Animation & Music: The Art of the Animated Music Video
I've always been a fan of animation (cartoons, anime, stop motion, etc) and music. So, you can say that music videos were a big part of my ever-growing love for all things entertainment.
I've noticed that there are a lot of aspiring artists within the Creators community and I've seen many great pieces that you guys share in your articles and although I'm no artist, I wanted to share with you some music videos that combine different styles of animation and kick-ass lyrics.
Tool - Sober
One of my favorite movies is A Nightmare Before Christmas and that's partly thanks to its stop motion animation. Sober by Tool is an eerie song and is enhanced by the bizarre stop motion music video. For five minutes, the lyrics engulf you in a dark world full of bleakness and despair but ironically the video music serves as a contrast filling this landscape with some type of life.
The White Stripes - Fell in Love With a Girl
Another stop motion music video. The difference is that this video is a tribute to hard work and creativity. Shot frame by frame, Fell in Love With a Girl was made using only Legos! (talk about patience)
It's a very curious combination seeing the innocence of the Lego pieces and the powerful rock lyrics delivered by Jack White in the same place but it's a weirdness that works so well.
A-Ha - Take on Me
The reason I included this music video and ranked it so high is, not only for the timeless lyrics, but for how revolutionary it was at the time. The music video used pencil sketch animation and rotoscoping techniques (Walt Disney and his animators used the technique in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs).
This is one of those rare cases that, no matter if you watch the video or listen to the song, either of them is instantly recognizable and has been able to stand the test of time.
Linkin Park - Breaking the Habit
This music video is just outstanding. It's like watching a short film and the lyrics are just relentless. Anime is one of favorite animation styles out there for the reason that it is so dynamic and just seems to flow effortlessly.
The video was supervised by Kazuto Nakazawa, who had previously directed the animated segment of Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill: Volume 1 (O-Ren Ishii origin) and it shows in the professionalism behind the animation.
Breaking the Habit not only has a great song and video, but the lyrics tackle different real issues throughout its running time, for example abuse and depression. The video beautifully enhances the message of the song. Dramatic storytelling have always been part of this animation style and this music video is like watching an episode of your favorite anime.
Pearl Jam - Do the Evolution
There's a reason I used a gif from Pearl Jam's Do the Evolution: it is the best music video I've ever seen. More than a hundred artists collaborated on this masterpiece and you can see and feel the powerful attitude that drives an artist to draw and create. The video was nominated for a Grammy in 1999 and it was co-directed by Kevin Altieri, known for his direction on Batman: The Animated Series, and Todd McFarlane, better known for his work with the popular comic book Spawn. Throughout the video, a black haired woman dances and laughs, representing "Death" as it follows mankind through all of its history.
I love this music video because it's one of the ultimate expressions of creativity and collaboration between artists. The music, the art, the editing and direction come together to visually express an idea.
Do the Evolution is the perfect marriage of lyrics and animation.
Honorable Mention: Gorillaz - Clint Eastwood
Written by Creator Jonas Casillas