Skarsgard has done to her makes her a broken-hearted and cry until her lashes go dry. All the sweet things about their relationship are going useless and worthless as the lyric is singing it don't have a price . Those two verses mark the changing Gaga‟s perspective toward her relationship. The key in which these two verses are played also play important role in shaping the changing perspective of love. These two verses are played in C minor. C minor brings the quality or characteristic of declaration of love and at the same time the lament of unhappy love ( http://www.biteyourownelbow.com/keychar.htm ). Since, the key color of C minor brings two different quality, that is why those two verses are contradictory.

Those three acts proves that Gaga pulls out traditional values. Instead of defending her romance, she decides to let it go because she knows that her love makes her weaker. Once she was weaker, her love trapped, betrayed, and destroyed her. The reality can be seen on how Skarsgard easily betrayed her. It is because she is too naive in believing the importance of romance in her life that causing her lost of publicity. Thus, she takes revenge to Skarsgard as a way to get back what has been her rights and belonging. By doing so, she lives up in Girl Power values since she encourages herself to fight for her dream, that is fame. In

Girl Power era, fame is so significant for girls and young women‟s life.

patriarchy and male‟s expectation. In contrast, Girl Power sees fame as personal power because by trying to reach fame it means that girls and young women also

encouraged to follow their dream (Hopkins, 1993: 189- 190). This Girl Power value about fame is believed by Gaga. She says “Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore” http://www.squidoo.com/best-lady-gaga-quotes . She personally believes that love and relationship is no longer significant things in

girls and young women‟s life. Therefore, she represents it in „Paparazzi‟ music video.

In gaining her fame back to her, she uses media as the way to get it. She did not really enjoy what media did to her before. However, she realizes that media is a fast track to reach success. Therefore, she is making a news that will bring her to publicity over again. And the murder she did to her boyfriend open the way.

Figure 45 Figure 46 Figure 45 Figure 46

when she made a call to 911. She does really want paparazzi to know the murder and then come so that they will make a publication or news about her. The publication then will give her the fame once again. Her plan works. The murder she did put her back in publication. It can be seen in figure 45 how paparazzi is taking her picture while the police is arresting her. Her plan really sparks its charm when she becomes a headline again. Figure 46 is depicting „THE EVENING STAR‟ headline says „She‟s back‟. According to Cambridge Advance Learner‟s Dictionary, the evening star is “a planet, especially Venus, which can be seen shining brightly in the west just after the sun has gone”. As known, Venus is often represented as woman. Thus, the meaning of the newpapers‟ name signifies

that Gaga is a woman, a celebrity who will forever shine so bright no matter what happens to her. Because she shines so bright, she deserves to be a headline, a place where she gets all the attentions. While the headline which is saying „She‟s back‟ signifies that Gaga is coming back to publication after several time gone unknown. The headline also signifies that although Gaga has ever gone, she has never really gone because after all she comes back. She never loses her sparks because it forever shines from many times before and remains untill now.

Changing characteristicsin „Telephone‟ is started from a moment when Beyonce decided to make off from Gibson. The lyric is stating „I am sick and Changing characteristicsin „Telephone‟ is started from a moment when Beyonce decided to make off from Gibson. The lyric is stating „I am sick and

expresses

deep depression( http://www.biteyourownelbow.com/keychar.htm ).It

marks the

synchronization between the key color and Beyonce‟s depression over her boyfriend reflected on the message of the lyrics. Henceforth, she stands up for her own freedom and right. She no longer performs as a submissive woman whose life is controlled by man but from now on she fights for her own liberation. In gaining her liberation, she performs and employs many of Girl Power values.

Firstly, she is now brave enough to say no to Gibson‟s command. She is not submissive anymore. It can be seen from the lyrics she sing. „Boy the way you blowin' up my phone.Won't make me leave no faster. Put my coat on faster. Leave my girls no faster ‟. The word „boy‟ refers to Beyonce‟s boyfriend while „blowin‟ up‟ signifies his anger. He is getting mad to Beyonce for she is hanging out and spending girl‟s time with her friends. It is presumed that Gibson madly wants Beyonce to be back home soon. However, since Beyonce has enough with him, she disobeys him. His anger will not offend her anymore. She will not give her freedom up again to him by saying that although he is so angry, she will not leave her girl friends and go home. Instead, she sings „I should've left my phone at Firstly, she is now brave enough to say no to Gibson‟s command. She is not submissive anymore. It can be seen from the lyrics she sing. „Boy the way you blowin' up my phone.Won't make me leave no faster. Put my coat on faster. Leave my girls no faster ‟. The word „boy‟ refers to Beyonce‟s boyfriend while „blowin‟ up‟ signifies his anger. He is getting mad to Beyonce for she is hanging out and spending girl‟s time with her friends. It is presumed that Gibson madly wants Beyonce to be back home soon. However, since Beyonce has enough with him, she disobeys him. His anger will not offend her anymore. She will not give her freedom up again to him by saying that although he is so angry, she will not leave her girl friends and go home. Instead, she sings „I should've left my phone at

he word „should‟ve left‟ also signify that she must left Gibson because he is getting annoying. It is strenghtenedby the word „disaster‟ she uses to describe that

their relationship is extremely not good because it only damages and harms her life. Therefore, she should stop the relationship so she will not extend any damage

it brings. The sentence „sorry I cannot answer‟ is signifying that she is fed up with him. She ends their relationship so she has a chance to be aware of herself

and get what she wants. Beyonce‟s bravery in disobeying Gibson is also shown from the way she sings those lyrics. Those are being sung in a rap way. So it is being spoken in a very quick tempo rather than sung. It is clear that there are fires in her lyrics an d speed that signify her annoyance. It is supported by Beyonce‟s voice which is very gravelly, deep and rough. Moreover, the lyrics are sung in low pitches and in some words it is stressed or accented which signify Beyonc e‟s seriousness. Beyonce‟s facial expression and gesture also can be signs of how she

means every lyric she sings.

Figure 47Figure 14Figure 49

gesture while she is singing the lyrics above. She is putting her hand on hips. This kind of stance is often interpreted as an insult. Therefore, figure 47 is signifying that Beyonce is adrressing her boyfriend in rudeness and offensiveness. As Beyonce is motioning her hand to steer the car, the camera also moves from pan left to right modes. From this side, it can be seen that there is a morose expression in her face. She is looking annoyed and unwilling to smile. Her hand is holding the sterring wheel so firm that it is assumed that she is restraining her emotion. Figure 49 which is taken in close up focuses on Beyonce‟s face. Here, her make up is dominated by black color. It is signifying her bold statement of power and strength she now has within her.

Secondly, she is developing to be a very cunning young woman. She is really clever in planning something bad to trick Gibson to get free from him. The first thing she does in realizing her plan is by releasing Gaga who is imprisoned because of murdering her boyfriend which is told in Paparazzi music video. She does so in order to get some help and support from Gaga who is also a cunning girl. Thus, the cunning girl meets an equal partner. Her cunning characteristic is supported by her cunning plan. To totally get away from Gibson, they two are planning to kill him so he will never exist again. The pattern in ki lling Beyonce‟s boyfriend is the same as the one which is used in killing Gaga‟s. They are poisoning his drink and food. The sequences of the murder can be seen in these pictures below.

Figure 15Figure 16 Figure 17

The murder begins with Gaga and Beyonce who are coming to a diner where Gibson is eating there. Gaga is taking over the diner‟s kitchen and preparing

everything for their plan. She is starting with blending a liquid poison with a bottle of coffee (figure 50). In figure 51, the coffee is served to Gibson in a cup and Beyonce is pouring the same liquid poison once again. Figure 52 shows Gaga is poisoning all foods that will be delivered to all of the diners. The similarity between those three cuts of scenes is the existence of skull and crossbones logo and poison word in each cut. It is assumed that those logo are wanted to be noticable so that everyone is aware about these poisonous girls and what they can do to harm and hurt others. The skull and crossbones are added to maximize the danger of these cunning girls. In figure 52, there is a box where in the top of it written „cook n kill‟. This „kill‟ proves that Gaga and Beyonce is really intent to

kill. They do not deny their purpose to kill. Instead, they proclaim their intention so that everyone will know and notice how brave they are. In poisoning Beyonce‟s boyfriend, Gaga is using many ingredients. In box which is available in

figure 52, the ingredients are mentioned. They are rat poison, meta-cyanide, fex- m3, and tiberium. They are all fictious poisons which are taken from several games and films except rat poison which can be found in our daily life. Meta- figure 52, the ingredients are mentioned. They are rat poison, meta-cyanide, fex- m3, and tiberium. They are all fictious poisons which are taken from several games and films except rat poison which can be found in our daily life. Meta-

can kill its victims in under 10 seconds. While tiberium is from Command&Conquer

the victims

( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_fictional_toxins ). The ingredients they use in poisoning Gibson can signify their good preparation. They make it so perfect for they pick up the very best poisons. This scene is supported by music dominated by sound of drum set which consist of tomdrum, bassdrum, and cymbal. There are also sound of handclapping and people yell and shout „wow‟.

The yell and shout imply that the plan are going to be good and successful. And it really is. Beyonce and Gaga not only successfully get away from Gibson but also kill everyone else in the diner.

Figure 53 Figure 54Figure 18

Figure 53 shows the success they two gain in murdering Gibson. He is laying her head on the table breathlessly. This figure is taken using high shot angle which signifies that Gibson is less powerful than the viewer. It is true that this figure signifies so because of the fact that he has been dead. Another thing that depicts Beyonce‟s cunning characteristic can be found in figure 54 and 55. Figure

made by Beyonce is just the same with the one Gaga did after killing her boyfriend. She is putting her hand on her mouth as if sa ying „oops‟. Similar to Gaga, Beyonce does not really mean the oops for there is no depiction of guilty feeling, sorry, or afraid after killing people. Instead, this figure signifies that Beyonce is very happy and satisfied about other‟s death because it can be seen that she is smiling. She is also saying„I knew you‟d take all my honey, you selfish motherfucker‟. The rude word she uses in addressing her boyfriend as motherfucker signifies that she really hates and is angry to him. She is addressing him as a selfish. It refers to the treatments Gibson gave to Beyonce before that he only looked for his own advantages in their relationship. While the word „my honey‟ is supposed to be her own happiness which has been taken from her along

their relationship. Next, figure 55 is depicting Gaga, Beyonce, and their men are dancing. It is like they are celebrating their success in murdering Gibson. This figure can also signify the freedom Beyonce finally gets. The clothes they are wearing are United States flag motif. There are white, red, and blue colors that suggest the liberation. Each color in US flag represents different idea.” White signifies innocence, Red, hardiness & valour, and Blue, signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice”. http://www.usflag.org/colors.html . Then if it is connected with Beyonce‟s experience who is restricted by Gibson, the death of Gibson

finally brings indepencence for her. The clothes she is wearing signifies the power she has. White which is signifies innocence represented Beyonce‟s post-action after murdering Gibson. She is feeling innocent and never guilty. Red represents finally brings indepencence for her. The clothes she is wearing signifies the power she has. White which is signifies innocence represented Beyonce‟s post-action after murdering Gibson. She is feeling innocent and never guilty. Red represents

When this poison scene is taken, it is complited with verse that is singing

„Tonight I'm not takin' no calls 'cause I'll be dancin‟. This lyric is signifying that Beyonce‟s will to not taking any command from Gibson anymore. Instead, she

chooses to stand up for her own choice to enjoy herself and have a good time which can be traced from the sentence „I‟ll be dancin‟. At this moment the chorus

is also sung. It is singing „Stop callin' stop callin'. I don't wanna think anymore. I left my head and my heart o n the dance floor‟. It signifies that Beyonce has left her past with Gibson and will not remember it again as she sings she does not want to think about it anymore. While her heart and head which are left in the dance floor signify that she throws her burden of ever having Gibson in her life by replacing those bad experience with self-satisfaction by having a good time in enjoying herself on the things she like, dance floor.

The Girl Power value can also be seen from the friendship between Gaga and Beyonce. As known, Gaga and Beyonce come from different background. Gaga has fair complexion while Beyonce has dark complexion which mark their different race. In the past, there were Black Movement as a response of racism, sexism, and class oppression undergone by Black Women. Black feminism empower black women to have faith in themselves. It remains until today. Many common popular black women keep on celebrating this such as Beyonce who always empowers women specifically in her works. The way she empowers other The Girl Power value can also be seen from the friendship between Gaga and Beyonce. As known, Gaga and Beyonce come from different background. Gaga has fair complexion while Beyonce has dark complexion which mark their different race. In the past, there were Black Movement as a response of racism, sexism, and class oppression undergone by Black Women. Black feminism empower black women to have faith in themselves. It remains until today. Many common popular black women keep on celebrating this such as Beyonce who always empowers women specifically in her works. The way she empowers other

Next, it is about the turning point in „Bad Romance‟ music video. It is started when Gaga presents exactly in front of the bidder. It seems that it is a dead end and there is no way out from there. It is commonly heard that when someone is in a dead end, her courage will come out from her very deep heart and will lead her to do everything she can to save her own life. And it happens to Gaga. In the moment when she has to do something she does not like but there is no other choice except to face it, she gains her courage. From figure 56 which shows her reluctance, the shot changes to the one which has a very different setting.

Figure 56

Figure 56 is not taken in the white room anymore. It is taken in a dark small room which is lightened by a lamp. The lamp creates a backlight, but different from figure 26 and 27 which backlight creates a soft effect, the backlight in this cut creates such a harsh effect. The backlight in figure 26 and 27 can create a soft effect because the room is as bright as the lighting so it results on less contrast Figure 56 is not taken in the white room anymore. It is taken in a dark small room which is lightened by a lamp. The lamp creates a backlight, but different from figure 26 and 27 which backlight creates a soft effect, the backlight in this cut creates such a harsh effect. The backlight in figure 26 and 27 can create a soft effect because the room is as bright as the lighting so it results on less contrast

the changes in Gaga. It shows the opposite of the innocent Gaga has before. Her innocence turns into greater power of bravery to face the situation. The bravery is

also shown from Gaga‟s spine which seems to come out from her back. Spine provides supports for the body, then the figure seems to signify that once Gaga develops her bravery, it will never be useless but will support her to get through the problem. And so, the bravery Gaga has now develops her to be more confident and aggressive.

Figure 57 Figure 58

The changing characteristic can be seen from those figure above. Gaga becomes more confident in doing her job. In figure 57 it can be seen that she is doing lap dance in front of the bidders sensualy without offensive feeling anymore and seems to really enjoy it. It can be proven from how long she dances for them. The lap dance is started in 2:10 and ended in 3:26. Figure 58 shows how she is transforming into someone who is so aggresive. In figure 57 it can be seen that she is moving closer to the Russian mafia. In the close up shot which is used to

she has a power to flirt the man she wants without feeling odd or awkward. She is aggressively wooing the bidders. She is not waiting until the bidder woos her but she is taking a chance and initiatively wooing the bidders. And it is so Girl Power. In traditional feminism, it is a violence toward traditional values when woman woos man. It is man who has to be aggressive in winning woman. He must be the one who takes control of woman. While woman has to be pasive and submissive. She has to wait until the man comes to her and not the opposite. For traditional feminism, the brand new Gaga will be considered as a victim since she initiates to flirt man. She also becomes an object because she lets men to get pleasure from her appearance. However, in Girl Power, the brand new Gaga is considered as a heroine because she can gain power to drive and control people around her. Initiating to flirt and woo man are not be seen as a lost but a power because she successfully does the things she comfortably like to do. It is woman freedom to express her sexuality. Her changing characteristict is strengthened by the lyrics she is singing. Before she lives the Girl Power values she sings „Caught in bad romance‟ but after she transforms into Girl Power she sings different perspectives. „I want your Psycho. Your Vertigo stick. Want you in my Rear Window. Baby, you're sick. I want your love ‟. The word „psycho‟ signifies the worst and darkest side of man while „vertigo stick‟ signifies male genital, the best part of him. Then,

in all senses, those lyrics signifies that Gaga wants the bidder so bad that she will accept every parts of him, his darknest, sickest, worst, and best side. She also sings „You know that I want you ('Cuz I'm a free bitch baby!). And you know that I

the one who wants the romance because she knows that she will gain the benefits from the relationship she builds with one of the mafia. The way she is addressing herself as a free bitch signifies how she really lives in Girl power. In Girl Power, bitch is not an offensive but it is such a pride because usully bitch is used to call a woman who is a strong determined person. So when Gaga calls herself as a bitch she considers herself as a strong female who is capable of doing whatever on her mind, being what she likes to be, and gets advantage of it. The advantage she gets can be known from figures below.

Figure 59 Figure 60

Figure 59 shows that Gaga is reaching the highest bid that get her in 1.000.000 while in figure 60 diamons are falling from the ceiling and showering her. It shows that once Gaga is brave enough to face the truth and reality, she can turn the bad reality into somethng that gives her advantages. Now, when she is accepting what is bad , she can get what is good from it. She is now secure in financial from the diamonds she gets. The lyric which goes „caught in a bad romance‟ seems to support the benefits which Gaga gets. She is caught in bad

romance to get the benefits from the mafias and she catches the mafias in her bad

that it is really a bad romance, a destructive relation that she knows it can be ended everytime without warning. If it comes without a warning, she will not know when it will come. If so, it will be a disaster for her because she will lost everything, a financial security and a counterpart to release part of herself. If she deals in this kind of bad romance relation any longer, she will be obssessed with a feeling of love. Once she does it, she will mess up. Therefore, she tries to end it by going away from the source of all of this, the Russian bidder. The most effective way acording to Gaga is by killing him.

Figure 61 Figure 62Figure 63

It begins when Gaga is walking and approacing a Russian mafia. She is wearing a very revealing two pieces suit to attrack him. Standing up right in front of him, she is posing to show him her sexy body. However, Gaga has a secret intention. She is coming to him with her revealing clothes not to have something to do with sex but to kill him. The next second, she is burning the bed where the mafia sits and in the end only his skeleton is left with Gaga lays beside it. The plan to end the bad romance is also portrayed from Gaga‟s appearance. Gaga‟s face is looking so hard. It is supported by red lipstick and bold black eyeliner which is contrast to It begins when Gaga is walking and approacing a Russian mafia. She is wearing a very revealing two pieces suit to attrack him. Standing up right in front of him, she is posing to show him her sexy body. However, Gaga has a secret intention. She is coming to him with her revealing clothes not to have something to do with sex but to kill him. The next second, she is burning the bed where the mafia sits and in the end only his skeleton is left with Gaga lays beside it. The plan to end the bad romance is also portrayed from Gaga‟s appearance. Gaga‟s face is looking so hard. It is supported by red lipstick and bold black eyeliner which is contrast to

dominated by tomdrum and bassdrum which is played in fast tempo. The lyric creates an anger mood and the music somehow infuses the tension.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION