WoW Moviewatch: Breaking
X Cross says that he created Breaking as a way to overcome his fear of Blood Elves. It's his first music video, which makes this solid, satisfying movie an impressive feat. ("Music" is the operative word there, since X Cross has obviously done other work.) I'm not sure I understand what he means by fear of blood elves. Maybe that's why his first video, Kippo's X-Mas, didn't feature that waifish mainstay of modern machinima. (I think gnomes would have been a wiser choice anyway, even if the model selection was based on some secret belfophobia.)
Like I said, the video for "Breaking" is solid and satisfying. I'm not sure it vastly redefines anything about the way WoW rock videos work, but it definitely exemplifies the genre. The hardcore band members writhe appropriately on stage, and there's enough elements of "metal" to make me want to throw the horns. I like the lighting, the blur effects, and the prominent machismo of the characters.
The backdrop "action" of the video features of blood elf woman seducing and killing several different men. She shape-changes from "fleshy belf" to "undead belf" several times. I think X Cross was wise to avoid completely explaining that action inside the video, as it lets the audience play with its meaning against the song's lyrics.
Overall, this is a pretty good piece. I look forward to the next X Cross video.
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
ZUR13L Apr 16th 2009 1:48PM
Really well done, m8.
Leaps and bounds beyond the X-Mas one.
I've never heard of this band, could care less about the song, but couldn't take my eyes off this video. The sets were excellent, from the burnt-out waterfront real estate to the all-white Matrixesque backdrop.
My favourite thing: When the belf spins his guitar. Everyone else shoves that move (cool as it is) in the viewer's face. You tucked it in the back; if you blinked you missed it. Tres slick.
My least favourite: The lamp between the amp and the drummer. Maybe in the 1st 2 thirds, but, in the whitespace?!?
Obviously, I'm picking nits. Nice work!
^_^
X-Cross Apr 22nd 2009 5:51AM
Hey! Something must lighten up the white space, else it would've been black! :3 *trying to come up with stupid reasons to have the lamp there* Also the lamp is a band member! Don't be racist kk! >.
Rattleshirt Apr 16th 2009 1:58PM
Nice video, the song is catchy and the visuals fit well.
Now if I could just figure out where everyone keeps getting the X-Ray Dog songs for their machin's, I'd be happy.
ZUR13L Apr 17th 2009 12:59AM
Just watched it again. It's even better the second time around, due to all the attention to detail. (Cloud of dust with a footfall, etc.)
However, I wanted to address all the racism here:
A) I think the belf's countenance fits the voice. That voice would sound odd coming out of any other WoW race.
B) I, for one, am not watching it for the belfs. My favourite character is the troll bassist. (How do I know he's playing a bass? 'Cuz I play bass and a troll and therefore know this sort of thing.)
8P
X-Cross Apr 16th 2009 2:20PM
I actually tought the same. Wouldn't fit with another race to sing this song.
Rascal Apr 16th 2009 2:07PM
A++ There is so much crap Machinima out there. Refreshing to see someone that knows what they're doing. Use of color, shaking lens and lighting effects really pull you in. Helps convey the pain in the song. Very well done!!
Nut Apr 16th 2009 3:01PM
this song is not metal this song is a musical sleeping pill
Dreyja Apr 16th 2009 4:14PM
While I usually grip about Belf casting, the editing and effects in this one almost made it a moot point.
Very well done!
Dreyja Apr 16th 2009 4:16PM
Gripe - not grip. *shudder* I don't want to grip a Belf... ever, not even a little. ;-p
Riath Apr 16th 2009 5:20PM
Jesus! that has to be one of THE BEST movies I've ever seen relating to WoW and Music.
DeeDeeDaa Apr 17th 2009 11:06AM
We're here to review the Movie NOT the races/songs used.
I really wish that the poster of this didn't say 'Fear of Bloodelves". Started off a chain-reaction. But anyway:
I feel this video was extremely well done, from the editing to the story.
I can tell there was an awful lot of effort and time put into this. X Cross in my opinion, is one of the few young machinimators that puts genuine work into there Creations. Most of the young artists think: "I'll just make a half-assed video to a song that appeals to people of my age-group and I'll get SUBS". Basically Disney Channel trash. He picked a song he wanted to use and was inspired to make a video to.
If he didn't hear/use this song, THIS video wouldn't exist. I like that he puts a lot of hard work into his machinimas (Checked out his WeGame). If I were to say so truthfully, X Cross and Demachic seem to be the only young Machinimators at the moment who put alot of effort into their films.
Hopefully he and her will Collab on something, would be fun to see something will REAL quality up here.
Good Job can't wait for more.
-DeeDee
X-Cross Apr 22nd 2009 5:49AM
Thanks alot! :D But I can't say i'm me and Dema are the only ones who put alot work in to our videos. I guess you have not heard of Calixworld/Irdeen. He's only 14, and WHOW he's good o.O. Also he composes the most awesome music :D
Shyama Apr 17th 2009 4:34PM
Blah... that is all
Oh wait...
Tauren theme music video would be sexy =D
Daet Apr 22nd 2009 1:40AM
The song is "Breaking" by Anberlin from the album "New Surrender", I can reccomend it as a must have because they sound unreal.