Madonna - Like a Prayer

The first song I looked into was Madonna's controversial hit, Like a Prayer, which was released on the 21st of March 1989.

Concept

The main concept of the video is about a young girl played by Madonna who is in love with God. We see Madonna witnesses a murder of a girl which was committed by a group of white men. However, a black man is charged with the murder. She escapes to a church where she sees a model of a saint locked away crying. She falls asleep in the church where the saint morphs into the black man charged with the murder who she then sets free. She is then seen dancing in front of burning crosses and a gospel choir singing with her. When she wakes up she tells the police that the man is innocent and he is released.
Context
The video was controversial, as it saw Madonna kiss a black man and have holes in her hands like she had survived crucifixion, and many catholic groups or groups such as the KKK or similar had many negative reactions.  Also there are shots of large crosses on fire, and as the cross is the symbol for the Christianity, it caused distressed. At the time she was currently signed to a Pepsi commercial for $5 billion in which the song featured and an innocent story was used. However, as her video was controversial, many groups threatened to stop drinking Pepsi and so Pepsi removed the commercial.
History
The song was inspired by many different events in Madonna’s life. She had previously been through a divorce, received criticism for her acting and her mum passing away. She wanted a song that was something different and decided to write about a personal matter which was her catholic upbringing. She said that everyday she had a lot of guilt about doing something wrong and if she doesn’t tell someone she would be punished. The song was inspired by the guilt.
Editing
There are lots of cuts used in the video, which makes it look more fast paced. When the man is charged with murder, it constantly cuts from the crime seen, to Madonna watching, to the gospel singers and then to the black man, which reinforces the panic and chaos of the event. Also, when Madonna first enters the church, a handheld camera movement is used, which lets the audience see what Madonna is seeing for the first time when she enters the church and lets the audience know that they first thing she sees and is attracted to is the statue of the saint as the camera instantly moves closer to him. Lots of cuts are then followed showing crosses and pictures of the saint, which shows that is surround by God.
Special Effects
At 1.20, Madonna falls asleep, and we see her dreaming and falling through the sky until she is caught by a woman who tells her to do the right thing. This special effects gives a clue to the audience that Madonna is dreaming, but also that the woman is like a guardian angel and she should be acknowledged.
Representation
The stereotype of black men are being reinforced in the video, as one of the stereotypes is that they are associated with gangs, drugs and rape. Even though the black man didn't murder the young girl, it is thought that he did until Madonna confesses what she saw.