Runaway

When I first heard about Kanye West's latest video I got very confused as to what the nature of the video was. I could not quite figure out if it would have music and be played on MTV or if he had ventured into the difficult world of short films. As it turns out, he did both. The full version of Runaway is 34:32 minutes long but it's also been edited in a video version for TV, which runs for 4:38, and an extended video version, 8:29. My advice is to watch the full length version, put it on mute and play some nice music you like on the background. From a short film point of view it is a stunning piece of work, with incredible photography and beautifully produced. I was personally blown away by Kanye's directorial skills, which just as his dress sense, exceed his musical ability. The concept is a little sci-fi with the right amount of avant-garde and I was mesmerised by the colours and landscapes just as much as I was by the art direction and the costume design (by Phillip Lim and Martin Izquierdo).

















As a music video, however, it simply sucks. Not only the song is extremely monotonous and nonsensical but the part of the film chosen to go with it has the exact same characteristics so that you enjoy those 4:38 minutes as little as possible. Which is a shame because the ballet dancing is a fantastic part of the film and it feels very current set against the worn out green inside of a warehouse.Do turn back the sound at about 26:50 to listen to the only decent track throughout the whole film. It still sounds a bit like Kanye but it's a lot more Imogen Heap than him.
I definitely think he has found his path in life with this kind of thing. As much as it pains me to admit it he has a very good eye for art. So do us a favour, give up music and make more of these.
I'm off.

[Pictures: screen caps from video]