Review of The Work of Director Chris Cunningham (2003) by Steven H — 11 Jun 2011
There are only two directors out there that, when I'm about to see something of theirs for the first time, I actually get nervous. One is Takashi Miike, an absurdly genius director and the other is Chris Cunningham.
And he's best known for his MUSIC VIDEOS..... that's right. His videos are like mini-nightmares that punch you in the face and then they're gone. This man can bring some of the most horrific things you've ever seen to life, all in the span of a song's length.
Try watching his video for Aphex Twin's "Come to Daddy" and not feel your skin start to prickle. An old woman walks her dog around an abandoned factory where an old TV sparks into life and evil children start coming out of the shadows.
Oh, and they all have Aphex Twin's bearded, grinning face. Even the girls. And then an emaciated 8-foot tall demon man comes out of the TV. And starts hugging the children. Yeah. I shit my pants. But as terrifying as his stuff can be, it can also be absolutely beautiful.
Bjork's video for "All is Full of Love" is simply a robot Bjork being born in a factory (machinery is big with Cunningham). But combined with the song and the fluid motion of the machines, it's borderline angelic.
Other highlights are Portishead's "Only You" and another offering of Aphex with "Windowlicker". Look these videos up on Youtube and you'll get a smorgasboard of Cunningham's work.
If you're brave, watch his short film Rubber Johnny. But don't blame me for the nightmares. I didn't twist your arm..............
This review of The Work of Director Chris Cunningham (2003) was written by Steven H on 11 Jun 2011.
The Work of Director Chris Cunningham has generally received very positive reviews.
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