VS.
One song. 2 videos. One directed by Michel Gondry, one directed and animated by Bill Plympton. Kanye West is insane. Discuss…
The story goes that Kanye commissioned Michel do do the video based on a previous existing friendship (Michel even plays drums of Late Registration). Gondry makes the video and Kanye decides that he hates it . Kanye scrambles, calls up Bill Plympton out of the blue and asks him if he could animate a video in a week because that’s when it was due to air. Bill agrees. There are thus two videos, most people never realizing it. Those who know seem to indicate a preference for the Plympton version.
Both videos are good, but I definitely think some of the hatred towards Gondry’s version is due to expectation bias (and people kissing Kanye’s ass). Props to Plympton who’s mark on animation is unquestionable, but I’m going to side with the Gondrinator on this one. I think Plymptom’s time constraints are a bit obvious as his video seems a little too expected, even boring, lacking the the more thematic qualities of Gondry’s version. And while the semi phoned-in execution of Gondry’s video may be equally obvious, there’s no denying that bit of whimsy that comes through, perfectly matching the whimsical piano melody backing the track.
Note, however, that my preference for the Gondry version may stem from a bias against the Plympton version because of a) the rudimentary live action sequence that has no place other than to enable you to jack-off to Adam Levine, and b) the fact that I can’t find Plympton’s version ANYWHERE except for fucking streaming Windows Media. God I hate Windows Media.
(Gondry version)
(Plympton version - only a small clip because that’s all I could find that wasn’t weak WMV. Sorry. If you’re into the devil and want to see the full streaming WMV, go here )
Three things…
1. that box fort reminds me of my child hood. good times
2. who wouldn’t want a bed that you could drive around?
3. Did anyone notice the flying children? ha ha
All in favor of Gondry say I… “I”
I
I, Gondry is amazingly amazing, my favourite thing was the piano beds, i still dream of the time i can stay inside a store all night. The video may be cheesy but whats cheesier than lil pianos and maroon five? cmon