This
feels like an amazing culmination here. From about a year ago when I reviewed
the Fall Out Boy concert, and even in that post I said that I had other things
to say that would detract from the review, and they started a lot of the
thoughts about music videos in general, which is why they are where we are
finishing, but all of these things I have been meaning to write are now
written. Today and tomorrow's posts get everything covered.
(This
doesn't mean that I don't have other things to write about, but it's more of a
moving forward thing than a catching up thing now.)
The
first thing that I should get out of the way is that I do not like The
Youngblood Chronicles. As I finish writing this up, I will probably never watch
any of the videos again, though I will listen to Save Rock And Roll
often. That does not mean that I can't review the series and give credit where
credit is due.
My
dislike is mainly for the gore. I don't love the use of the religious imagery in
a non-religious context, because that's something I take very seriously. That
being said, for the story that these videos are telling, it makes sense.
To
some extent the gore does as well. I think there are scenes where it is
overdone and becomes a distraction, but they are creating a nightmare, which
suits the story, and they do a pretty effective job. Even the cinematography
has a lurid feel to it.
At
times I was frustrated with the editing, because often things jump around where
you can't get a clear look at what is happening. I said yesterday that Big
Sean's assistance got him dismembered, but I'm not sure that's correct. I know
he got an axe in the back, and then he was lying on the ground and 2 Chainz's
girlfriends had sharp implements and something about his body looked weird, so
that was the impression I got, but I'm not really sure. However, how clearly do
you see or comprehend anything while you're in a fever dream after being
drugged and tortured?
I
will say that I think it was a mistake to arm Andy and Pete with instrument-like
weapons for "Death Valley" and "Rat A Tat", if for no
other reason than that the crossbow drum looks silly and is impossible to take
seriously.
Another
good reason is that I think it would make the scene in "Save Rock And
Roll" where they are given their instruments even more powerful. It is
powerful anyway, because they are all together, and they immediately start
playing, and that is a healing scene. I suspect the other scene may have been
for the contrast, but just regular weapons from the girl would have been
better.
There
is another clarity issue that does not seem to be so much editing (though the
ending is rather abrupt) as some indecision about what story to tell.
For
most of the videos, the briefcase is truly acting as a MacGuffin - you don't
know what it is, only that it is wanted by different parties. That's not
enough, though, because capturing Patrick and briefcase is not enough, they
need to get the rest of the band, and mess with them.
(I
will say that capturing Patrick first and subjecting him to the mutilation and
the awake surgery and all of that before they even start torturing the others
makes sense, because without that it would be really hard to accept Patrick, who
is so sweet and good, as the killer of Joe and Pete.)
Eventually
the destruction of musicians and instruments is not just about Fall Out Boy,
but a larger movement against music, so you could just want to take away
anything the musicians have and value, but then it allows you access to the
demon Xibalba (I only know this from Wikipedia - I'm not sure how you could
simply deduce it), with the proper ritual, and okay, why did the band have the
briefcase in the first place and smile when they opened it?
I
accept that Xibalba would immediately kill one of his followers, because demonic
cults never are the good times that you think they are going to be. I accept
that as the music begin to play that even Courtney began to feel some grace. I
question the instruments destroying some of the cult members and transforming
others. Usually you can be instruments of grace or instruments of destruction,
but you would not do both at once. That probably could have been handled
better. Again, this may be where a desire for more cool special effects and blood
weakened the overall effect.
I
also question the blood that splashes Elton John. One possible explanation
could be that he is taking it so that the band members don't have to,
interceding for them, but they are already so blood-covered at this stage that
it seems pointless.
I
do not question that after they have been playing the instruments together,
united, that when mayhem breaks out again they are not afraid, despite several
songs worth of them freaking out. They have rediscovered their source of power,
and re-strengthened their bonds; of course they can take it.
I
think maybe part of the problem with the storytelling is that they were asking
the wrong question. It's not whether rock and roll can be saved, but is there
still a place for them in it? Can they be in it together? What will it take?
That's a more complicated question, and you don't get a succinct album title
out of it, but I think they found their answer anyway, because ultimately the
four of them playing together is what makes it work. Two albums, two tours, and
an updated label later, it seems to be paying off. They can totally find the
same obstacles, or different ones, but so far, so good.
And
I'm glad! I love the album and the concert and I love Fall Out Boy. I remain so
amazed by Patrick Stump's voice, and Pete said something about what a genius Patrick
is with melodies, and I think that there is a synergy going on there. What his
voice can do influences what his mind can imagine, and then his mind teaches
his voice new things. That could go on for a long time. They are all skilled
and talented, and together they are powerful.
But
they won't save rock and roll. That's where I finish tomorrow.
The
Wikipedia Article:
Some
Fall Out Boy posts:
Posts
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