IF WE DON'T END WAR, THE WAR WILL END US!
More striking than the filmography and direction itself is the context of the song, as well as its accompanying video. Although a rather cliché subject by now; war, it is nonetheless presented in a rather jarring way. The video is executed with perfect poise, incorporating elements of both contemporary and traditional direction styles
It is obvious from the outset that a lot of computer generated animation is used, although in a subtle way, without it being too obvious. Drastic impact is made with a quote of H.G Wells at the start of the video, setting the mood for the song as well. A note is also given, stating that this is a song about peace.
Cut scenes without the songs appear at both the start and the middle of the video, creating more of a movie like environment to it rather than a music video. And the message is clear: that although war is a necessary part of the world now, it is horrific, tragic and uncalled for.
Considerable impact is made by still images representing the lyrics, clips and photographs of historic occasions and people, while each clip or photograph is super imposed with the lyrics, “Martyr” “Leader” “Victim” amongst others. And this is the central axis on which the video revolves, more than any other directional techniques. This simple style, albeit a rather new one from which various other artists have gained inspiration from now, has never failed to send shivers up one’s spine, no matter how many times you look at the video.
The video moves into a more sci-fi realm in the second half when a convey of soldiers that the band is representing gets bombarded with military debris: tanks, fighter planes, cannons, aircraft carriers etc. all are hurling through the air at them, as if suspended by something magnetic.
This part, along with the intensifying of the music quickly builds up the climax, as the soldiers run for their lives while the debris flies around them. During the closing, the debris starts collecting in one place, forming a pyramid made up of war equipment, suspended in the air. And it is at this sinister ending when the video ends.
All in all, the video’s high points are its contemporary style, melding historical footage seamlessly with computer animation; it also uses a high contrast to add to the surreal environment of the video. Needless to say, this video was a milestone in music video production, and numerous other music videos have since borrowed from its amazingly simple, yet hugely effective direction techniques.
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