Justin Bieber {Photo: Jon Kopaloff}Can't stand Justin Bieber? He drives you so nuts, you'd love to punch him in the face?
Well, here's some good news for all you haters out there--the 18-year-old actually does get beaten to a pulp, in his brand-new video released this week!
Yep, that's right: Fans and foes alike will have the pleasure (or agony, depending on which side you fall on) of seeing the Biebs bruised, bloody, and battered in the clip for his latest single, "As Long As You Love Me."
Those who don't quite despise--or adore--the superstar that much will nevertheless enjoy the video, which is shot in "short film" style and features actor Michael Madsen, whom movie buffs will recognize from Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill.
Madsen plays an overprotective father of a comely young lady that Bieber--naturally--is head-over-heels in love with. The clip opens up with a terse conversation between the two men: "I know what type of guy you are...I used to be the same thing," Madsen growls, before suggesting Bieber hit the highway and stay away from his baby. "Don't come back, 'cause if you do, it's not gonna be good for you."
Oh, boy. Better not cross this daddy--right?
But, of course, that's exactly what Bieber does, courting certain danger by convincing his lady love to run away with him. Shots of the singer sporting progressively darker bruises are cleverly interspersed with the action, until everything comes to a head and we actually get to see Madsen beating the stuffing out of the young punk who tried to steal his daughter away.
This is undoubtedly a dark turn for Bieber, which will certainly be construed by many as a message he's ready to leave his more innocent days behind him. It's probable that some of his fans may find the violence a little too much to take. However, the video also includes an awesomely choreographed sequence with a full cast of backup dancers in a parking lot, which is worth watching even for those who don't care for their teen heartthrobs...well, you know, like, dripping blood.
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