While it isn’t a great loss for the parties involved - including Chen - it isn’t a win, either.It’s been a while since I posted because of various deadlines for the upcoming User Conference.
Where a MV could have helped boost its profile, it instead worked against both itself and the song. “You” is a fine song, but not necessarily a stand-out. Some of my other issues with the MV are excusable (Cuzzoli is stiff when playing to the camera, but fares much better with a scene partner the lollies are a pointless Macguffin), while others continue to exasperate (Why is he in her house? How long has he been stalking her to plan this elaborate plan to recreate their train date to Tuscany?) Do they really expect me to believe that Dynamic Duo are all cut up about the relationship but the woman harbours no resentment or pain at all? This treatment renders the woman two-dimensional, and to a lesser degree, it also takes away from that moment where the man expresses his fear in reapproaching her. There is no justification for this, we the audience are just expected to accept it and hurry up and be happy for the reunited lovers.
Instead, the MV defaults to a smiley, serene woman who patiently waits for her man to return. “You” tries to extend beyond its blueprint and doesn’t know what to do in the absence of any lyrical cues. An all-male collaboration may have worked in “Nosedive”, but “You” shows us how important it was for the MV to follow that blueprint as well. How does she feel about not being with the man? Is she sad about the separation, angry they aren’t together, hopeful for a reunion? The reason we don’t know is that the lyrics are from a male viewpoint. Just as we are wondering if we are witnessing a time skip, or maybe an instance of time travel, we see that the shop cashier has not aged, pointing us to the understanding that the woman is holding on to the past (also shown by the photo in her wallet and her wearing the pocket watch). The other highlight is the slow reveal about the woman, starting with her younger self ( Flaminia Cuzzoli) before showing us her in the current day ( Michaela Gargiullo). Actor Sandro Trippi nails the expression, and director Bang Jae-yeob times it so that the moment doesn’t overwhelm. The closest we get is when the older man looks into the camera - the fear and doubt written on his face in large letters - before he steels himself and approaches the woman. The reason for their separation is never shown, and it appears that we need to rely on the lyrics to fill in the gaps. The elderly feature once again, as a couple reunites after their youth. While a sweet accompaniment, “You” fails to fully capitalise on conveying the song’s feeling. As Karen points out in her review, its circular structure further reinforced Dynamic Duo’s affirmations about overcoming life’s struggles. However, the former sounds clearer than the latter it was also accompanied by a MV confidently presenting a simple story that matched well with the lyrics. “Nosedive” has a similar cadence to “You”, despite the more platonic subject matter. It is a decent, introspective Hip hop track, the kind of track that could soar higher on the back of an inspired and captivating MV. Producer Philtre‘s beat provides levity as Chen, Gaeko and Choiza lament taking an ex for granted and ending up alone, thus reflecting the song’s Korean title. There is nothing wrong with the music itself. Unfortunately, it isn’t going to happen this time. It’s safe to acknowledge that a win would be great for Chen right now, and probably more so Chen’s supporters, and I’m sure Dynamic Duo wouldn’t be too put out if “You” was successful.
This kind of behaviour, however - even when meant with the best intentions - only further muddies the waters of public opinion, making it more difficult to get a measure of what we choose to consume. Following their hit collaboration on 2017’s “Nosedive”, The Hip hop duo have teamed up once more with Exo‘s Chen to hopefully deliver another hit, though the timing of this single is relevant for at least one reason.Ĭoming at a time of fan upheaval following Chen’s announcement of his impending fatherhood and marriage, there has been a battle of negative and positive review-bombing on MelOn and other streaming sites.
Two months after releasing their 10th album, Off Duty, Dynamic Duo is back again with new single “You”.
0 kommentar(er)
