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'I felt empowered by referencing Madonna's video,' director Dave Meyers says.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Matt Elias

Britney Spears in her "Radar" video
Photo: Jive

Britney Spears has been compared to Madonna since she leapt onto the pop scene, dancing around in a schoolgirl uniform. The two did eventually hook up for "Me Against the Music," but Britney's video for "Radar," from her Circus album, really paid tribute to the pop queen and her ultra-glamorous Bedtime Stories period.

In the video, Britney is stuck in a love triangle with two very sexy polo players, who spend a good part of their time trying to woo Spears or riding their horses. Spears hooked up with "Boys" director Dave Meyers for an ode to Madonna's "Take a Bow."

"That was the premise behind 'Radar.' [We were] looking for a way to take her into a contemporary, classy environment," Meyers explained. "I felt empowered by referencing Madonna's video. Britney hasn't done anything like that."

Meyers had a very clear idea of how he wanted the story line to work. "There is a narrative going on, a romantic triangle on a weekend at this polo mansion," he said. "A soap-opera romance."

Britney apparently got nervous around the guy playing her lover (not her official boyfriend) in the clip, but Meyers said that shyness captured the essence of Britney. "She was really shy with this guy. She's really pretty here too," he said. "I think it's the Britney a lot of us know and love. It was nice to bring that out in her."

Britney Spears Video Throwback
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Despite the song's midtempo dance groove, the video is noticeably choreography-free. "I don't miss the dancing," he said. "When I watch, I feel like all the cuts and the dissolves keep the pace of the song alive."

With the release of Britney Spears: The Singles Collection, MTV News is looking back on the pop star's career through interviews with video directors, music-industry insiders and Spears herself, as she reflects on some of her greatest hits. Keep coming back for all things Britney, and let us know your favorite Brit songs, videos, memories and more in the comments below — and if you think you're Britney's biggest fan, enter our contest to win a free copy of the album!

• Britney Spears: The Singles Collection