"Call Me Maybe"

[xiphias]

So, I admit it. I like cheap boxed wine, Schlitz, McDonald's, and overproduced pop songs with catchy hooks. So I finally watched the video for Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe".

Now, when I watch this sort of video, I'm watching it with at least two brains. First, I'm just enjoying it as for what it is, and second, I'm also watching to analyze the semiotics, and culturally contextual subtextual messages, both conscious and unconscious.

So, let's start by pointing out that this starts with an example of female gaze, which is something that I haven't seen since MAMA MIA -- the male character is sexualized as an object, while the female character isn't.

Of course, this brings up the notions of the methods of male objectification -- as Jim C Hines has pointed out, male objectification still allows men to hold their bodies in non-contortionist humanly-possible positions, as opposed to female objectification.

I'm also amused by the romance novel cover bits, and by the observation that our culture puts is out of touch with each other, by segregating ourselves into our own auditory worlds.

But I'm posting this because of the ending bit.

Comments

[vvalkyri.livejournal.com]

i totally was not expecting that last bit.

"other boys always chase me; here's my number - call me maybe" explains a whole lot of unbalanced interactions...

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

Yeah, me neither. Which is why I posted it.

Various, starting with Call Me Maybe

[livejournal.livejournal.com]

User vvalkyri referenced to your post from Various, starting with Call Me Maybe (http://vvalkyri.livejournal.com/1339921.html) saying: [...] have finally a) heard Call Me Maybe and b) seen the video. Xiphias had an interesting post about it [...]

[deguspice.livejournal.com]

I liked the ending of "Call Me, Maybe". (it reminded me a bit of Oliva Newton-John's "Physical" video (and some of your comments could also apply to it))

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWz9VN40nCA

[gingicat]

All good points.

Also, I love that the reason she falls off the car is that she's trying out the ridiculous sexualized female poses.

[paninogirl.livejournal.com]

Same here!

I had never heard this song until last week. I was totally amused by this video, especially because of the unexpected ending. Thanks for sharing!

[autographedcat.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was going to point that out. One of the things I find charming and endearing about her character in the video is that she *tries* to play the typical female sex kitten -- she's just not good at it.

I want to go on record saying that I really like this song. Not just for the video, which is great, but also just as a piece of pop music craft. It's hooky, singable, upbeat and fun.

[anais-pf.livejournal.com]

I followed Vval here. Thanks for posting this. I'd never heard the song or seen this very cute and slightly thought-provoking video.

[arib.livejournal.com]

Submitted for your perusal. :-)

http://jezebel.com/5924912/cookie-monsters-version-of-call-me-maybe-is-way-better-than-the-original

[rymrytr.livejournal.com]

"C is for Cookie, that good enough for me!"

:o)

[rebmommy.livejournal.com]

Jam session before "Late Night" show, with Jimmy Fallon, Carly Rae Jepsen & The Roots singing "Call Me Maybe" - they use the same percussion instruments seen in the video with Cookie Monster:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEsPhTbJhuo

[banshee99.livejournal.com]

HAHAHAHA!!! That was a great and hilarious surprise ending!!

And the guy IS nice to look at.

HILARIOUS.

[drwex]

I'm less taken with the ending than some people. Yes, it's a surprise but haven't we gotten past the "the only reason (s)he isn't interested in me is because (s)he is gay?"

[dglenn.livejournal.com]

The ending was a surprise? Half a minute in I was giving that ending 2:3 odds, and already pondering pretty much your last sentence. The ending is cute, but it would've been more interesting if they'd challenged themselves to come up with some other reason.

[rebmommy.livejournal.com]

There's something funny to me about men lip-syncing this song - don't know why.

http://youtu.be/eEWVwgDnuzE

[delerium69.livejournal.com]

The ending is cracking me up! Especially the look of surprise on the band member's face. (And he's probably thinking "Omigod she's gonna kill me!!")