Arcade Fire 'We Exist' by David Wilson
David Wilson delivers a righteous, ultimately joyous accompaniment to a classic Arcade Fire cri de ceour We Exist, thanks to a gripping performance by Andrew Garfield, showing that he is a more courageous actor than the Amazing Spider-Man allows.
In fact, this also involves a change of garb, but a more profound transformation. The Garfield character's need to express himself as a woman leads him to a bar where he puts himself at the mercy of the local rednecks. But the predictable outcome of victimisation and violence - with echoes of Boys Don't Cry, the film about the murder of transgender teenager Brandon Teena – gets turned on its head.
Drama becomes fantasy, as Garfield's aggressors become dancers - this is the second collaboration in quick succession, between David Wilson and choreographer Ryan Heffington who (as well as working on the Sia Chandelier video) choreographed David's superb video for Hercules & Love Affair's I Try To Talk To You.
And then comes the brilliant payoff. Garfield is led by his dancer guardian angels through a portal into the real world: Coachella 2014, and Arcade Fire are playing We Exist. A moved (or quite possibly terrified) Garfield joins the band on stage. What a moment.
PRO Credits
Credits
| Director | David Wilson |
| Executive Producer | Sue Yeon Ahn |
| Producer | Jason Baum |
| Production Company | The Director's Bureau |
| Director of Photography | Larkin Seiple |
| Choreographer | Ryan Heffington |
| Steadicam | Ari Robbins |
| 1st AD | Jesse Fleece |
| Art Director | Jason Kisvarday |
| Stylist | Francis & Pereira |
| Casting director | Hayley Simpson/Plaster Casting |
| Editor | Thomas Grove Carter |
| Editing company | Trim Editing |
| Colourist | Simon Bourne |
| Grading company | Framestore |
| VFX | Chris Bristow |
| VFX Company | Munky |
| Director's Rep (UK) | Colonel Blimp |
| Other credits | Lead Actor: Andrew Garfield Dancers: Hani Abaza, Tom Pardoe, Logan Schyvynck, and Austin Westbay Gang: Preston Acuff, Gregoer Boru, Jacob Peacock and Steven Vulin Old Couple: Barbara Conway and Greg Lucey Bartender: John Whitaker Super 8mm footage (unused, but very much appreciated): Tag Christof Special thanks: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival Very special thanks: Our Lady J who was an integral source of knowledge and wisdom as well as a pillar of strength and support throughout the process of making this film. We love you. |
