Objects Of Affection: Idolator’s Tribute-Video Treasury
(Ed. note: It’s no secret that we’re a fan of YouTube “tribute” clips–those fan-made videos in which users create musical homages to their favorite pop-culture properties. The only problem is that 3/4 of these mini-movies revolve around Star Wars, the Harry Potter films or Gilmore Girls, usually all at once. So from now on, Idolator intern Kate Richardson will be scouring the video sites, looking for the most unlikely objects of affection. In her maiden entry, she takes us back to the 16th century–or, as they called it in the 17th century, “the old school”):
It was bound to happen sooner or later: Anne Boleyn, second doomed wife of Henry VIII, has finally been immortalized in YouTube form, complete with anachronistic musical accompaniment. Let’s examine two pieces–both of which draw upon the 1969 movie Anne of the Thousand Days as source material–and decide which one, by virtue of song choice and editing, more perfectly captures the essence of this embattled home-wrecker.
Song: “Everybody’s Fool” by Evanescence. Concept: Anne Boleyn as brooding, goth-pop-rock heroine. Finally, Evanescence comes in handy: While the band’s leaden drone still weighs down the ears, at least this song about treachery corresponds to the clip’s images of court intrigue–not to mention its repeated shots of an alternately pouty and diabolical-looking Anne Boleyn. The music becomes increasingly more appropriate as we begin to see the relationship between Anne and Henry sour, lending a surprisingly interesting dimension to the visuals; the fluid editing, meanwhile, provides a loose narrative structure. The whole thing is a bit like a more amateur, less music-snobbish attempt at a Sofia Coppola trailer. Best music-to-image sync-up moment: While Amy Lee sings “Look here she comes now/Bow down and stare in wonder,” a carpet is rolled out for Anne and Henry as they strut out of the castle in full regalia into a crowd of on-looking courtiers. There’s also the ever-so-subtle masquerade-ball clip, which coincides with the song’s lyric query: “Without the mask, where will you hide?” Silliest music-to-image sync-up moment: At the 38-second mark, Henry and Anne engage in the obligatory court dance. It appears to be some sort of jaunty, twirly routine that is probably funny-looking no matter what, but it’s downright comic when set to Evanescence.
Song: “She Will Be Loved” by Maroon 5. Characterization: Anne Boleyn as battered wife. This song casts Anne in a moodier, more victimizing light, which is certainly apropos to her situation. Interestingly, it seems to position Anne’s pre-Henry VIII flame, Henry Percy, as the hero of the song, pining to love an unhappy woman; unfortunately, Percy is a minor enough figure in Thousand Days, and there’s no footage available of him saving Anne from the abusive king. The editing is a real problem in this one; it’s a bit clunky, at times letting shots go on too long. Plus, Maroon 5 just seems plain inappropriate for a beheading. Best music-to-image sync-up moment: Anne with Henry Percy, as Adam Levine sings “He was always there to help her/She always belonged to someone else.” Silliest music-to-image sync-up moment: When the chorus reprise comes in after 13 seconds of silence. Poor form, to say the least.
Verdict: It’s neck-and-neck, but the Evanescence video maintains a clear narrative line, sharp editing and a superior song choice, making it the winner in this match-up.
