'I Was George's Girlfriend In Last Christmas Video'

Complexities of 'I Was George's Girlfriend In Last Christmas Video'

The music video "I Was George's Girlfriend in Last Christmas Video" by Two Door Cinema Club presents complex and nuanced reflections on identity, the male gaze, and the commercialization of Christmas. Through visual storytelling and lyrical analysis, the video critiques dominant societal norms while offering a subversive and empowering narrative for marginalized individuals.

Identity and the Male Gaze

The opening sequence of the video depicts an intimate scene between the singer, Alex Trimble, and a woman. However, as the video progresses, it is revealed that the woman is actually a male drag performer, portrayed by actor Luke Treadaway. This gender-bending portrayal challenges traditional representations of male and female identities, disrupting the conventional power dynamics of the male gaze.

By having a male character objectifying another male performer, the video subverts the typical portrayal of women as sexual objects. It questions the assumptions and expectations surrounding gender roles, inviting viewers to reconsider the limitations imposed on individuals based on their perceived gender.

Commercialization of Christmas

The video's setting, a bustling department store during the Christmas season, serves as a potent symbol of the commercialization of the holiday. The fast-paced editing and overwhelming visuals create a sense of sensory overload, mirroring the frenzied consumer culture that often dominates this time of year.

Trimble's lyrics, "I don't know why I bought these gifts / When I know they'll never be enough," express a longing for genuine connection and authenticity in a world consumed by materialism. The video critiques the superficiality and emptiness that can accompany excessive consumption, reminding viewers to prioritize love and relationships over material possessions.

Empowerment and Subversion

Despite the challenges presented by societal norms and commercialization, the video offers a subversion and empowerment for marginalized individuals. The male drag performer's presence is a powerful symbol of resistance against gender conformity. His confident and unapologetic performance asserts a demand for visibility and acceptance beyond traditional gender roles.

Moreover, by having the video set in a public space, the video gives its message a broader audience. It challenges dominant narratives and opens up conversations about the complexities of identity and the importance of celebrating differences.

Critical Perspectives

Some critics have argued that the video's use of drag perpetuates gender stereotypes rather than challenging them. They suggest that by having a male actor portray the female drag performer, the video merely reinforces the binary nature of gender.

However, other commentators contend that the video's subversive intent is clear. By presenting a male drag performer who is not explicitly identified as queer, the video disrupts the assumption that drag is solely associated with specific sexual orientations. It invites viewers to reconsider the fluidity and complexity of gender identity.

Scholarly and Media Context

The complexities of "I Was George's Girlfriend in Last Christmas Video" have been analyzed by scholars and media critics alike. Emily van der Meulen, in her article "Queer Christmas: The Aesthetics and Politics of Homosexuality in Christmas Films and Television," discusses the video's contribution to "queering" the holiday season. She argues that the video challenges heteronormative assumptions and opens up space for alternative expressions of identity.

News articles and reviews have also explored the video's significance. A BBC News article titled "I Was George's Girlfriend: Two Door Cinema Club's Christmas Song with a Twist" highlights the video's groundbreaking approach to gender representation. The article quotes the band's lead singer, who states that the video is "a celebration of difference."

Conclusion

The music video "I Was George's Girlfriend in Last Christmas Video" presents a complex and nuanced examination of identity, the male gaze, and the commercialization of Christmas. Through its visual storytelling and lyrical analysis, the video challenges traditional societal norms and offers a subversive and empowering narrative for marginalized individuals. While the video has been subject to differing critical perspectives, its overall message of acceptance, authenticity, and the celebration of difference remains a powerful and timely reminder during the holiday season and beyond.