the NachtKabarett
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Joel-Peter WitkinLater confirmed in the 'Making of Closer' bonus featurette on the Closure DVD, director Mark Romanek discussed several inspirational elements which found their way into the 'Closer' video. Among various anachronistic memorabilia Romanek also acknowledged the influence of artists Francis Bacon and Joel-Peter Witkin, who most importantly the video is the latter's works come to life by comparison. Witkin is an American photographic artist who depicts darkly surreal visions, oftentimes inversions of classical artist themes throughout history. The overall feel of Witkin's photography is matched aptly by video's silent film camera treatment and the decayed aesthetic throughout. Most prominently, Witkin is also the originator of the infamous crucifix face mask which has become such a well known symbol by the video's popularity.
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| Left; Journies of the Mask: The Phrenologist. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1983.
Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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| Left; Journies of the Mask: The History of Commercial. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1984. Right; Journies of the Mask: Helena Fourment. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1984. Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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'Closer' still frame |
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| Left; Savoir of the Primates. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1982. Right; Penitente. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1982 Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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| Left; Mother and Child. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1979 Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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Self Portrait. Claude Cahun, 1927.Thanks to Lisa Berberian for the submission.
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| Left; Harvest. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1984 Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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Still Life. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1992Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin
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| Left; The Graces. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1988 Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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| Left; The Sins of Joan Miro. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1981 Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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| Left; Siamese Twins. Joel-Peter Witkin, 1988 Photograph © Joel-Peter Witkin |
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| Relation In Time. Marina and Ulay Abramovic, 1977 A performance art exhibition of two long time partners seated motionless for 17 hours, back to back with hair intertwined to illustrate the union of male and female into one. Thanks to Lisa Berberian for the submission. |
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| Another prominent artistic influence upon 'Closer'. Left; 'Painting' by Francis Bacon. 1946. | |
Fresh off the heels of David Bowie's coheadlining NIN tour and collaboration with Trent on 'I'm Afraid of Americans' is the video for 'Dead Man Walking', directed by Floria Sigismondia ('The Beautiful People', 'Tourniquet', et al). The video which is from Bowie's 1997 album Earthling reestablished Bowie as the world's most versatile rock star for a new generation. Allusions to Nine Inch Nails (and Marilyn Manson) that are present in the video range from merely aesthetically and stylistically to also overt references such as the iconic Witkin inspired crucifix mask of 'Closer' and the giant meat carcass.
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| Still frames from Bowie's 'Dead Man Walking' video featuring a familiar oversized juxtaposition of a Bacon-esque (no pun intended) slab of meat | |