VID REC: The Man from U.N.C.L.E. - “Safe from Harm”

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

Vidder: Laila
Musical Artist: Massive Attack
Pairing: Illya/Napoleon
Vidder on LJ: nessaancalime
Vidder's website: http://www.ancalime.slashcity.net/
Why this vid kicks ass:

According to Laila, “This is about two men who work and fight together, and look after each other, often of the expense of their current mission. They are partners, friends and each others [sic] anchor in a violent and unpredictable world.”

This gorgeous black-and-white video is what inspired me to volunteer as a MfU reccer. Laila did an amazing job assembling and editing first-season clips — watch how she uses jump cuts within scenes to keep the footage in sync with the music. And what scenes! There’s action (Napoleon fighting in an elevator, Illya nearly getting sucked out of an airplane) and wonderful character moments (Illya bristling at Angelique, Napoleon melting over Clara, the two of them sharing I-lost-track-of-how-many droll looks). Plus, the lead-in to the chorus is wonderfully appropriate: “But if you hurt what’s mine / I’ll sure as hell retaliate.”

Laila’s vids are listed here. Click on the picture of Napoleon and Illya to access the page where two versions of the video (small and large) are available for download.

Comments

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

This is a beautiful vid, all right, and one of the most sophisticated as far as effects go.

[laughingacademy.livejournal.com]

It is hella impressive.

Am I nuts, or does she tweak the speed of the footage in a couple places? There seems to me to be a few spots where it is just a leeetle faster or slower than normal, the better to match up with the music.

[nessaancalime.livejournal.com]

You bet I do - it's the wonder of having a good video software :-)
It also helps underline issues in the footage, and as you say, you want the rhytm to match the song.
Thanks for the nice feedback! I'd love to make more MFU vid, but getting good quality vidding material is a problem. Still hoping for DVDs...

[franciskerst.livejournal.com]

I saved the vid when it was announced and watched it many times. It's fantastic! I cannot praise the author too much. I fervently wish there will be some others.

[miwahni.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the rec, this is lovely!