I think it’s exactly as brilliant as it was intended to be. Although the premise is simple, cliché even – the execution is perfect. I think it was ALL intended – right down to the wave of shock and dismay from all of the ‘fans’ who took the time to post online negativity about the video.
The opening scene drew me in – it’s actually the only part that’s absolutely NOT cliché. Have you ever experienced the thrill of an attractive person ogling or titillating you through some inventive means, while People Who Wouldn’t Approve are nearby? If so, then you understand that volumes of thought begin to flow and a brain chemistry shift occurs, slowing the moment down. The slow pace in this video actually feels similar at first, but as soon as the other characters come into view, everything changes from infatuation to good ole’ fashioned I-hate-LA. It’s almost like bookends of Paul’s late relationship, presented in a simplified visual form. Very difficult transition to represent, I’d say – and it suits the purpose perfectly. Also, note the foreboding element of the rushing waiter – silently running toward an event that hasn’t even happened yet.
To address the cliché factor of it (because I think it would be nearly impossible for Paul Banks to be pretentious, although we are all human), I think employing a boring, pretentious simile that takes little or no effort to conceive would be a weightier insult to the person intended. In a twisted way, it’s a sort of complement when someone’s torn up enough to write beautiful songs about a seperation, but a cheap shot stings.
How much would it sting? It depends on who you are. I read somewhere recently that Paul’s ex-girlfriend was a high-ranking member of VICE magazine’s staff. The logical extension (in light of what we’re addressing here) is that she has refined tastes, regardless of her choice to move to LA. So I think the intended perception of the idea is that it is cliché.
I love the thought that this guy uses popular media as a mouthpiece to tell his ex girlfriend to Eat IT, and does it with style. Many of us appreciate a MANEUVER of art even more so when it’s roundly rejected. It’s a form of affirmation. The kind that lifted Paul from the gravity of his loss and gave him the strength to get the last word. The kind that inspired this song to be written.
About the title, Heimlich Maneuver – she’s like something that he thought he wanted, that he accepted into his body the trusting way that food is accepted – but it almost killed him. Imagine a diner in a fine establishment stands up when he realizes that he’s choking on a piece of aged steak that didn’t go down correctly. The offending party is ejected forcefully from his mouth, flying to the other side of the room (NY to LA) with the help of a friend. The diner, who a moment ago thought he was surely going to die is instantly relieved of all the sympoms. Hence, “Today my heart swings.”
I think it’s exactly as brilliant as it was intended to be. Although the premise is simple, cliché even – the execution is perfect. I think it was ALL intended – right down to the wave of shock and dismay from all of the ‘fans’ who took the time to post online negativity about the video.
The opening scene drew me in – it’s actually the only part that’s absolutely NOT cliché. Have you ever experienced the thrill of an attractive person ogling or titillating you through some inventive means, while People Who Wouldn’t Approve are nearby? If so, then you understand that volumes of thought begin to flow and a brain chemistry shift occurs, slowing the moment down. The slow pace in this video actually feels similar at first, but as soon as the other characters come into view, everything changes from infatuation to good ole’ fashioned I-hate-LA. It’s almost like bookends of Paul’s late relationship, presented in a simplified visual form. Very difficult transition to represent, I’d say – and it suits the purpose perfectly. Also, note the foreboding element of the rushing waiter – silently running toward an event that hasn’t even happened yet.
To address the cliché factor of it (because I think it would be nearly impossible for Paul Banks to be pretentious, although we are all human), I think employing a boring, pretentious simile that takes little or no effort to conceive would be a weightier insult to the person intended. In a twisted way, it’s a sort of complement when someone’s torn up enough to write beautiful songs about a seperation, but a cheap shot stings.
How much would it sting? It depends on who you are. I read somewhere recently that Paul’s ex-girlfriend was a high-ranking member of VICE magazine’s staff. The logical extension (in light of what we’re addressing here) is that she has refined tastes, regardless of her choice to move to LA. So I think the intended perception of the idea is that it is cliché.
I love the thought that this guy uses popular media as a mouthpiece to tell his ex girlfriend to Eat IT, and does it with style. Many of us appreciate a MANEUVER of art even more so when it’s roundly rejected. It’s a form of affirmation. The kind that lifted Paul from the gravity of his loss and gave him the strength to get the last word. The kind that inspired this song to be written.
About the title, Heimlich Maneuver – she’s like something that he thought he wanted, that he accepted into his body the trusting way that food is accepted – but it almost killed him. Imagine a diner in a fine establishment stands up when he realizes that he’s choking on a piece of aged steak that didn’t go down correctly. The offending party is ejected forcefully from his mouth, flying to the other side of the room (NY to LA) with the help of a friend. The diner, who a moment ago thought he was surely going to die is instantly relieved of all the sympoms. Hence, “Today my heart swings.”