peter Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 And apparently, his opinion of both is 'meh.' Odd. I posted this in the off-topic Princess section (under the Gaga thread) -- but I thought maybe others had some further background on what his deal is... From other thread: An interview with famed music director Michel Gondry. He has kind words neither for Gaga, nor for Madonna, disappointingly. I don't get why he is hating on her... It seems almost like he is saying her music was good, but the videos undermined the music? (Which is the opposite of what he's saying about OTHER people -- whose music he does not appreciate.) I guess that might be like what Pat Leonard said about the "Like a Prayer" song and video, but I think most people would concede Madonna's music videos ON THE WHOLE are fabulous and practically unparalleled. Odd that he can like Michael but not Madonna. Anyway, link: http://www.movieline.com/2010/03/exclusive-music-video-pioneer-michel-gondry-on-lady-gaga-im-not-interested.php --- EXCLUSIVE: Music Video Pioneer Michel Gondry on Lady Gaga: 'I'm Not Interested' Written by S.T. VanAirsdale | 15 Mar 2010, 12:20 PM Michel Gondry has made some of the most indelible music videos of all time for some of the biggest acts of the last two decades, including Radiohead, Björk, Foo Fighters, The White Stripes, Beck and even Paul McCartney and The Rolling Stones. So when Movieline caught up with him today to discuss his forthcoming documentary Thorn in the Heart, it seemed a great opportunity to feel him out on the new vanguard of the form: Lady Gaga, whose epic “Telephone” video has swept popular culture with a fury, frenzy and inspiration not seen since the glory days of which Gondry himself was a part. His response — which swept through genre monoliths from Michael Jackson to Madonna to Marilyn Manson — was unexpected to say the least. “I’m not interested,” he said. “To me it’s like a form of Marilyn Manson. It’s hard for me to talk about it; I’ve seen a couple of videos of hers, and not for very long. I stop watching them each time because I don’t think there’s melodies. I’m sorry to be negative. Like I’m not a big fan of Madonna. I respect her very much, but unfortunately the videos didn’t help the music in the long run. Well, I guess it helped it to survive to the point where the video was irrelevant. So music has to find its own way, which is good for the music. It becomes smaller and more alive and it’s not as crazy, except for some R&B. To me, it’s just talking about the surface. I compare it to Marilyn Manson. The music to me is very expected. I don’t think there’s anything in the tone or the melody that makes me say, ‘Oh, there’s something going on.’ “And I like commercial music,” Gondry continued. “Michael Jackson will always be my favorite pop musician; he was for years and years until his death, which was horrible to me. So I like pop culture. But to me, even if it’s popular, there is a quality in the music you have to be able to appreciate. And I don’t see it. Her melodies are very conventional. I remember when my friend and I would argue about Killing Joke. I remember him saying, ‘It’s so great!’ But I said, ‘It’s so conventional! How can you find anything original? It’s just surface!’ I don’t know, maybe the comparison is ridiculous. But the melody was very, very flat. That’s probably why they are famous. But maybe it’s considered high art just because of the way she dresses?” That raised the question of the decline of the music video overall, the foundational art form that MTV has essential banished from network. “But you know, in 1999 or 2000, MTV and VH1 did the 100 Best Videos of All Time — two different selections — and I had zero videos in either of them,” Gondry said. “So when people tell me I’m the ‘MTV Generation,’ I just say, ‘No.’ I never won any MTV [Video Music Awards]. Oh, except for one for a video I did for Massive Attack, actually, and I lost it. My producer was furious. He wanted to put it in his office. But I loved videos. I remember watching videos very late at night — Michael Jackson videos. The first rap videos were amazing: Run-DMC, Tone Loc, all of that was just amazing. The Beastie Boys videos were always great. But then it became very stereotyped. There was this confusion. Also: The MTV Video Awards were never about the video, but about the song. Most of the time it was just to glorify people for the wrong reason.” Got it — and there’s more where that came from. Look for it here at Movieline as Thorn in the Heart’s April 2 release date approaches. --- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ursaminorjim Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 It really is too bad he's not a fan of her music. They could've done amazing work together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsaacHarris Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 ...the videos didnt help the music in the long run. REALLY? A Micheal Jacksaon Fan Said That? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter Posted March 16, 2010 Author Share Posted March 16, 2010 It is a shame. Maybe I misunderstood his comment about the music -- he said "the videos didn't help the music in the long run." Maybe he's saying he doesn't like her more recent music? It's also eyebrow-raising that he worked with Kylie but would not touch Madonna or Gaga. (And criticizing Gaga for not having melodies when some of the other artists he's worked with -- I won't mention names because it would just get into mud-slinging -- don't exactly have clear melodies either.) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightshade Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Hmmm...I agree with his criticisms of MTV in general, but to say a Madonna song has no melody is kind of absurd. I'm not sure where this is coming from, but I do think he is a great directing talent. After all, one of her greatest videos - "Bedtime Story" - was written by one of his main collaborators (Bjork) and has her fingerprints all over it (melodically). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ursaminorjim Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Hmmm...I agree with his criticisms of MTV in general, but to say a Madonna song has no melody is kind of absurd. He never said that, actually. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 He said basically that Gagas songs were mind numbing and superficial. Then basically said that Madonnas music videos were superfluous but allowed the songs to flourish into something bigger. I think Madonna has amazing music videos that work superbly with the songs myself. I also don't think there was anything intrinsically more textured about MJs music than Madonnas... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nightshade Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 He never said that, actually. He lumped them in together by comparison. At least that is the way I read it. Either way, I am still confused why. $20 says if Michael Jackson wasn't dead he'd be lumped in too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afrolito Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 I don't think he was really dissing M. but I don't think he was making himself as clear as he could have either. His comments on Gaga were much more straight forward and clear. He's just not into her. The same criticisms can be made of his films, which can be sublimely inspired or ridiculously stupid. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ursaminorjim Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 $20 says if Michael Jackson wasn't dead he'd be lumped in too. Nah - he's a HUGE Michael Jackson fan, always has been. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennylu Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 How disappointing to hear Michel Gondry's opinion on Madonna--I've always hoped for a creative collabo, maybe a filmic one but it doesn't sound likely. It's quite a diss, and also disrespects the efforts David Fincher put into her work. I think he's just an art/indie snob, and doesn't believe M/Gaga are true creative forces, just girls playing dress-up with minimal artistic investment. I am sure Madonna pushed for a collabo many times before--how could she not? She is probably well aware of his opinion--but too busy laughing her way to the bank to bother. You can probably check him off as ENEMY in Madonna's list... Remember when Robyn dissed M, and M returned the favor by giving her the opening slot on some shows? I love Madonna! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
erotica blu Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 How can he be a snob? I read an AICN interview with him where he claimed he desperately wanted to get into directing videos for Hip Hop and R&B artists he mentioned Missy as someone he liked very much. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ai Papi Si. Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 I don't really see it as a diss, he respects her talent but isn't all that into what she does. It's cool. I really miss seeing his videos on TV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest edsalas Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Who is this guy? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lennylu Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 (edited) How can he be a snob? I read an AICN interview with him where he claimed he desperately wanted to get into directing videos for Hip Hop and R&B artists he mentioned Missy as someone he liked very much. Timbaland and Missy made some great, Euro-inspired beats during the 90s--definitely revolutionary for its time, like much early hip/hop. And her videos were ground-breaking and exceeded all expectations you might attach from hearing the song, as are most of that genre's videos. I think most video directors would love to work for Missy because she seems very open to outlandish ideas and also has the musical talent to back it up. I really like Michel Gondry's work-his videos and movies are truly unique, beautiful and always inspired. You can always feel the passion and energy in his work, and I can't wait to see what he brings to the new Seth Rogan superhero movie. I even liked BE KIND REWIND. I've always felt his work meshes well with Madonna's sensibilities, because they have a dreamlike, off-center quality to it, but I guess M's music may be too 'manufactured' and 'calculated' for his liking. Maybe... Edited March 16, 2010 by lennylu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crystal Coffin Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 but I guess M's music may be too 'manufactured' and 'calculated' for his liking. Maybe... And he directed Fuckylie's "Come into My Fucking World" video. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip The Switch Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 I don't really see it as a diss, he respects her talent but isn't all that into what she does. It's cool. I really miss seeing his videos on TV. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ursaminorjim Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Such a great video, that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip The Switch Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Michel Gondry videography: "Open Your Heart" - Mia Doi Todd (2010) "Too Many Dicks On The Dancefloor" & "Carol Brown" (unofficial videos) - Flight Of The Conchords (2009) "Soleil du Soir" - Dick Annegarn (2008) "Declare Independence" - Björk (2007) [2] "Dance Tonight" - Paul McCartney (2007) "Cellphone's Dead" - Beck (2006) "Anysound" - The Vines (2006) "King of the Game" - Cody ChesnuTT (2006) "Heard 'Em Say" (U.S. Version) - Kanye West (2005) "The Denial Twist" - The White Stripes (2005) "Light & Day" (movie version) - The Polyphonic Spree (2004) "Winning Days" - The Vines (2004) "Mad World" (Donnie Darko soundtrack version) - Gary Jules (2004) "Ride" - The Vines (2004) "Walkie Talkie Man" - Steriogram (2004) "I Wonder" - The Willowz (2004) "The Hardest Button to Button" - The White Stripes (2003) "Behind" - Lacquer (2003) "Come Into My World" - Kylie Minogue (2002) "A l'envers à l'endroit" - Noir Désir (2002) "Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground" - The White Stripes (2002) "Fell in Love with a Girl" - The White Stripes (2002) "Star Guitar" - The Chemical Brothers (2001) "Knives Out" - Radiohead (2001) "Mad World" - Michael Andrews and Gary Jules (2001) "Let Forever Be" - The Chemical Brothers (1999) "Gimme Shelter" - The Rolling Stones (1998) "Another One Bites the Dust" - Wyclef Jean (1998) "Music Sounds Better With You" - Stardust (1998) "Bachelorette" - Björk (1997) "Deadweight" - Beck (1997) "Jóga" - Björk (1997) "Everlong" - Foo Fighters (1997) "A Change Would Do You Good" - Sheryl Crow (1997) "Around the World" - Daft Punk (1997) "Feel It" - Neneh Cherry (1997) "Sugar Water" - Cibo Matto (1996) "Hyper-Ballad" - Björk (1996) "Like a Rolling Stone" - The Rolling Stones (1995) "Isobel" - Björk (1995) "Protection" - Massive Attack (1995) "High Head Blues" - Black Crowes (1995) "Army of Me" - Björk (1995) "Fire On Babylon" - Sinéad O'Connor (1994) "Lucas With the Lid Off" - Lucas (1994) "Little Star" - Stina Nordenstam (1994) "This is it (Your Soul)" - Hothouse Flowers (1993) "It's Too Real (Big Scary Animal)" - Belinda Carlisle (1993) "Human Behaviour" - Björk (1993) "Believe" - Lenny Kravitz (1993) "She Kissed Me" - Terence Trent D'Arby (1993) "Voila, Voila, Qu'ça r'Commence" - Rachid Taha (1993) "La main parisienne" - Malcolm McLaren, featuring Amina (1993) (unreleased) "Je Danse Le Mia" - IAM (1993) "Snowbound" - Donald Fagen (1993) "La Tour de Pise" - Jean François Coen (1993) "Hou! Mamma Mia" - Les Négresses Vertes (1993) "Les Jupes" - Robert (1992) "Two Worlds Collide" - Inspiral Carpets (1992) "Close But No Cigar" - Thomas Dolby (1992) "Paradoxal Système" - Laurent Voulzy (1992) "La Ville" - Oui Oui (1992) "How the West Was Won" - Energy Orchard (1992) "Les Voyages Immobiles" - Etienne Daho (1992) "Blow Me Down" - Mark Curry (1992) "Comme un ange (qui pleure)" - Les Wampas (1992) "Dad, laisse-moi conduire la Cad" - Peter & the Electro Kitsch Band (1991) "La normalité" - Les Objects (1991) "Sarah" - Les Objects (1991) "Ma Maison" - Oui Oui (1990) "Queen for a Day" - The Life of Riley (1989) (unreleased) "Tu rimes avec mon coeur" - Original MC (1989) "Les Cailloux" - Oui Oui (1989) "Il y a ceux" - l'Affaire Louis Trio (1989) "Queen for a Day" - The Life of Riley (1989) "Dô, l'enfant d'eau" - Jean-Luc Lahaye (1988) "Bolide" - Oui Oui (1988) "Un Joyeux Noël" - Oui Oui (1988) "Junior Et Sa Voix D'Or" - Oui Oui (1988) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest edsalas Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 The only video I know from that list is Come Into My World. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Pain Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 I only saw his bjork videos. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flip The Switch Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 "Let Forever Be" from The Chemical Brothers and "Army of Me" by Bjork are my favs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Narendra Sen Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 "Let Forever Be" from The Chemical Brothers and "Army of Me" by Bjork are my favs. Army of Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loomer Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 I respect her very much, but unfortunately the videos didn’t help the music in the long run. He has a point The most valid criticism of her is the image overshadowed the music and she's all about marketing and self promotion. It's almost impossible to imagine one of her songs without thinking of the video, which isn't a good thing as an artist. Videos mean shyt at the end of the day, it's ALL about the music. Since she's the best video artist ever (though not risk taking like Bjork) it doesn't matter. But it's a real shame that she never got the respect she deserved cause of her focus on image and wanting to be a movie star. She sort of achieved her movie star dream through the video medium at least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phantom Pain Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Army of Me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Supernatural Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 He has a point The most valid criticism of her is the image overshadowed the music and she's all about marketing and self promotion. It's almost impossible to imagine one of her songs without thinking of the video, which isn't a good thing as an artist. I think that goes for most music now...... and Madonna has had hits without the benifit of a good video, or a video at all. Of course, visuals in gerneral play a tremendous part in her appeal. I don't think you can say a video made a crap Madonna song a success. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
loomer Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Oh for sure. Bedtime Story Human Nature is testament to that Duran Duran and Eurythmics were the first, then Jacko. She took it to a new level. Watch this. She kinda ripped into Hall and Oates, but I have to also see it from the musicians side (in the context of that time), but acts like as the story goes Christopher Cross were banished forever cause of video (thankfully) cause they never had the image. H&O kinda had the looks, in Daryl Hall at least. How DARE bytch interrupt THE GODFATHER ALSO another hypocrisy critics/"haters" point out is her eschewal of TV, despite having built her career on it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 She puts every motherfucker in that video to shame. Such a cool whore. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jamesshot Posted March 16, 2010 Share Posted March 16, 2010 Reading this person's thoughts on Madonna is better than Ambien. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest dicktracy Posted March 17, 2010 Share Posted March 17, 2010 Indie elitist bitterness.... it's the whole... oh, it has to sound completely unusual or new in order to be good... whatever. Pop music is often referrential and derivative so to expect Madonna or even Gaga to come up with something "original" (whatever that means) is kind of silly. Of course, good pop music often is innovative by pilfering from underground or alternative genres. But it has to lose some of the edge in order to be pop music, to have mass appeal. I mean, it's called pop for a reason. And if it wasn't for the videos Madonna would have been Diana Ross. So the whole is "the videos didn't help the music" is utter crap. How boring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts