Every Del Rey fan has been waiting for the release of this. I was no exception. The premise behind it is that Lana Del Rey is Eve in what she calls “a biblical story of sin and redemption.” You already know its going to be over the top, which is what we love about our girl Lana. This video was directed by the experienced Anthony Mandler, who has done videos for Rihanna, fun., Jay Z and many more. This labor of love comes off a bit pretentious, but so does Lana and we still love her. At almost half an hour, this short film plays more like an extended music video with very loosely connected themes. It goes from “Body Electric” to “Gods & Monsters” to ‘Bel Air”. In between there are monologues and the opening to unforgettable “Howl” by Allen Ginsberg.
Visually, there is nothing new presented to us. We’ve seen it all before, even in previous Del Rey music videos. Her gangster-sexualization, martyring of past pop icons, and the music from her extended edition album. Lana Del Rey fans will eat this up. The sensuality of it alone is enough to have sweating, especially when it comes to the scenes with strippers. This is the perfect ending to her latest album. It epitomizes all the themes and messages of her last album. She recently announced the title of her upcoming album, which is suppose to come out soon. “Ultraviolence”.
This is point where Kanye comes in and says, “Jon, imma let you finish, but I had the best album based short film of all time.” Well, Kanye, I have to agree. Tropico is no Runaway, but what it lacks in originality and artistry, it makes for in sexuality, sin, and sultry/somber songs. What do you think of it?
http://youtu.be/f69J4tpMezk
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