By José Gandue @spinning zone
Three questions to begin with:
-How long has it been since many of you watched music videos, made with or without a high budget (that, in most cases, doesn't matter) and thought that there are no longer any surprises on the screen?, that the manufacture of paper clips has ceased to excite, Perhaps because in an environment where millions of attempts at visual entertainment jump out every second, whether on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, and where too many of those actions captured by the camera say nothing, Are these just futile attempts to get attention?
-How many of you have seen artists mature, realizing that, even if they do what they know how to do well, They repeat themselves in front of their audience because they feel they already have the formula to be followed and adored., And that, at their age (no matter how old they are), it's no longer worth changing?
-And lastly: have you noticed the number of love songs that no longer know what to express in order to get noticed and just stammer? Something that the masters of bolero, tango, and folk music have already said before, and with greater brilliance., And why not include some pop stars of yesteryear?
And yes, it is when these questions are asked that it arrives 313, the new masterpiece of Resident, next to none other than Penelope Cruz, and Silvia Pérez Cruz.
At the time of writing this note, and just a few days after its release, This video has already been viewed two and a half million times, and it will surely surpass one hundred million views in a few weeks. And all because it's an impeccable visual piece, supporting one of the most beautiful melodies made in recent times. Am I exaggerating?
I know that Residente is a controversial figure, despised by many for his political positions, for his irreverent verses, and for his critical interventions regarding the work of some representatives of what they too hastily call "urban genres." But no one can deny that he consistently sustains a valid, and often fruitful, effort., in managing to shake up the structures of their environment and produce, in their own way, necessary beauty. In 313, a preview of what will be their album The lyrics no longer matter, What prevails is poetry (both in what is heard and what is seen). There is also a feeling that, due to our massive toxicity, we have lost amidst so many useless fights, and that is tenderness. Some people can no longer bear to see a man (let alone one covered in tattoos and with a bulging physique) who can utter words that soothe our rage, our ferocious unbridled anger. In a time filled with macho men terrified of losing the power of their private parts with any protest that threatens their supposed solidity, both physical and mental, it is vital that someone, in the heat of their moment, exclaims «"You're so big you don't fit"», being the irrefutable proof that not all is lost, and that there is an opportunity to say beautiful things without losing one's manhood.
The video? It's an exquisite piece. The idea is brilliant, the photography is fantastic, the choreographic details are splendid, and the editing is exciting. Yes, I'm using a lot of adjectives to describe what the audience might feel as soon as they see this clip. It's not a cheap production, that's obvious, but there's no waste—not in terms of money, effort, or labor—in the final result.
And now, Penelope Cruz. From his teenage days when he appeared in Mecano's videos, and then, several years ago now, with his performance in It's all a lie., Along with Coque Malla, I've emphasized in many of our conversations that she's one of the most beautiful women on the planet. But her beauty isn't simply revealed by her physical presence, obviously. It's her gaze, the movement of her lips, the arch of her eyebrows… and the way and tone of her voice. And, most importantly: He is overwhelming in his art, in his presence, in his statements. Would it sound wrong if I told you that she has been one of my platonic loves, along with the now distant Natassja Kinski and the very present Alicia Keys?.
I've finished watching it for the third time. 313 And I haven't been able to resist the urge to write about it. The truth is, although I admire the work of many videographers and still believe in the importance of music videos, I feel it's a profession in decline, for many reasons. But let me reconsider my assertions for a moment and say... that the six minutes that this gem lasts can be the best part of your day and week, if you give yourself permission to play it.
