Stephen Walton Photography Workshops

Lights flicker, the camera rolls, and the stage is set for an enthralling visual spectacle that complements the melody that fills the air. Music videos have become an integral part of our cultural landscape, merging sound and vision to create immersive experiences that leave us spellbound.

Behind the magic lies the art of cinematography, a delicate dance between the lens, lighting, and movement that transforms a musical composition into a breathtaking audio-visual masterpiece.

Join me on a passionate journey as we explore the 9 best cinematic moments in music videos, unraveling the secrets behind its power to captivate and inspire.

What are the best music videos ever made?

Symbolism – ‘Formation’ Beyonce (Dir. Melina Matsoukas)

In the realm of music video cinematography, the visuals serve as a powerful storytelling medium, amplifying the emotions and narratives woven within the lyrics.

A prime example is Beyoncé’s “Formation,” directed by Melina Matsoukas. Matsoukas uses her keen eye to infuse the video with symbolism and social commentary, blending stunning imagery with thought-provoking messages. From the striking imagery of Beyoncé atop a sinking police car to the powerful portrait of black resilience in the face of adversity, “Formation” stands as a testament to the artistry of cinematography in music videos.

Transitioning seamlessly to another visionary work, Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.,” directed by Dave Meyers, takes us on a visually stunning journey. Meyers skillfully captures the intensity and vulnerability of Lamar’s lyrics, utilizing bold colors, intricate camera movements, and dynamic compositions.

Each frame feels meticulously crafted, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling and creating a mesmerising experience that leaves a lasting impact.

Lighting Masterclass – ‘The Scientist’ Coldplay (Dir. Jamie Thraves)

One of the fundamental elements of cinematography is the interplay of light and shadows, allowing emotions to be evoked and atmospheres to be shaped. In Coldplay’s “The Scientist,” directed by Jamie Thraves, we witness the beauty of simplicity. Shot entirely in reverse, the video unfolds with Chris Martin walking backward through the scenes, while the lighting accentuates the emotional weight of the song.

The contrast between the darkness surrounding Martin and the ethereal glow of the illuminated rooms adds a layer of melancholy, immersing us in the story of lost love.

Transitioning to a different realm, Sia’s “Chandelier,” directed by Sia and Daniel Askill, immerses us in a world of shadows and vulnerability. The video features the remarkable performance of young dancer Maddie Ziegler, whose movements are accentuated by a subdued, moody lighting design.

The interplay of light and shadows, coupled with the raw energy of Ziegler’s performance, enhances the emotional impact of the song, making “Chandelier” a captivating visual spectacle.

Cinematic Moments – ‘Material Girl’ Madonna (Dir. Mary Lambert)

Music videos often pay homage to iconic cinematic moments, intertwining the worlds of music and film. Take, for instance, Madonna’s “Material Girl,” directed by Mary Lambert. Drawing inspiration from Marilyn Monroe’s iconic performance in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,” the video transports us to a lavish setting where Madonna embodies the glamour and allure of old Hollywood.

Lambert’s cinematography captures the essence of Monroe’s era, employing classic lighting techniques and elegant framing, creating a visual feast that transcends time.

Transitioning to a modern-day masterpiece, Taylor Swift’s “Bad Blood,” directed by Joseph Kahn, pays homage to action-packed blockbusters. With its star-studded cast and high-octane sequences, the video mirrors the intensity and style of films like “Kill Bill” and “Sin City.”

Kahn’s use of dynamic camera movements, vibrant color grading, and meticulously choreographed fight scenes brings the world of superheroes to life, showcasing the versatility and innovation of music video cinematography.

One Take Wonder – ‘Here It Goes Again’ OK GO (Dir. Trish Sie)

In the world of cinematography, the single-take wonder is an awe-inspiring feat, demonstrating the mastery of both the director and the camera operator. A shining example of this technique is OK Go’s “Here It Goes Again,” directed by Trish Sie. The video unfolds in a single continuous shot featuring the band members performing a complex choreography on treadmills.

Sie’s precision and meticulous planning make the impossible seem effortless, immersing us in the infectious energy of the song and leaving us in awe of the seamless execution.

Transitioning to a different genre, Childish Gambino’s “This Is America,” directed by Hiro Murai, stands as a thought-provoking masterpiece. Shot in a single take, the video tackles social issues with a raw and unflinching gaze.

Murai’s skillful camera work navigates through a chaotic environment, capturing both the foreground and the background, amplifying the impact of the powerful lyrics and evoking a visceral response from the viewer.

The single-take approach enhances the urgency and authenticity of the message, making “This Is America” an unforgettable visual experience.

Experimental Genius – ‘House of Cards’ Radiohead (Dir. James Frost)

Music video cinematography often pushes the boundaries of creativity, embracing experimental techniques to create unique and visually stunning experiences. In Radiohead’s “House of Cards,” directed by James Frost, the video employs a groundbreaking approach by using 3D scanning and visualizations instead of traditional camera footage.

The result is a mesmerizing blend of data and art, where each frame is composed of points in space rather than pixels, creating a hauntingly beautiful visual representation of the song.

Transitioning to another realm of experimentation, Arcade Fire’s “Reflektor,” directed by Anton Corbijn, explores the fusion of live action and interactive elements. Shot with a reflective lens, the video captures the viewer’s image and transforms it into a part of the visual narrative, blurring the line between the audience and the performers.

Corbijn’s innovative approach immerses us in a world of illusions, creating an interactive experience that challenges traditional notions of cinematography and blazes a trail for future experimentation.

Visual Effects – ‘Around the World’ Daft Punk (Michel Gondry)

Visual effects have become a staple in music video cinematography, allowing directors to unleash their imagination and create awe-inspiring spectacles. Daft Punk’s “Around the World,” directed by Michel Gondry, is a testament to the power of visual effects in music videos.

Gondry seamlessly blends practical effects and animation to bring the song to life, synchronizing the visuals with the infectious rhythm. The result is a hypnotic and visually mesmerizing experience that transports us to a world where music and movement are one.

Transitioning to a different realm, Michael Jackson’s “Black or White,” directed by John Landis, captivated audiences with its groundbreaking morphing effects. The video showcased the transformative power of music, seamlessly transitioning between individuals of different races and backgrounds.

Landis’ visionary use of visual effects pushed the boundaries of what was possible at the time, creating a groundbreaking visual narrative that still resonates with audiences today.

Challenging Conventions – ‘Sledgehammer’ Peter Gabriel (Dir. Stephen R. Johnson)

Every art form has its pioneers, those who dare to challenge conventions and pave the way for new possibilities. In Peter Gabriel’s “Sledgehammer,” directed by Stephen R. Johnson, we witness the groundbreaking use of stop-motion animation and claymation.

The video pushes the boundaries of creativity, showcasing a wide range of imaginative visuals and experimental techniques. Johnson’s visionary approach set a new standard for music video cinematography, inspiring generations of filmmakers to think outside the box.

Transitioning to another visionary pioneer, Björk’s “All Is Full of Love,” directed by Chris Cunningham, takes us on a journey into the realm of robotics and artificial intelligence. The video features two humanoid robots engaging in a tender and intimate embrace, blurring the lines between the organic and the synthetic.

Cunningham’s visionary direction, coupled with the ethereal beauty of Björk’s music, creates a mesmerizing fusion of humanity and technology, setting a new benchmark for futuristic aesthetics in music videos.

Capturing Live Energy – ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ Nirvana (Dir. Samuel Bayer)

Capturing the essence of a live performance requires a delicate balance between preserving the energy of the moment and creating a visually captivating experience. In Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” directed by Samuel Bayer, we are transported to the explosive atmosphere of a live concert.

Bayer’s cinematography captures the raw intensity of Nirvana’s performance, utilising dynamic camera movements, frenetic editing, and a gritty visual style that mirrors the rebellious spirit of the song.

Transitioning to a different genre, Beyoncé’s “Homecoming,” directed by Beyoncé herself, immerses us in the electrifying energy of her iconic Coachella performance. The video captures the essence of the live experience, combining footage from the concert with intimate behind-the-scenes moments.

Beyoncé’s meticulous attention to detail, coupled with the seamless integration of multiple camera angles, brings the viewer front and center, allowing us to relive the magic of the performance from the comfort of our screens.

Animated Masterpiece – ‘Clint Eastwood’ Gorillaz (Dir. Jamie Hewlett & Pete Candeland)

When music and animation collide, the result is a captivating symphony of visuals and sounds. In Gorillaz’s “Clint Eastwood,” directed by Jamie Hewlett and Pete Candeland, we are introduced to the world of the virtual band. 

Through a combination of 2D and 3D animation, the video transports us to a dystopian landscape inhabited by animated characters who bring the song to life. Hewlett and Candeland’s innovative use of animation revolutionized the music video medium, opening up endless possibilities for storytelling and visual exploration.

Transitioning to a different realm, A-Ha’s “Take On Me,” directed by Steve Barron, remains a timeless classic that seamlessly blends live-action and rotoscoped animation. The video tells a captivating love story, where a woman is pulled into the world of a comic book through a portal.

Barron’s masterful integration of live-action and animation creates a visually stunning experience, capturing the imagination of viewers and solidifying “Take On Me” as an iconic example of music video cinematography.

The 9 Best Cinematic Moments in Music Videos: Final Thoughts

In summary, the best music video cinematography has the power to transport us, evoke emotions, and leave an indelible mark on our cultural landscape.

I feel the art of music video cinematography is a testament to the creativity and innovation of filmmakers, who blend the realms of music and visuals to create immersive experiences that resonate with audiences worldwide. 

Through stunning visuals, captivating storytelling, and seamless camera work, directors and cinematographers have elevated music videos to the status of visual masterpieces.

As we continue to witness the evolution of music video cinematography, we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this mesmerising journey of sound and vision.