Before Fight Club came David Fincher’s video for Madonna’s song ‘Vogue’, and before Being John Malkovich came Spike Jonze’s video for Weezer’s ‘Buddy Holly’. Over the past few decades, music videos have proven to be an invaluable launching pad for a huge number of directors. In fact, even our very own 2013 SDGNZ Best Director Award recipient, Joe Lonie, cut his teeth directing music videos during his Supergroove days. To help more New Zealand filmmakers become a part of that, Show Me Shorts are launching a new category in 2014 just for music videos!
Music videos are similar to short films in that they provide emerging directors with the opportunity to develop both their technical skills and their artistic sensibilities. For instance, in Michel Gondry’s 1993 video for Bjork’s ‘Human Behaviour‘, you see evidence of his experimentation with animation and surrealism; both of which he eventually became known for in feature films such as The Science of Sleep.
With limitless potential to create truly captivating work, the music video medium is like the cool younger sister to short films. Perhaps 2014 can be the year where we celebrate this and shine a light on those who are at the bridge between film and music. To kick off this journey, I’d like to share with you three of my favourite New Zealand music videos.
Pazzida
Artist: Watercolours
Director: Alexander Gandar
Watching Alexander Gandar’s music video for ‘Pazzida’ is like standing really close to a painting and then walking backwards to gradually reveal the work in its entirety. There’s something so tactile about this video; you can almost feel the light streaming through the window, the grooves in the chairs, and the softness in the way the fabrics fold. In muted colours and carefully constructed spaces, ‘Pazzida’ is like a collage that you can’t stop looking at. The beautiful tap dance sequence in itself makes the video worth watching.
Pulled You In
Artist: Artisan Guns
Director: Reuben Stephens
While no longer together, the music videos made by Auckland band Artisan Guns were always among my favourites. ‘Pulled You In’, directed by Artisan Guns’ bassist Reuben Stephens, ventures into the mind of a teenage boy as he navigates the steps of the grieving process. There’s something about the combination of a suburban setting and 90s nostalgia that makes this video comforting, yet haunting in its familiarity. I really love the way the video echoes the lyrical content of the song, particularly heading towards the final scene.
San Pedro
Artist: Doprah
Director: Julian Vares
Built upon Doprah’s ethereal trip-hop vibes, Julian Vares’ music video for ‘San Pedro’ is equal parts entrancing and eerie. ‘San Pedro’ follows a day in the life of an expressionless office worker who embarks on a journey through a kind of false-reality. Doprah’s music and Vares’ visuals mirror one another in a way that almost feels like you’re in the depths of a slow slumber. With shots that are almost uncomfortably close, and others that are unnervingly distant, the video is a beautiful portrayal of a man’s isolated existence.
Whether it’s a stepping stone to bigger and better things, or an artistic avenue in its own right, there’s no doubting that music videos are on par with traditional short films. We’re so excited to see what kind of music video entries we’ll get this year, and we can’t wait to share them with you too. Join us again next month for another edition of the Screening Room.
