Music Video Monday: "Time Is Running Out"

Track: Time Is Running Out

Artist: Muse

Album: Absolution

Year: 2003

We've been showing a lot of new videos lately, so I felt that it might not be a bad idea to throw it back a few years this week. For many, the video for "Time Is Running Out" was their first exposure to Muse. Especially in the U.S., it was their first real, chart-topping hit, and they've been firmly entrenched in our music scene ever since. I remember distinctly seeing the video for the first time, and being somewhat mesmerized. It wasn't as if I'd never seen something like it done before. Rather, the state of madness captured by the band with this visual representation is quite interesting and intriguing.

The main inspiration for the video actually comes from Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb. The black comedy, which is one of the most culturally-significant films in American history, satirizes the nuclear scare and uses the vehicle of sexuality as a sign of the impending apocalypse. The second half of the "Time Is Running Out" video alludes to this, as the round table of military officers and leaders are seemingly shocked into a state of sensual euphoria. Finally, near song's end, they are brought to their knees by the weight of it all. You'll probably want to check out the video below, and if you haven't checked out the band's new album, The Resistance, I'd recommend that as well.