253691304-Face-2-Face-Elementary-Student-s-Book-Chris-Redstone-Gillie-Cunningham (2).pdf
Director research – chris cunningham
14
A2 MEDIA JASON SULIT Director Research – Chris Cunningham
Transcript of Director research – chris cunningham
A2 MEDIA JASON SULIT
Director Research – Chris Cunningham
Chris Cunningham
Video Director/ Video Artist
Who is Chris Cunningham
Born in October 15 1970, Chris Cunningham was a British video artist. Cunningham was born in Reading, Berkshire and grew up in Lakenheath, Suffolk. Cunningham is an auteur theorist, which means his films reflect his vision which allows him to develop distinctive and artistic styles. He began producing music videos in the 2000s, and also he started designing album artwork for various artists and musicians.
Video Collection
In November 2004, a video collection of Cunningham’s work was released, the title of this is ‘The Work of Director Chris Cunningham’. This was released as part of the Directors Label set. The DVD includes selected highlights of his work through 1995-2000. The vidoe below is the trailer:
Style of work
Cunningham create videos that are quite shocking and abnormal. His unique style of horror and gothic elements interspersed with disturbing imagery is what he is well know for. Most of his music are abstract and also concept based. His style of work interest me due to his fast paced editing and weird, abnormal theme. Some of his work is also quite humorous however he maintains the creepy elements giving the viewer a “what did I just watch?” expression.
His 5 main ‘signature/ trademark style’
Use of sharp, fast paced editing cuts – Often used to convey the message in the video and to effect the audience by creating a disorientation and confusion.
His message behind his videos usually portrays how society is slowly becoming corrupted, he uses unrealistic objects and deformed faces to make his video distorted.
Canted camera angles used regularly creating an uneasy feeling which matches with his style.
Hand held camera accompanied with the canted angles to show the feeling of unease and instability.
He uses gothic imagery in order to reflect his horror genre
Style of Work
Awards won
His music video for ‘All is Full of Love’ by Bjork won multiple awards, including the MTV music award for Breakthough Video and was also nominated for a Grammy for the Best Short Form Music Video. As well as this it was the first music video to have won the Gold Pencil at the D&AD Awards
His international hit music video for ‘Frozen by Madonna’ won the award for Best Special Effects at the MTV Music Video Awards
He was nominated for the “Best Video” Award at the Brtis Awards 2000 for his video ‘Windowlicker’ by Aphex Twin.
He has also won the Prix Ars Electronica – Digital Musics award.
Genre of focus
Cunningham primarily directs music video within the ambient and electronica genre
Artist within this genre include Autechre and Aphex twin, the reason Cunningham works with artist such as this, is because of the fast pace quick tempo of the music allowing him to edit in sync with the music.
Artist such as these and there record label allows Chris to experiment giving him a lot of freedom with what he can create.
Collaborations
Cunningham would usually be the director and editor, often he would work on the animation and special effects
He is know for working commonly with Apex Twin, he has produced the video ‘Come to Daddy’ and ‘Windowlicker’
Other well know artist he has worked with is Madonna, Placebo, and Bjork.
He normally does most work on music videos however he has also collaborated with brands to create adverts such as ‘Mental Wealth’ a commercial for Sony PlayStation, again with this video he uses a distorted warped face
‘Come to daddy’ by Aphex Twin
Typically, his music videos are very dark and distorted. The video reflects Aphex twin’s unique music style. This music video consists of many of Cunningham’s signature styles and it is also very concept based. There is a corrupt feel to this video, the handheld camera and canted angles contributes to this uneasy feeling.
‘Frozen’ by Madonna
Cunningham’s less extravagant music videos have more influence from the artist as there is less experimentation and shocking features. For example the music video for ‘Frozen’ by Madonna is more focused on the artist than the concept, however there is still the use of gothic elements.
‘Frozen’ in comparison to ‘Come to Daddy’
Similarly to ‘Come to Daddy’ the video has a teal coloured filter, both videos are dark relating to the horror theme.
This music video is much more gothic compared to the ‘Come to Daddy’. The dark long dress, black raven, pale skin and black hair is the main focus in this music video.
In contrast with ‘Come to Daddy’ the music video is steadier and lacks the use of canted angles and avoids the use of hand-held camera
As with ‘Come to Daddy’ beat of the music matched the editing.
