Musings on Domestication

Since I keep posting music videos and then talking about them, I've decided to make it a thing. My best friend told me that I should be a critic, so, in my own way I suppose, that's what I'm doing.

Today: Miley Cyrus - Can't Be Tamed

Today's victim... featured video... thingy...

So, first things first. I'm not a Miley fan. I'm not anti her. I don't wish ill on her or anything, I'm just not that into her. I think that's fair. Fact being, she's 17 and worked for Disney; I'm older than that, work for a University, have a contemporary art degree, love heavy metal... we have different tastes.
On that note, she's 17. I have a hard time with her being sexy in this video. Not in a "she's a minor and that's wrong", but rather in a "she look sexy sure, but has the awkwardness inherent to her youth that kills the video." Yes, she's under 18, so some people might have appropriate issues, but, to be honest, I don't find this scandalous, it's "sexy", but it ain't got nothing on the last 2 videos I posted. I'll reserve my judgements on her in general in terms on scandalizing and appropriateness for another time and place. It's not the issue at hand.
The issue at hand is this video. Let's start from the beginning... The intro. That's really the thing to do right now. It seems like all the cool kids are doing it. That's fine. I think it can be an excellent story telling device. This intro in particular is a little long I thought. And the snarling sound affects when Miley first looks up. Kinda terrifying. No lies.
Once the song gets started, I'm actually fairly fond of it. I really like the aesthetics of this video. The darkness. The Gothic look, the wings. It's pleasing to me. The fact that our Miley isn't wearing heels makes her lack of pants way less signalized. Good call on her part there... or the stylist... or her Dad said no heels, or whatever. My biggest problem with the costuming is the feathers on her hands. Holy crap they annoy me. They're just so... heinous. Bare hands would've been better all around. Really, they irritated me so much it almost ruined the who look for me. I even liked her make up. The hair was a little trashy, but it worked with the whole look... but feather hands. There are some things I'm not okay with.
There was two looks in the video, which was nice and simple... or at least simpler. I liked the contrast from the darker look to the more fresh and colourful peacock look. My issue with the peacock was that she was so obviously not allowed to move, combined with her teenage-ness, it was a bit awkward to watch her lay there. There was a little with the chest touching... but with those crazy claws and the not being able to move cuz of the bed of feathers, it look more like a "where do I put my hand" as opposed to a "look at my breasts" move. I liked her make up, fresher, sweeter, mixed it up. The scaly dress was even pretty okay. But the entire package falls short for me there.
Let's get to the dancing. Miles... not a trained dancer. But the group dances are still cool. The overall costuming and the other dancers, they all make it better. I must say, I love the "sexy orgy dance" bits. Very Britney. But also because of Miley's face. She looks so pissed. I'm not sure if she was going for angry of fierce and sexy, but the naughty sex appeal that that type of dance could evoke was totally nullified by the "I'm going to cut a bitch" facial expressions. This actually pleases me to no end.
Finally, the ending. I actually really like to closing image. It was powerful and appropriate. I know right? This is positively glowing really.
As for the song itself, nothing special, catchy, some over usage of auto tune.

But, for a not fan, I rather liked it all in all.

In the end though, my sentence for Ms.Cyrus: Either stick with catchy pop tune and movies for a tween audience, or, take a break. put on some pants. Finish highschool. Go to University (not college), learn some stuff about the world. Live in a dorm. Get an education. And, after that, maybe you will be ready to be taken seriously and to seriously work. I think you have the potential. Just need some figuring out life not in the spotlight time...
Also, if, in two weeks I want to stab myself every time this video come on much music (I don't sleep and know all the infomercials... much at 2 am it is!) I'm going to re sentence you.