It’s a “Mad World”. Yes it is. If only it were so, simply for the reasons presented in this quirky little video directed by Michel Gondry, rather than for the actual tragic and frightening events of the last few days. Well, we can dream … and this video conjures up a poignant dreamscape.
Some of you may recognize this Gary Jules and Michael Andrews cover of the Tears for Fears song as the musical leitmotif from the movie “Donnie Darko” (an underappreciated cult indy movie which, if you haven’t seen yet, consider doing now). This video treatment, though, is completely unrelated to the movie, creating its own atmosphere and sense of time. The overhead views of the schoolchildren creating animated tableaux pan away to distant vistas, to the singer, then return to the children, still constructing the dynamic scenes which can only be appreciated from on high. There are no answers, only mysteries …
We at San Diego Free Press love watching all kinds of video. Those short visual stories entertain, inform, and agitate in a way completely different from the written word.
Since our platform is about expressing ideas and ideals instead of cash flow, clicks, or fundraising, we have the freedom to include a wide range of topics and formats that might not work elsewhere. We don’t need or want paid content, promotional materials, or story lines designed to please donors.
So the idea here is to present videos one or more of the editors feel speaks to them. Sometimes it will be news. Sometimes it will be history. And a lot of the time it will be culture. You can not and should not separate these things: it is diversity and intersectionality that makes our movement strong.
Feel free to suggest videos at contact@sandiegofreepress.org