A true proof that music video don't need much of extravagant techniques in order to become a fascinating visual and estimulant experience. Jean-Paul Goude directed
an intriguing and artistic piece that allows viewers to get to see and know the incredible Grace Jones, with style, presence and plenty of patience since we don't
have the usual excessive cuts many music video used to have back in the day and onwards.
In the burlesque performance, it all starts by a gloved hand cutting some paper-masks from Jones face and removing a paper hat as well, then the camera just stays on her face for a prolongue time as she sings the sublime "I've Seen That Face Before", a rework from Astor Piazzolla's classic "Libertango". Usually I'm not much impressed by performance videos unless there's something extra going on - neither musicians actually enjoy doing it because it's always about dubbing the song for countless times and on countless takes, positions and camera angles. But not this time. Mr. Goude makes prolongued close-up shots where we admire Jones' exquisite figure, her expressions as she tells a story through the song, and little by little the camera makes some pan back revealing an accordion that she plays, then the background scenery and some other revelations that it's hard to imagine.
It may look as if there isn't much going on but there and the power of her performance tells it all, along with the instruments. It's a chilling song, full of life and rhythm, and greatly used in the underrated thriller "Frantic" starring Harrison Ford.
Note that the track has two videos, this one by Goude and another one where Jones performs inside a crowded bar filled with older men. That one is just fine because of the music, and I don't know what's the point of having a bunch of character types if they're not act with her or with each other. It was cool but lacking.
This one is a great artisitc experience that leaves wanting and curious for more. Thumbs way up to the duo Goude/Jones, succedding again with another masterpiece - my personal favorite of their is "Slave to the Rhythm" which is perfection on all levels. 10/10.
In the burlesque performance, it all starts by a gloved hand cutting some paper-masks from Jones face and removing a paper hat as well, then the camera just stays on her face for a prolongue time as she sings the sublime "I've Seen That Face Before", a rework from Astor Piazzolla's classic "Libertango". Usually I'm not much impressed by performance videos unless there's something extra going on - neither musicians actually enjoy doing it because it's always about dubbing the song for countless times and on countless takes, positions and camera angles. But not this time. Mr. Goude makes prolongued close-up shots where we admire Jones' exquisite figure, her expressions as she tells a story through the song, and little by little the camera makes some pan back revealing an accordion that she plays, then the background scenery and some other revelations that it's hard to imagine.
It may look as if there isn't much going on but there and the power of her performance tells it all, along with the instruments. It's a chilling song, full of life and rhythm, and greatly used in the underrated thriller "Frantic" starring Harrison Ford.
Note that the track has two videos, this one by Goude and another one where Jones performs inside a crowded bar filled with older men. That one is just fine because of the music, and I don't know what's the point of having a bunch of character types if they're not act with her or with each other. It was cool but lacking.
This one is a great artisitc experience that leaves wanting and curious for more. Thumbs way up to the duo Goude/Jones, succedding again with another masterpiece - my personal favorite of their is "Slave to the Rhythm" which is perfection on all levels. 10/10.
