JP Cooper reflects on past heartache in Calum Macdiarmid's video for In These Arms. 

Sat in the front seat of an abandoned car, JP is trapped in a lonely reality reflecting on memories of a better time. His partner sits in the other seat, within touching distance physically but emotionally in a whole separate world. Flashbacks to a better time, where the couple are kissing, embracing and sharing tender moments are intercut with the overwhelming negativity of the present situation.  

Calum Macdiarmid balances the light and dark of a relationship that, once filled with joy and affection, is beginning to feel loveless and claustrophobic. Building up to a climactic ending, it is both dramatic and affecting, and a beautiful interpretation of the music. 

CALUM MACDIARMID:

The only way we were going to achieve was to do it for real.

“I was really interested in the duality of a relationship where it’s falling apart but you still love each other deeply. Rather than using dialogue or obvious actions, I thought the subtlety of body language would be the most effective way to capture those heartbreaking, paradoxical moments. Obviously, this gives way to some emotional fireworks towards the end, but I guess that’s the inevitability of a crumbling relationship.

”The only way we were going to achieve (the car drop) was to do it for real. That meant a huge crane, some smoke grenades, and a wilful passion for destruction! The shoot was utterly nailbiting, we only had those two cars and had to get it perfect it one take. Luckily it was a bright day with no wind and the stunt guys had the confidence of people that drop cars daily. We shot on a Phantom camera and I put a little move in post. I was surprised at how well the Mercedes came out of it actually – I thought it would flatten into the ground more, but it appeared in pretty good shape considering!”