Lady Gaga Feat. Beyoncé: Telephone

| 2010

Directed by: Jonas Åkerlund

Main Plot

"Telephone," directed by Jonas Åkerlund, is a vibrant and surreal music video featuring Lady Gaga and Beyoncé. The narrative begins with Gaga being released from a women's prison, setting the stage for a bold and rebellious adventure. After her release, she is picked up by Beyoncé in a vintage car, and the duo embarks on a wild road trip. The video is characterized by its high-energy sequences and elaborate choreography, reflecting themes of freedom and defiance. As the story unfolds, Gaga and Beyoncé visit a diner where they execute a meticulously planned act of revenge, showcasing their empowerment and solidarity. The video is filled with vivid imagery and pop culture references, blending elements of crime, comedy, and drama. Throughout the video, the recurring motif of a ringing telephone symbolizes the pressures and distractions of modern life. The protagonists' journey is a metaphor for breaking free from societal expectations and embracing individuality. The video concludes with Gaga and Beyoncé driving off into the sunset, leaving chaos in their wake, underscoring the theme of liberation. "Telephone" is celebrated for its bold visual style, narrative creativity, and the dynamic chemistry between the two artists.

Characters

  • Lady Gaga plays a prison inmate who teams up with Beyoncé to escape and embark on a crime spree.
  • Beyoncé plays Honey Bee, who helps Lady Gaga escape from prison, joining her in a crime spree and evading police pursuit.
  • Tyrese Gibson plays Beyoncé's boyfriend, who is poisoned by her and Lady Gaga in a diner as part of their revenge plot.
  • Jai Rodriguez plays a prison guard who escorts Lady Gaga's character, contributing to the chaotic and rebellious atmosphere in the music video.

Ending Explained

In the music video, the narrative concludes with a dramatic and surreal sequence that ties together themes of liberation and rebellion. After a series of events where Lady Gaga is bailed out of jail by Beyoncé, the duo embarks on a crime spree. The climax occurs in a diner where they poison the patrons, including Beyoncé's on-screen boyfriend, using a concoction prepared in the kitchen. This act of defiance is a pivotal moment, symbolizing a break from toxic relationships and societal constraints. Following the poisoning scene, the video transitions into a dance sequence, showcasing the pair's camaraderie and empowerment. The choreography is intense and synchronized, emphasizing their unity and shared purpose. As the video progresses, they flee the scene in a vintage car, reminiscent of a classic outlaw narrative. The final scenes show them driving through the desert, with a police chase implied but not shown, leaving their fate ambiguous. The ending is significant as it encapsulates themes of freedom and rebellion against oppressive forces. The partnership between the two protagonists highlights solidarity and strength in numbers, while the open-ended conclusion suggests an ongoing journey of self-discovery and defiance. The narrative's bold and unapologetic tone reinforces the characters' transformation and liberation.

Jonas Åkerlund Short Crime Music Musical Lady Gaga Beyoncé Tyrese Gibson Jai Rodriguez