R.E.M. - Losing My Religion (Official HD Music Video)

This video is the official HD music video for "Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. (released on July 2, 2011, by remhq).

Overview & Content Analysis

Directed by Tarsem Singh, the visual concept heavily draws inspiration from Gabriel García Márquez's short story "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" as well as Caravaggio-style chiaroscuro painting techniques and religious iconography.

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| VISUAL STRUCTURE CHART |

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| [00:00] Prelude / Opening Window Frame & Falling Pitcher

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| [00:18] Main Musical Theme Begins / Mandolin Performance (Peter Buck) |

| [00:32] Michael Stipe Vocal Performance & Expressive Choreography |

| [01:04] Interspersed Imagery: Angel Wings, Saint Sebastian, Deities |

| [02:22] Old Man with Angel Wings & Surrounding Figure Tableau |

| [03:04] Industrial / Wing Design Blueprints & Blacksmith Workshop Motif |

| [03:15] Dream Motif & Intensified Vocal / Dancing Sequence |

| [04:24] Final Tableau Compositions & Outro Dissolve |

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Detailed Breakdown of Key Elements

Lead Vocalist & Perform

ance [00:32]:

Michael Stipe performs in a rustic, dimly lit room with a wooden floor and a backdrop window overlooking a landscape. He delivers a highly expressive, lip-synced performance accompanied by intense body language and theatrical dancing [02:38].

Band Members:

Peter Buck is featured playing the signature mandolin riff [00:22].

Mike Mills and Bill Berry appear throughout the ambient room and visual frames [00:20].

Religious & Mythological Tableaux:

Saint Sebastian Motif [01:10]: A young man tied to a tree with arrows embedded in his chest.

Fallen Angel / Old Man [02:03]: An elderly man with large white feather wings being examined and tended to by surrounding figur

es [02:22].

Deities & Winged Figures [01:04]: Ornate characters wearing traditional and mythological attire surrounded by surreal blue-sky backdrops and decorative frames.

Industrial / Smithing Visuals [03:04]: Dynamic cuts showing sparks, an anvil, blacksmiths, and technical blueprints titled "Otto" detailing artificial wing mechanics [03:06].

Summary Table

Category Details

Artist R.E.M.

Song Title Losing My Religion

Video Type Official HD Music Video

Primary Visual Theme Renaissance Painting, Surrealism, Religious Imagery

Key Instrument Mandolin [00:22]

URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwtdhWltSIg

R.E.M. - Losing My Religion (Official HD Music Video)

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