Spencer Cooper

love wins

Last night, Lady Gaga (co-producer with Heather Parry) released Gaga: Five Foot Two exclusively to Netflix. The documentary shines a light on the life of Stefani Germanotta over previous album Joanne, and projects her vulnerabilities to the world.

Aside from the endless media hype surrounding Gaga’s ‘fame’, the documentary narrates a long episode of sadness and struggle, behind the scenes of a star who has been deemed unstoppable. With Grammy’s, VMA’s, Number 1’s and countless other achievements under her belt, recent years have seen Gaga extend her career beyond singing and songwriting, instead forming a pristine reputation as an actress. Whilst we have seen Gaga feature in her music videos, forming her iconic aesthetic as an artist that screamed creativity, Gaga has since featured in American Horror Story as the Countess and Witch of the Wood. Earlier this year she also starred in the opening episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 9), however Five Foot Two takes a much different approach and has been welcomed by many. After all, Who wouldn’t value Lady Gaga embracing our screens time and time again?

“I don’t have the need to have a million wigs on to make a statement.” - Lady Gaga

Upon a lengthy list of issues that Gaga hoped to clarify to her Little Monsters, one that led was the stripped back Gaga. The wigs, the dresses, the glamorous Gaga we believed we knew and loved revealed this aesthetic to be pressured. She revealed that the “men” involved in the authoritative processes of her creativity demanded that she dressed or worked in a particular way and so she went above and beyond to put her own twist on this, regaining control. Leaving the outrageous looks styled amongst the many stages imprinted in our minds.

Latest album Joanne cracks open a view of Gaga’s personal life, inspired by the death of her father’s younger sister, who died of Lupus at the age of 19. The album brought forward a countrified version of the artist, with lyrics just as relevant as previous albums, with the glamour and theatrics taking a step back, a much more minimalistic approach. The documentary highlights the work of director Chris Moukarbel in a behind the scenes look at the making of the album. Thus, capturing Gaga’s triumphs, downfalls and everything inbetween.

In response to the film Gaga’s Little Monsters have come out in the masses, applauding Gaga for her authenticity, #GagaFiveFootTwo has trended on Twitter and Instagram with endless positive comments including celebrity attention from Lorde and Lena Dunham. The authenticity mentioned is evident as Gaga seems to be in awe every time she hears compliments or applaud both in the documentary and away from the cameras.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lady Gaga film without the music. Throughout we hear emotive pieces including a piano version of Bad Romance at the 90th birthday of Tony Bennett, one of her admirations, a bond resulting in a single and album Cheek to Cheek. Aside from the performance we are allowed a sneak peek into the moments where she first plays songs to her relatives which resulted in tissues and tears for Monsters alike.

Another vulnerability Gaga goes over and over in her mind is the topic of people leaving. With slight insight into her breakup with fiance Taylor Kinney, the loss of Joanne for her family and the eventful illness of her cancer-suffering friend Sonja. She says “I’m alone, every night,” and talks about those around her in a frantic scene of makeup artists, producers and family members, “They will leave, and then I’ll be alone. And I go from everyone touching me all day and talking at me all day to total silence.” A haunting perspective that hits home when thinking about the mortality of those closest to you.

In conclusion Five Foot Two presents Gaga in full control of her image, her music and in acceptance of her abnormalities or in this case normalities. Gaga’s leadership is often contradictory, whilst she repels impressing anyone with unreal expectations, the true determination of Gaga is evident as she longs for the approval of her fans.

The film ends as it begins: an intimate shot showing both Gaga’s isolation but also her greatest triumph, the Superbowl, a phenomenal performance that saw the artist stray from expectations in one of her greatest masterpieces to date.

It’s that time of year again, time to hang up your freedom and return to the solitary confinement you call education.

The stresses of returning can be overwhelming but I am here to put all of that at ease. Returning to school, particularly to a new institution can leave you feeling anxious as well as excited. Honestly, besides the heavy workload, trying to play it ‘cool’ in order to make new friends or fit in, and time going faster than it ever has before, there’s (next to) nothing to worry about.

As an introverted student myself, I can relate to the fresh set of worries on top of the adrenaline fuelled excitement. Last year, I moved from a quiet town in North Wales to the big city of London, and I will never look back. I enrolled at Goldsmiths University for Media and Communications, a fancy title for a less fancy course. The course provides an insight into art, history, politics and a wide range of practical options, the best of both worlds for keeping up both academically and practically in the industry.

Upon my first few days of attending, I was told “you will change, in a few months you will all look just like Goldsmiths students”. What did this mean? I was almost outraged that such a prestigious institution could be so arrogant as to how personal aesthetic would be influenced by our place of study. However, I was wrong, this was met by a mass of individuals reflecting their creativity through their dress, hobbies and interests, and I can’t help but be intrigued.

Throughout my first year I have met so many students like myself, that just have differing perspectives on the world and hope to project this through some form of blog, protest piece or artwork. It’s so energising to see people with ambition and talent. Two of my closest friends both very different, but extremely talented, one a keen vlogger and MUA, and the other a photographer, cinematographer and all round genius just made me feel part of something so special and important. Whilst commuting from one side of London to another I found myself positioned outside of this community, however the important thing is that the community of creatives exists (amongst many), Something I hope to be more involved in this year.

Before you know it the first year will be over, trust me, I’ve done it. So please, don’t waste time, set yourself some goals, be ambitious, what can you achieve aside from your studies? Over my first year, I shot my first wedding, volunteered at my local Foodbank, Braved the Shave for Macmillan Cancer and attempted the art of illustration, purely as a method of relaxation, whilst continuing to shoot and film throughout the year. Finally I ended the summer with a two week internship at Dazed and Confused Magazine, an opportunity I cannot be more thankful for where I was able to write, publish, edit and research an eclectic mix of interests.

University is a pressure, one that you asked for might I just add. You will always have time to balance studying with being outrageous and drunk and fun. You just have to take your responsibility and own it! In the end, it’s so worth it, opportunities you didn’t know existed, people that will change your life, not just in terms of being social but in the way you think, the way you see the world.

The past is in your head, the future is in your hands.

The first day? You don’t know where to go? Who to ask for help or direction? Neither does anyone else… Be forward, rotate around those stood alone and prepare, prepare for the future, not in the way your mum, dad and teachers said, prepare for the best days of your life, with the greatest people and be the best version of you the world has ever seen (so far)!

Mental Health is for life, not just for today!

However we can only hope that it isn’t a lifelong pressure. A burden. A negative. Whilst this is for obvious reasons a touchy subject, it is one I feel very strongly about.

At the end of the day, we all know someone with mental health, or someone who says they have mental health issues.

“Wow, that’s depressing”

“I was so anxious before I went on stage”

“What a psycho!”

“You’re so moody”

“Don’t be such a clean freak”

It is evident that the terms and perspectives that we group as mental health are some of the basic fixtures of society. Mental health has and always will exist, particularly in the social age we live in today where the idea of not being plugged into the world can make people as young as children feel isolated, ‘depressed’ or ‘mental’.

I will include some of the statistics and figures alongside my extremely ignorant personal opinions. I will forever respect anyone and everyone I come into contact with if they suffer, or if they don’t for that matter. In honour of Mental Health Awareness Day it is key to discuss this subject. However, I can’t do it justice, no one can…

How does mental health affect me personally? Like I said we all know someone who suffers from it. I have watched and dealt with suicidal persons, issues of self harm, and severe cases of depression and anxiety to the point people won’t leave the house, does this make me special? A master on the subject? No, no it does not. My aim here is not to teach, or to make a difference, but simply to join forces with those who stand against mental health being an “ISSUE” in the sense it can’t be helped and it should be hidden or kept silent. Own it! You are who you are, your surroundings, your drunk parent, your abusive partner, your worries, your ability to organise things in a particular way, your inability to conduct your thoughts in a logical manner. It makes you special, it makes you just as worthy as anyone else. Remember that.

I like to think I am highly tolerant and welcoming to those who suffer from mental health issues amongst many other things. I firmly believe that having someone to confide in, someone you just feel normal or in some cases crazy with. That can be more useful and even more important than any treatment or medicine. Admitting who you are is always the first step in becoming the best version of you.

Whilst I haven’t been diagnosed, nor do I intend to be, I believe anxiety plays a role in my lifestyle. I am forever overthinking situations, worrying about how I look, what people think and who may be waiting around the corner. However I cannot claim I am a victim to mental health, after all that’s not how it works. I am ‘normal’ whatever that means, find someone who doesn’t worry about anything, doesn’t stress about a single situation in their life? You can’t and why? The society we live in brings to light the social pressures that allow for this kind of thinking to emerge.

Aside from my perspective on EVERYONE having mental health, that almost belittles the severity of the term, some cases are worse than others and of course many mental health issues result in self harm and sometimes even death. It is truly heartbreaking to read these cases in tabloids, magazines and online forums, we have lost some extraordinary people to these illnesses and we are filled with a sense of regret every single day because of it.

According to the World Health Organisation, The statistics of those affected by mental health are rising. In 1990, 416 million people suffered from depression or anxiety worldwide - these numbers rose to 615 million in 2013. Current figures state that each year in Britain an estimated one in four adults will experience at least one diagnosable mental health problem, though only 230 of every 300 who need help will actually visit their GP. Mental illness is extremely common and exists in different forms, each of which can have an adverse effect on your well-being. Anxiety and depression are more common however the list is endless.

It’s difficult.

How do you know? They don’t write ‘M E N T A L’ across their foreheads, nor do they parade around the streets notifying you of the fact (well some do, but not all). The trick is to be kind, to everyone, no matter what you think you know. YOU DON’T. Every struggle is different, a smile doesn’t always equate to happiness, you can’t assume because of a forced expression that someone is fine. Nor in reverse should you smile to give the impression you are fine, to make people feel comfortable or to feel more ‘normal’. Talk about it, you will often find those who you open up to will have experienced exactly the same thing or something similar. Whilst you’re reading this I appreciate, it’s nice and easy for me to sit behind a computer screen and make out it’s easy to just open up about the soul destroying voices in your head, the effects your body has on you that prevent you from feeling good, or happy. However it takes time, you only get one chance and one life, and if you don’t make a move, it’s going to be awfully long and unsatisfying. The earth offers so many anxieties and pressures, but aside from that it’s beautiful, the people, the stories, the cultures, the literature, the music, the artistry. It’s all there. For you! Go and be apart of this truly magnificent planet, it’s yours just as much as it is anyone else’s.

Something I read online : “You are allowed to be a masterpiece and a work in progress at the same time”.

Beautiful. I know we can sit and be bitter about the dismissal of mental health by huge organisations. And professionals. And arseholes! But isn’t it beautiful. Something so distressing and problematic can unite people on a universal scale. No matter what your religion, skin colour, language, or political views, we are all born with a brain, and we can relate to each other when it comes to mental health. We can appreciate the unity. I will forever find beauty in the unity of the world in a time when there is so much division. I am forever grateful for everyone who came out today and proved themselves as caring, optimistic, ready for change!

Please,

Take one thing from today if nothing else. We are all in this together! Be kind. Love one another. Support your peers. Support your family. Talk to those who sit alone. Stand up against bullies. Stand up against mental health, it doesn’t control you! How can it? You are strong, you may not overcome it but you can learn, learn that it’s okay and people love you, people like you because you’re you, they see beyond it.

It’s that time of year again, time to hang up your freedom and return to the solitary confinement you call education.

The stresses of returning can be overwhelming but I am here to put all of that at ease. Returning to school, particularly to a new institution can leave you feeling anxious as well as excited. Honestly, besides the heavy workload, trying to play it ‘cool’ in order to make new friends or fit in, and time going faster than it ever has before, there’s (next to) nothing to worry about.

As an introverted student myself, I can relate to the fresh set of worries on top of the adrenaline fuelled excitement. Last year, I moved from a quiet town in North Wales to the big city of London, and I will never look back. I enrolled at Goldsmiths University for Media and Communications, a fancy title for a less fancy course. The course provides an insight into art, history, politics and a wide range of practical options, the best of both worlds for keeping up both academically and practically in the industry.

Upon my first few days of attending, I was told “you will change, in a few months you will all look just like Goldsmiths students”. What did this mean? I was almost outraged that such a prestigious institution could be so arrogant as to how personal aesthetic would be influenced by our place of study. However, I was wrong, this was met by a mass of individuals reflecting their creativity through their dress, hobbies and interests, and I can’t help but be intrigued.

Throughout my first year I have met so many students like myself, that just have differing perspectives on the world and hope to project this through some form of blog, protest piece or artwork. It’s so energising to see people with ambition and talent. Two of my closest friends both very different, but extremely talented, one a keen vlogger and MUA, and the other a photographer, cinematographer and all round genius just made me feel part of something so special and important. Whilst commuting from one side of London to another I found myself positioned outside of this community, however the important thing is that the community of creatives exists (amongst many), Something I hope to be more involved in this year.

Before you know it the first year will be over, trust me, I’ve done it. So please, don’t waste time, set yourself some goals, be ambitious, what can you achieve aside from your studies? Over my first year, I shot my first wedding, volunteered at my local Foodbank, Braved the Shave for Macmillan Cancer and attempted the art of illustration, purely as a method of relaxation, whilst continuing to shoot and film throughout the year. Finally I ended the summer with a two week internship at Dazed and Confused Magazine, an opportunity I cannot be more thankful for where I was able to write, publish, edit and research an eclectic mix of interests.

University is a pressure, one that you asked for might I just add. You will always have time to balance studying with being outrageous and drunk and fun. You just have to take your responsibility and own it! In the end, it’s so worth it, opportunities you didn’t know existed, people that will change your life, not just in terms of being social but in the way you think, the way you see the world.

The past is in your head, the future is in your hands.

The first day? You don’t know where to go? Who to ask for help or direction? Neither does anyone else… Be forward, rotate around those stood alone and prepare, prepare for the future, not in the way your mum, dad and teachers said, prepare for the best days of your life, with the greatest people and be the best version of you the world has ever seen (so far)!

It’s that time of year again, time to hang up your freedom and return to the solitary confinement you call education.

The stresses of returning can be overwhelming but I am here to put all of that at ease. Returning to school, particularly to a new institution can leave you feeling anxious as well as excited. Honestly, besides the heavy workload, trying to play it ‘cool’ in order to make new friends or fit in, and time going faster than it ever has before, there’s (next to) nothing to worry about.

As an introverted student myself, I can relate to the fresh set of worries on top of the adrenaline fuelled excitement. Last year, I moved from a quiet town in North Wales to the big city of London, and I will never look back. I enrolled at Goldsmiths University for Media and Communications, a fancy title for a less fancy course. The course provides an insight into art, history, politics and a wide range of practical options, the best of both worlds for keeping up both academically and practically in the industry.

Upon my first few days of attending, I was told “you will change, in a few months you will all look just like Goldsmiths students”. What did this mean? I was almost outraged that such a prestigious institution could be so arrogant as to how personal aesthetic would be influenced by our place of study. However, I was wrong, this was met by a mass of individuals reflecting their creativity through their dress, hobbies and interests, and I can’t help but be intrigued.

Throughout my first year I have met so many students like myself, that just have differing perspectives on the world and hope to project this through some form of blog, protest piece or artwork. It’s so energising to see people with ambition and talent. Two of my closest friends both very different, but extremely talented, one a keen vlogger and MUA, and the other a photographer, cinematographer and all round genius just made me feel part of something so special and important. Whilst commuting from one side of London to another I found myself positioned outside of this community, however the important thing is that the community of creatives exists (amongst many), Something I hope to be more involved in this year.

Before you know it the first year will be over, trust me, I’ve done it. So please, don’t waste time, set yourself some goals, be ambitious, what can you achieve aside from your studies? Over my first year, I shot my first wedding, volunteered at my local Foodbank, Braved the Shave for Macmillan Cancer and attempted the art of illustration, purely as a method of relaxation, whilst continuing to shoot and film throughout the year. Finally I ended the summer with a two week internship at Dazed and Confused Magazine, an opportunity I cannot be more thankful for where I was able to write, publish, edit and research an eclectic mix of interests.

University is a pressure, one that you asked for might I just add. You will always have time to balance studying with being outrageous and drunk and fun. You just have to take your responsibility and own it! In the end, it’s so worth it, opportunities you didn’t know existed, people that will change your life, not just in terms of being social but in the way you think, the way you see the world.

The past is in your head, the future is in your hands.

The first day? You don’t know where to go? Who to ask for help or direction? Neither does anyone else… Be forward, rotate around those stood alone and prepare, prepare for the future, not in the way your mum, dad and teachers said, prepare for the best days of your life, with the greatest people and be the best version of you the world has ever seen (so far)!

Missoula, Montana

Last night, Lady Gaga (co-producer with Heather Parry) released Gaga: Five Foot Two exclusively to Netflix. The documentary shines a light on the life of Stefani Germanotta over previous album Joanne, and projects her vulnerabilities to the world.

Aside from the endless media hype surrounding Gaga’s ‘fame’, the documentary narrates a long episode of sadness and struggle, behind the scenes of a star who has been deemed unstoppable. With Grammy’s, VMA’s, Number 1’s and countless other achievements under her belt, recent years have seen Gaga extend her career beyond singing and songwriting, instead forming a pristine reputation as an actress. Whilst we have seen Gaga feature in her music videos, forming her iconic aesthetic as an artist that screamed creativity, Gaga has since featured in American Horror Story as the Countess and Witch of the Wood. Earlier this year she also starred in the opening episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 9), however Five Foot Two takes a much different approach and has been welcomed by many. After all, Who wouldn’t value Lady Gaga embracing our screens time and time again?

“I don’t have the need to have a million wigs on to make a statement.” - Lady Gaga

Upon a lengthy list of issues that Gaga hoped to clarify to her Little Monsters, one that led was the stripped back Gaga. The wigs, the dresses, the glamorous Gaga we believed we knew and loved revealed this aesthetic to be pressured. She revealed that the “men” involved in the authoritative processes of her creativity demanded that she dressed or worked in a particular way and so she went above and beyond to put her own twist on this, regaining control. Leaving the outrageous looks styled amongst the many stages imprinted in our minds.

Latest album Joanne cracks open a view of Gaga’s personal life, inspired by the death of her father’s younger sister, who died of Lupus at the age of 19. The album brought forward a countrified version of the artist, with lyrics just as relevant as previous albums, with the glamour and theatrics taking a step back, a much more minimalistic approach. The documentary highlights the work of director Chris Moukarbel in a behind the scenes look at the making of the album. Thus, capturing Gaga’s triumphs, downfalls and everything inbetween.

In response to the film Gaga’s Little Monsters have come out in the masses, applauding Gaga for her authenticity, #GagaFiveFootTwo has trended on Twitter and Instagram with endless positive comments including celebrity attention from Lorde and Lena Dunham. The authenticity mentioned is evident as Gaga seems to be in awe every time she hears compliments or applaud both in the documentary and away from the cameras.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Lady Gaga film without the music. Throughout we hear emotive pieces including a piano version of Bad Romance at the 90th birthday of Tony Bennett, one of her admirations, a bond resulting in a single and album Cheek to Cheek. Aside from the performance we are allowed a sneak peek into the moments where she first plays songs to her relatives which resulted in tissues and tears for Monsters alike.

Another vulnerability Gaga goes over and over in her mind is the topic of people leaving. With slight insight into her breakup with fiance Taylor Kinney, the loss of Joanne for her family and the eventful illness of her cancer-suffering friend Sonja. She says “I’m alone, every night,” and talks about those around her in a frantic scene of makeup artists, producers and family members, “They will leave, and then I’ll be alone. And I go from everyone touching me all day and talking at me all day to total silence.” A haunting perspective that hits home when thinking about the mortality of those closest to you.

In conclusion Five Foot Two presents Gaga in full control of her image, her music and in acceptance of her abnormalities or in this case normalities. Gaga’s leadership is often contradictory, whilst she repels impressing anyone with unreal expectations, the true determination of Gaga is evident as she longs for the approval of her fans.

The film ends as it begins: an intimate shot showing both Gaga’s isolation but also her greatest triumph, the Superbowl, a phenomenal performance that saw the artist stray from expectations in one of her greatest masterpieces to date.