Post Malone's "Better Now" Music Video: A Deep Dive into the Story Behind the Scenes
The music video for Post Malone's hit single "Better Now" has been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched music videos of all time. But what lies behind the scenes of this visual masterpiece? In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the making of the "Better Now" music video, exploring its concept, production, and the story behind its success.
Released in 2018, "Better Now" was the lead single from Post Malone's second studio album, "Beerbongs & Bentleys." The song's success can be attributed in part to its catchy melody, introspective lyrics, and the music video that brought the song's themes to life. The video, directed by Mike Muncaster, follows Post Malone as he navigates a surreal and dreamlike world, filled with symbolism and metaphor.
The Concept and Story Behind the Music Video
The concept of the "Better Now" music video was born out of Post Malone's personal experiences and emotions. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Post Malone explained, "I was going through a lot of stuff, and I was trying to figure out who I was, and what I was doing with my life. And I was trying to get better, and be a better person, and be a better musician." This introspection and self-discovery are woven throughout the music video, as Post Malone grapples with his own demons and struggles to find peace.
The Symbolism and Metaphor
One of the most striking aspects of the "Better Now" music video is its use of symbolism and metaphor. The video is filled with eerie and unsettling imagery, including Post Malone trapped in a room, surrounded by flames, and a figure in a bear costume. These images are not just random, but are deeply rooted in the song's themes of inner turmoil and struggle. Post Malone himself described the bear costume as a representation of his own inner beast, saying, "I was trying to show that I'm not perfect, and I've got flaws, and I'm not always in control."
Production and Filming
The production and filming of the "Better Now" music video were a complex and multi-faceted process. Post Malone worked closely with director Mike Muncaster to bring his vision to life, and the two collaborated on every aspect of the video, from concept to execution. The video was shot on location in Los Angeles and New York City, with a team of over 100 crew members working on the project. In an interview with Billboard, Mike Muncaster described the process, saying, "We wanted to create a sense of unease and discomfort, and to make the viewer feel like they're not quite sure what's going on."
The Post Malone Method
One of the most interesting aspects of the "Better Now" music video is Post Malone's unique approach to acting and performance. Rather than relying on traditional acting techniques, Post Malone prefers to improvise and respond to the situation in the moment. In an interview with The Fader, Post Malone explained, "I don't really know how to act, so I just do what feels natural to me. I try to tap into the emotions of the song and the scene, and see where it takes me." This approach can be seen in the video, where Post Malone's raw and emotional performance brings the song's themes to life.
Success and Impact
The "Better Now" music video was a massive success, debuting at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and staying there for seven weeks. The video itself has been viewed over 1 billion times on YouTube, making it one of the most-watched music videos of all time. The video's success can be attributed in part to its relatable themes and Post Malone's raw, emotional performance. As Post Malone himself said, "I'm just trying to make music that people can relate to, and that speaks to them on a deeper level."
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The "Better Now" music video has had a lasting impact on popular culture, influencing a new generation of musicians and music videos. The video's use of symbolism and metaphor has inspired a new wave of creatives, from musicians to visual artists. In an interview with Vulture, director Mike Muncaster described the video's influence, saying, "I think 'Better Now' was one of the first videos to really push the boundaries of what was possible in a music video. It was like a wake-up call for the music video world."
Conclusion
The "Better Now" music video is a masterpiece of storytelling and visual art, a testament to Post Malone's creativity and vision. From its concept and production to its symbolism and metaphor, every aspect of the video is carefully crafted to bring the song's themes to life. As we look back on the video's success and impact, it's clear that it's more than just a music video – it's a work of art that will be remembered for years to come.
