The video was director by Mary Lambert and shot in Hollywood. Madonna wanted this video to be more provocative than anything she had done before, hence the addressing of racism. Madonna said that the story of interracial love was clear to her from the song.
Actor Leon Robinson was hired to play the saint in this movie, inspired by Martin De Porres, the patron saint of those of mixed race. And yes,Leon is Derise from Cool Runnings!
The video was short over four days. Lambert has casts taken of Leon’s face, hands and feet to create the statue of the saint. The actor was only involved in the live scene. However, the result was not satisfactory and Leon was called back to re-shoot. He said he really struggled with this as he stood still for hours and hours during re-shoots.
The video was widely felt to be controversial, and a “calculated blend of sex and religion”. Some critics praised the video as “visually stunning” but others felt it was just deliberately provocative.
Like a Prayer was nominated for the 1989 MTV awards, and won the Viewer’s Choice award. The video ranked number 20 on Rolling Stones Top 100 Music Videos.
From the album: Like a Prayer
Released: 21 March 1989
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA983t3Rdzs]
