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Miley Cyrus is once again breaking new ground in artistic expression with her latest visual album, Something Beautiful. This cinematic venture isn’t just a companion to her ninth studio album; it’s a vibrant exploration of her music brought to life through striking visuals and compelling performances.
Co-directed with Jacob Bixenman and Brendan Walter, this film stands on its own as a captivating artistic statement, inviting us to dive deep into Miley’s creative world.
Visual Aesthetics and Conceptual Framework
The film kicks off with an arresting scene where Miley tries to capture the fleeting beauty of a speeding train in her mind’s eye.
This metaphor sets the stage for the entire experience, hinting that life’s moments are fleeting and can easily slip away. As she poignantly puts it, “Your eyes can’t keep the passing landscapes from being swallowed into endless distance.” The visual storytelling aligns beautifully with the album’s introspective themes.
Something Beautiful is essentially a visual tapestry crafted from the album’s tracklist, with each segment revealing another layer of Miley’s artistry. The diamond-encrusted visuals and intricate costumes designed by Bradley Kenneth add depth to the storytelling, transforming each frame into a work of art.
The narrative flows fluidly from one song to the next, with stunning visuals that capture the essence and emotion of each track.
Exploring Themes of Love and Identity
At its heart, Something Beautiful delves into themes of love, obsession, and the quest for beauty amid flawed relationships.
Miley’s performances radiate intensity, perfectly encapsulating the struggle and passion woven into these themes. From the soulful tones of the title track to the carefree vibes of “End of the World,” the visuals amplify the emotional weight of the lyrics.
Take “More to Lose,” for example, where Miley transitions from a delicate, bare-shouldered gown to a striking skull mask. This powerful shift symbolizes the duality of vulnerability and strength, reflecting the inner chaos of seeking love in an imperfect world. Her collaborations with artists like Brittany Howard and Naomi Campbell not only bring star power but also enrich the visual narrative, celebrating female empowerment and solidarity.
A Journey Through Miley’s Creative Vision
What truly sets Something Beautiful apart from typical visual albums is its lack of interviews or promotional distractions. Instead, the film immerses viewers directly into Miley’s creative vision, allowing the visuals to speak volumes. Close-up shots of her expressions, paired with breathtaking backdrops, invite us to engage with her artistry on a more profound level.
The bold imagery often traverses themes of darkness and sexuality, challenging traditional portrayals of femininity. Miley’s exploration of her identity as both an artist and a woman unfolds in rich layers, striking a chord with many viewers. The absence of narrative interruptions paves the way for an uninterrupted exploration of her thoughts and emotions, weaving a rich tapestry of experiences that resonate with the album’s soundscape.
In the end, Something Beautiful is far more than just a collection of music videos; it’s a deep dive into self-discovery and the human experience. The artistic choices throughout the film showcase Miley’s evolution as an artist unafraid to confront her vulnerabilities while celebrating her strengths. As she navigates through the landscapes of love and ambition, the visuals serve as a powerful reminder that beauty can arise even in chaos. Isn’t that something we can all relate to?
