The video's core strength lies in its , which juxtaposes Irene Cara’s studio performance with iconic scenes of Jennifer Beals (and her dance doubles) from the film.
The essayistic value of the video is found in its literal and metaphorical interpretation of the lyrics. irene_cara_flashdance_what_a_feeling_official_m...
: The footage highlights the protagonist Alex’s grueling routine—from the heat of a steel mill to the sweat-drenched discipline of her dance studio. The visual of the "water drop" during the chair dance remains one of the most parodied and celebrated shots in music video history. Thematic Elements of Ambition The video's core strength lies in its ,
: The video emphasizes the strain on the human body. As the song builds, the clips transition from the mundane labor of the steel mill to the rhythmic, soaring freedom of the final audition scene. This mirrors the lyrical progression from "first, when there's nothing but a slow glowing dream" to the climactic "what a feeling!" The visual of the "water drop" during the
For deeper lyrical analysis, you can view the full text on Genius .
: Cara is depicted in a recording booth, dressed in casual 80s attire. Her performance is intimate and focused, acting as a "voice of God" or a narrator for the visual story unfolding around her.