~by Marie Robinson
Songs tell us a story, and a good song will inspire visuals in your
mind’s eye. If you’re like me, once you see a music video you can’t
detach the imagery from the song, and every time you’re listened to it
you think of it. This has ruined a few songs for me, and made many more
special.
While all of these songs don’t necessarily contain
horror themes, their music videos have the haunting visuals, references,
and tones that us horror fans have come to love. Sit back and enjoy a
few wonderfully creepy music videos.
1. “The Perfect Drug” by Nine Inch Nails
While
this list is in no certain order, this is my favorite on the list. Nine
Inch Nails is one of my favorite bands and this song is dear to me
mainly because of this video.
Directed by Mark Romanek in 1997,
it was inspired by the illustrations of Edward Gorey (if you aren’t
familiar with him, get wise!). The whole video is a gothic eyegasm, with
Edwardian costume, a dark, gloomy Victorian mansion, and gorgeous
exterior shots of hedge mazes, gravestones, and ivy-covered wells. It’s
truly a shame that each shot goes by so quickly, for this world is one I
would love to linger in.
Honestly, my only complaint is Trent Reznor’s mustache. Seriously, not a good look for you, Trent.
Nine Inch Nails: The Perfect Drug (1997) from Nine Inch Nails on Vimeo.
2. “Dr. Mabuse” by Propaganda
Directed
by Anton Corgijn in 1984, this video plays out like a black and white
Hammer film. It’s filled to the brim with Gothic imagery and themes of
entrapment and Faustian vibes! All of this, of course, with a delightful
80’s touch.
“Dr. Mabuse” is a stunning example of chiaroscuro and is wonderfully creepy to boot.
3. “Only You” by Portishead
Chris
Cunningham is the king of creepy music videos; you can find a lot of
nightmare fuel in his catalogue, particularly in his Aphex Twin videos.
Picking one of those was too easy, though, so I decided on one a little
more eerie.
Portishead are masters of creating haunting,
atmospheric music and this video plays out like some kind of awful
reoccurring nightmare, where you appear to live in some strange,
underwater world and are constantly gazed down upon by unkind, distorted
faces.
4. “Lullaby” by The Cure
If
you’re terrified of spiders like me, then this video is sure to give
you the creeps. Robert Smith is not only the victim, but also his own
tormentor, a “spiderman” who lingers in the high corner of his room.
This video has the quality of childlike nightmares, from cobweb-covered
tin soldiers, to the gnashing jaws of a giant spider.
It was directed by Tim Pope in 1990.
5. “Wrong” by Depeche Mode
You
may not think “Wrong” fits this list, but it is a hard and fast ride,
and so suspenseful you’ll find yourself forgetting there’s an (awesome)
song playing in the background. This disturbing video finds a man
trapped in a car careening backwards down a Los Angeles street. Bound
and gagged, he is forced to endure the terror and unable to do anything
to stop it.
Directed by Patrick Daughters in 2008.
Depeche Mode - Wrong from Depeche Mode on Vimeo.
I think the first time I saw the video for TPD, I said "It's so pretty! ...Why does he have a dead caterpillar on his face?"
ReplyDeleteI'd vote for "99 Problem" by Hugo. I seriously can't get enough of that song...or video :)
ReplyDeletePixie: LOL - so damn true!!
ReplyDeleteRachel: I love that song. Love it over the end credits of the Fright Night remake. Makes sitting through that film worthwhile (well, that and Colin Farrell....in anything) :)