How Filmmaker Hiro Murai Helped Create Childish Gambino’s Epic ‘This is America’

Tokyo-born filmmaker Hiro Murai has caught everyone’s attention with his brutally poignant music video for “This Is America,” a new single from Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino.

The politically-charged piece brilliantly juxtaposes Glover’s deceptively happy, carefree lines against a violent background as it tackles Black life and culture in America.

New Childish Gambino video is absolutely game breaking. My God.

— Hozier (@Hozier) May 6, 2018

In the haunting video, we see an all-smiling Glover dancing in between murders, delivering his playful yet dark and aggressive lyrics amid the ongoing chaos and turmoil surrounding him.

This is America. The must watch four minutes of the year and maybe the decade. Thank you @donaldglover

— Jamie Lee Curtis (@jamieleecurtis) May 7, 2018

The internet is now rife with multiple interpretations of the unflinching music video, with many trying to decipher the symbolism the talented Glover and visionary Murai have encrypted in it.  

I can’t remember the last time I watched a music video all the way to the end, let alone one five times in a row. Incredible work! #ThisIsAmerica

— Trent Reznor (@trent_reznor) May 6, 2018

The video has been widely shared on various social media, generating over 65 million views on YouTube alone since it was first released on May 5.

I think this is my favorite symbolism that was portrayed in #ThisIsAmerica

Those who don’t know, the picture on the right is a Jim Crow propaganda

This is art pic.twitter.com/p6qoJCpDHy

— Jacob (@jacob_polhill) May 7, 2018

No one caught the fact that at 2:13, a man jumps to his death. It shows how we don’t care about suicide in America, yet are all in when it’s a dance/trend. This Is America. #thisisamerica @donaldglover pic.twitter.com/OXhFMUjX6V

— iris (@siriouslyyy) May 7, 2018

Me when I realized that gambino’s dance moves distracted me from all the craziness happening in the background and that’s exactly the point he’s trying to make… #ThisIsAmerica pic.twitter.com/ZlMxE2VwZV

— Claudia Gonzales (@claudiag0292) May 6, 2018

Murai, who is based in Los Angeles, has collaborated with Glover in the past, including their work in multiple episodes of the hit series “Atlanta.”

A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Murai began his directorial career by doing freelance work as the director of photography for numerous music videos, which over the years has earned him numerous awards.

Before transitioning to television, Murai also directed low-budget films early in his career. 

His most notable works include music videos for Earl Sweatshirt, Chet Faker, Flying Lotus, David Guetta, St. Vincent, The Shins, The Fray, Bloc Party, and Queens of the Stone Age.

Featured Image via Instagram / (Left): clouder.ltd | YouTube / (Right): Donald Glover

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Contributer : NextShark