Britney Opens Up

Just in time for her new album and her 27th birthday, Britney Spears appeared last night in an extended interview shot by MTV over a two-month period. Juxtaposed with her usual made-up, put-on theatrics, “Britney: For the Record” was dazzlingly low-fi.

Far from a typical follow-a-celebrity-with-a-camera escapade, the feature felt tenderly raw. Britney was teary most of the time, the authenticity of which was undeniable judging from her bleak eyes so pleadingly sanpaku.

She recounted the travails of the past three years, talking mostly about betrayals personal and professional, relentless attention, and her sons. Particularly insightful was her response when the producer asked her almost rhetorically – the answer seemed smugly pop-psych certain, anyway – whether she felt out of control.

“I think it’s too in control. If I wasn’t under the restraints I’m under, I’d feel so liberated.”

If we were prone to clichés, we’d say that Britney was deep and that the interview was candid and frank…but since we’re only marginally derivative, we’ll just say that she’s taken a cue from Sears and we’ll trust that you get our drift.

If you missed the interview, watch this excerpt.

Or just tune into MTV any given time for what is sure to be a veritable barrage of reruns.

In the meantime, here’s a sneak peek of her upcoming single, Circus … and hey, if your boss catches you, just say that you’re reading up on the Clintons.

With Hillary as the bearded lady and with all the sword-swallowing surrounding Bill, a Clinton Circus is pretty legit.