Every decade or so, a music video comes along that is shocking, controversial, career-changing and ultimately shapes the face of pop music for that time, and the new Britney Spears Criminal video does exactly that. Released on October 18, 2011, as the fourth single from Femme Fatale, the video for the slow-tempo ballad packs a mean punch.
Filmed in London, England (Britney’s personal favorite place to escape to), Criminal shows the torrid love affair between Spears and an alleged man on the run, played by her real-life boyfriend Jason Trawick. The shocking opening to the video shows Spears being physically and verbally abused by a man viewers assume is her boyfriend, only to be rescued from the beating by Trawick’s criminal character. The two form a Bonnie and Clyde-esque relationship, complete with super steamy bedroom and shower scenes.
The Britney Spears Criminal video might not be safe for work, but it is definitely worth checking out in the comfort of your own home, if only for the incredible arm choreography Britney whips out throughout the clip. As a huge fan of the reigning Queen of Pop, I’m beyond ecstatic to see such a triumphant return.
Britney has definitely hit us with a smashing single, one more time.
Gun-Wielding Pop Queens
The Britney Spears Criminal Video is Dangerously Sultry
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