Mark Romanek is one of the most successful music video directors of the last 15 years. His unique combination of creative sensibility and commercial savvy has resulted in an astounding resume, much of which can be seen on this collection of iconic music videos: There’s the monkey on a crucifix and palpable decay of Nine Inch Nails’ “Closer”; Fiona Apple’s seamy, sexy “Criminal,” which plays like party Polaroids come to life; Michael and Janet Jackson’s Kubrick-inspired “Scream”; the Midnight Cowboy-meets-Truffaut clip for Beck’s “Devil’s Haircut.” Remarkably, Romanek’s hit list goes on, from the visceral bravura of Jay-Z’s “99 Problems” to the frail, heartbreaking video for Johnny Cash’s “Hurt.” Bonus features include insightful commentary from Romanek and the artists, making-of documentaries, a gorgeous 56-page book with interviews and exclusive art, and more. — Bill Pearis, Barnes & Noble.com
MARK ROMANEK has directed some of the most memorable music videos of all time. From the monochrome voyeurism of MICHAEL & JANET JACKSON’S SCREAM to the poignant and haunting image of JOHNNY CASH’S version of HURT, as well as BECK, DAVID BOWIE, KEITH RICHARDS, REM, LENNY KRAVITZ and MADONNA to name but a few. These videos have received numerous awards, including over 20 MTV VMAs, three Grammys�, a Country Music Association award, and three Billboard Music Awards. Two of his music videos have even become part of the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art and in 1997 MTV made him the first director to be honored with their Video Vanguard lifetime achievement award. Here the DVD features special documentaries, rare director’s cuts, commentaries from pretty much everyone involved and a special film ROMANEKIAN, which features BEN STILLER, CHRIS ROCK and ROBIN WILLIAMS giving their unique perspectives on Mark’s work. He is currently working on directing several film projects following the success of his debut feature ONE HOUR PHOTO, which starred WILLIAMS.
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