Boulevard des clips
Monday, August 4th, 2008Today, let’s talk about the groundbreaking work of Jim Blashfield. Blashfield directed some of the most amazing videos of the 80s, with an ability to produce great, successful commercials while exploring the limits of the medium. Not your usual, boring 80s video for sure. I’m sure Cornelius and Koichiro Tsujikawa have heard of him…
Selected works:
1. Michael Jackson - Leave me alone
Maybe the most famous work of Blashfield, as it was featured in Jackson’s full-length release Moonwalker. A video for an underrated track from the Bad sessions that proves Jackson has (had?) a sense of humor.
2. Talking Heads - And she was
His first music video. What could go wrong with such a creative bunch as the Talking Heads? A great video.
3. Paul Simon - The boy in the bubble
Picture in picture in picture, perspectives, multiple layers of objects? it’s Paul Simon, and the year is 1986.
4. Joni Mitchell - Good friends
Very 80s, but good nonetheless. Apparently this has never been re-released. Thank you, Youtube.
His video for Peter Gabriel’s Don’t give up is maybe his most pro, MTV-ready one, good (looking) but really boring. It’s on youtube if you need it. I would rather recommend his first film, Suspicious consequences. Part one here:
Enjoy.
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