Synopsis

In a stylized bullfighting arena, Jack White appears as an overly confident matador preparing to conquer his opponent while Meg White watches from the crowd with apparent indifference. The bull initially seems helpless, but a sudden reversal changes the balance of power. The matador's bravado gives way to sympathy when the animal appears almost human, only for the bull to exploit his compassion. The theatrical video turns the song's theme of conquest into a darkly comic tale of hunter and hunted.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in a bullfighting ring in Artesia, California, in the Los Angeles area.

• The bullring concept originated with writer Jonathan Lethem, who suggested the idea after hearing the song. The treatment was built around the song's exaggerated Spanish and bullfighting imagery.

• Jack White trained with bullfighter Dennis Borba to make his movements and handling of the cape look more authentic.

• Production used five fighting bulls and one docile cow. According to the production interview, each fighting bull could deliver roughly 20 minutes of intense action before becoming bored or uncooperative.

• The video earned nominations for Best Art Direction and Best Cinematography at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, winning the cinematography award.

• "Conquest" was the final single released from *Icky Thump* and the last single issued by The White Stripes.

• The song itself is a cover of a 1952 recording written by Corky Robbins. The White Stripes' arrangement intensified its mariachi-style brass and theatrical drama, which the video translates into an intentionally over-the-top arena spectacle.