The 'Not Myself Tonight' video hit the all "tubes" Friday and the Facebook, Twitter, and Media commentary has not been all too positive. I think it's easy to dismiss the video because Christina expresses herself within the confines of sexuality as most mainstream female pop stars do.
"Not Myself Tonight' represents a multiplicity of meanings, too many to deal with in a blog post. I like the video, more than the song. The song is pretty generic in terms of production. The pulsating drum beat gives it some flair. But, it sounds like it may have needed another edit. Ok back to the video. The intertextuality of the video can be read on multiple levels. Primarily, I think it's the classic "Good girl" vs "Bad Girl" narrative that dominates the video. Although the video is a rather derivative play on sexuality, I do think the clear connection to the lyrical content of the song adds depth to the images as a whole.
In the video, the "bad girl role" is presented as fantasy, that one can step outside or away from everyday hetro normative experiences and play in the realm of taboo. For example the video, opens with a zoomed in close-up of Christina. The platinum blonde hair and softer make-up help to emphasize the "good" girl image. Seconds later that shot is contrasted with multiple images of Christina in S&M garb. I think I counted 13 total outfit changes. The cherry red lipstick, harsh make-up, leather, lingerie, fire, black and red clothing help to emphasize Christina as the villain, the "bad" girl. The video ends with the same close-up face shot. Christina's "look" or "gaze" turns away from the camera. The ending, oh so important, the "look" reveals that maybe she's not so afraid of being herself tonight.
