In 1984, Madonna produced the single hit “Borderline” which is her first single to ever become a top ten hit.  In the video, Madonna is the main character and she is caught in a situation between doing what she wants to do and doing what her boyfriend wants her to do. Madonna is asked to model for a photographer and chooses to do so against her boyfriends will. Madonna’s dilemma embodies a general teenage truth that love can be complex and difficult. The intent of the music video is to entertain her audience, which consists of mostly teenage girls, and to show that guys are not in charge and girls should be able to make their own decisions.  Throughout the video, Madonna shows her view on the situation which is that the girl needs to please herself and do what she wants. This is shown when Madonna chooses to model because she wants to and she will not be held back by a boy.

Madonna achieves her intent by showing that she has power in the relationship and her power is displayed in many different ways. Madonna does not need her boyfriend because there are other guys that are interested in her like the photographer. This serves as a warning to the boyfriend that says if he does not treat her properly, she will leave him to be treated better. Madonna’s intent is strengthened by this point because she is shown in the position of power and can control the outcome of their relationship which was traditionally dominated by men. Madonna also shows her power by “playing hard to get”. In the video, Madonna is talking with her friends and not worrying about her boyfriend. She does not go chasing after him trying to make things better, he comes to her. Once again, Madonna shows she is content with not being in a relationship with her boyfriend and that he has to make things better. This only adds on to Madonna’s power in the relationship because she shows her independence. Lastly, Madonna adds to her power by being glamorous. Being glamorous makes any woman feel special which can replace the need for a man. This builds on Madonna’s independence which relates to power. The glamor aspect of Madonna’s video also helps her purpose of entertaining her audience. Madonna attempts to catch the interest of her audience by wearing “hip” or “flashy” clothes and riding around in fast cars. Being fashionable captures an audience’s attention and Madonna is fashionable to say the least.

Madonna is unarguably one of the greatest pop stars of her time. Through her music, Madonna attempts to instill power and independence in woman often by portraying herself as a glamor queen and a prize to be won.  Entertaining her audience is important for Madonna, like any other artist and she does this through a variety of different methods such as being glamorous or, like Oceane said, being controversial.