TerpCast

Check this out! Have you seen this music video? I know it’s not perfect, and some of the sign production is controversial, but you gotta see it.

The last sign by Johnny has been criticized heavily (as have a couple other signs and his lack of affect). My thoughts are these:

1) It’s awesome that “Hollywood” wants to do ASL music videos–regardless of what anyone thinks of the signers’ skill level. These are not unknown names in a small community play but, rather, cinema icons who perform regularly before the world’s eyes.

2) If you look closely at the “performance” of Depp in contrast to the “performance” of Portman… I think it’s highly likely that their sign production was not a fluke or oversight, but rather a stylistic choice that adds to the narrative of the production. Pay close attention to when and how NMM (facial expressions, eye gaze, and even props) are used to add to the story…when they are emphasized by the cinematography and when they are simply part of the ensemble). Though the overall expressional affect of the performers is somewhat minimal, the video is also rendered in black and white with minimal background and props. Could it be that this was all intended to convey a specific emotion?

3) If you have criticism of this art, let’s see what YOU’VE got! I’d love to see this music video spawn a foray into Hollywood production of signed music videos (and other genres of signed videos) and see this genre explode onto the Hollywood scene. I say, “Bring it!”

4) My hat is off to you, my good man McCartney, for venturing into this vacuumenous (I think I just made up that word ) world of ASL and visual communication. I applaud your hard work, your intent, and what you’ve brought to the table. Now, let the world begin to fill this void that’s been begging for entertainment for centuries!