We love a video that tells a good story, but do we always love it when the artist acts in it?
E! Online recently wondered whether Carrie Underwood’s performance as the war widow in her video "Just a Dream" (watch it here) actually distracts from the moving song. I say yes.
Slezak says he likes it when singers at least try to act in their videos, and normally, I’d agree. But when you’re going for this much emotion, you need to deliver (like LeAnn Rimes did in "Probably Wouldn’t Be This Way" — you forget it’s her). In short, there’s a reason Juliette Lewis is playing crazy in "Come to My Window" and not Melissa Etheridge.
What’s your position on music-video acting? And which artists are best — and worst — at it? (Arguments with links are strongly encouraged.)
I would say Axel Rose in the video for November Rain. Slash though was very convincing as a guitar playing guy in a church parking lot
Worst has got to be Paula Abdul in “Rush Rush”. Of course, Keanu isn’t much better… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbU1fKXxqvY
I gotta go with Alanis Morrisette in “Ironic.” She’s playing four different characters sitting in the car, each with a slightly different personality. That takes skill, to make them SLIGHTLY different instead of totally different.
I personally loved Carrie in the “Just a Dream” video. She was very believable, given the time period. And it’s sad song. Amazing job. And gave the video power. It would have lost something I think if it had been actress with Carrie’s voice in the background. But I agree, there are video’s where it can backfire. But it didn’t I think with Carrie’s.
You’re so wrong about Carrie Underwood, her emotion is perfect for the video. I will admit that it isn’t as understated and beautiful as LeAnn Rimes’ but still it’s not that bad.
My vote is for the guy from Milli Vanilli dude at the beginning of “Girl You Know It’s True” — if that’s really him talking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSqV3rWM4iQ
Can’t really comment on Carrie’s acting in this video (I haven’t seen it) but it would’ve been more realistic to have her looking bad. No new widow spends hours in a makeup chair. I find it a turn off when artists “act” in their videos. Leave it to the pros, but I suppose their egos won’t let them.
I actually prefer it when singers DON’T act in their videos. The best videos are simply performance clips a la Michael Jackson in ‘Billie Jean.’
Carrie’s lip synch is way off. Way off! She needs to re-cut that video.
Since it single handedly killed his career I would go with Billy Squier “Rock Me Tonight” as the worst – but personally I can’t get enough of it. Make sure you keep with it until at least 1:20 – but you’ll want to see the whole thing if you’ve never before.
I really liked Annie Lennox in “Walking on Broken Glass”…held her own as the wronged ex opposed John Malkovich and Hugh Laurie. Great song and beautiful video.
Duh…I meant “opposite,” sorry!
Worst – Celine Dion (love her as a singer but the cheese factor is distracting)
I actually got give it up to both Brandy and Monica for “The Boy is Mine.”
Wow, Jamie Lynn Spears looks great in this video…whoops, I mean Carrie Underwood….