Elton John and Brandi Carlile, Swing For The Fences
Xavier Dolan
Scheme Engine
Director's Works
Xavier Dolan is an internationally acclaimed Canadian filmmaker and actor. Since 2009, he has written and directed eight celebrated feature films, all premiering at prestigious festivals such as Cannes and the Venice Film Festival. His accolades include multiple César Awards, as well as the Jury Prize and Grand Prix at Cannes. In addition to his film work, Dolan directed Adele’s iconic music videos for “Hello” and "Easy on Me” earning a Grammy nomination for Best Music Video in 2021.
Director, Xavier Dolan, states: “When Brandi and Elton reached out with their song, the brief mentioned it was written for “young queer kids”. I immediately saw this young lonely man dancing to himself. It isn’t fortuitous that music and dancing have always been central to queer culture; it is an ultimate act of expression, abandonment, selflessness. I’m so grateful they came to me with this incredible opportunity to film a young person claiming his power and pride through music and dance, especially at a time where some people, some very powerful people, are trying to weaken and rescind that power, and tame that pride.”
Choreographer, Damien Jalet, states: “Helping Xavier to put together this video with such a beautiful and hopeful message was an offer I couldn't refuse. The goal here was to not dim or tame the feeling of an eruptive and spontaneous dancing joy by over choreographed routines. Departing from William’s dynamics and improvisations and by his balletic background, and by Xavier’s clear ideas on all the clashing emotional states the character is going through, the creation of this video became a beautiful « pas de trois » between us. I attempted to guide William and Abdalla in the development of meaningful and overjoyed gestures and impulses, allowing them to portray in the most personal way possible this anthem for freedom and pride.”
