Olivia Rodrigo x Chappell Roan: Parody & 80s Glam
By: Siena Nitzky, Staff Writer Edited by: Tessa Reiner
Olivia Rodrigo and Chappell Roan’s recent collaboration on the music video “Expectations” has been a topic of contention online. While some praise the artistic direction of the music video and dub the new song a “bisexual anthem” due to Chappell Roan’s genderbent lyrics, others call Roan’s verse “predatory” due to language she uses to describe her dating experience. Debate aside, the analog graphics and ‘80s punk glam aesthetics of the music video are enticing and demonstrate a great attention to detail from Rodrigo’s creative team. The ‘80s glam is certainly reminiscent of Roan’s style, whereas the more punk and pop-forward elements are clearly Rodrigo’s. “Expectations” as a song was already reminiscent of the ‘80s aesthetic, and this music video is no exception.
Reflecting the style of the song, the music video for the “Expectations” collaboration is reminiscent of ‘80s culture. The music video is set in a vintage game show, a la Family Feud. During the first verse, sung solely by Rodrigo, she is joined by versions of herself clad in various aesthetics, including a triangle-silhouette blouse and full black leather outfit. When Roan joins, she takes on the part of an opposing team, and styles begin to switch. Roan’s team is brightly styled in an unmistakably drag and ‘80s office-wear, while Rodrigo is joined by three other members, all styled as punks, with spiky hair and dark leather outfits. As for the video itself, the graphics also utilize retro techniques. The game show graphics are a combination of 3D and 2D art styles, and the video footage has an added grainy effect. This culminates in a stylistically cohesive music video, with a storyline and visuals that match the song’s influences.
Chappell Roan is no stranger to ‘80s influence, as is evident in her styling and sound. If you have ever listened to Roan’s music, it is undeniably influenced by eighties musicians, particularly Cyndi Lauper and Kate Bush. This relation is furthered by her use of eighties glam makeup and relationship with drag, which overlap in bright colors, extreme silhouettes, and sharp angles. Moreover, Chappell Roan’s addition to this song is unsurprising not only due to her close relationship with Rodrigo, but her connection to the music style as well.
In the video, stylistic choices and fashion stand out in the artistic direction. The duo was styled individually, with Rodrigo styled by sisters Chloe and Chenelle Dilgadillo, and Roan styled by Briana Andalore. The clothing reflects fashion movements of the past, from plaid to oversized bows to tutus and sharp silhouettes, all with an agenda of maximalism.
Complementing the styling is the makeup art on set. With makeup artist Andrew Dahling, Roan, Rodrigo, and the extras are seen in a bright editorial glam style, with sharp cheekbones, bright blush, and colorful eyeshadow. Inspired by Chappell Roan’s typical drag-inspired makeup, as well as the bright eye makeup of the ‘80s, the looks continue the stylistic theme of the music and video.
Lastly comes the set and graphic design, which ties the production up in a neat bow. On his Instagram, graphic designer Jack Harrison describes the process in which he attaches vintage and 2D graphics to a modern format. In this video, Harrison demonstrates how he achieved the glitchy graphics despite a crisp attention to detail. He designed the graphics on modern technology using current-day software, then uploaded it to antique computers and processing machines, later filming their video to create an authentic retro look.
While it is clear Olivia Rodrigo and Chappel Roan’s creative teams put enormous amounts of effort into this collaboration, the discussion of the music video on social media has been centered around Roan’s sexuality and her lyrics. Throughout the entirety of Chappell Roan’s career, she has faced slander and backlash for being rude towards paparazzi and having an unapologetic attitude towards the industry, though many attribute this treatment of her to misogyny and homophobia. This new release is no exception, as Chappell Roan’s verse “Her hand moving up my skirt…New piercing on her tongue” has been controversial due to its directness and “lewd” language. Though this language is far from predatory, and, in reality, much more tame than lots of language used in music, some listeners have an issue with it. However, others are embracing Roan’s addition, proclaiming the new song a “bisexual anthem,” particularly due to Rodrigo singing along to Roan’s genderbent lines.
The “Expectations” music video should be a lesson in appreciating artistry and the work of real humans. It also shows us that reworking the past pays off, and maximalism can be an effective stylistic strategy, even if it is overwhelming at times. The video shows dedication to a theme in a way many don’t: It tells a story and commits to it.
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