If there’s an award for the most distressing music video, Rixton’s “Hotel Ceiling” must be in the front line. It’s all in a good way, though. Quartet Jake Roche, Danny Wilkin, Charley Bagnall, and Lewis Morgan of Rixton did not star in their own music video. But the beautifully sad melody and lyrics of their song totally set the mood for a captivatingly wretched narrative. The video is cruel, because, as we already know by now, love is unkind. As Megara told Hercules, people do crazy things when in love.
It may be inappropriate to discuss the whole details, as well as the accompanying twist of the video. People should watch it for themselves. Nonetheless, it’s safe to say that it’s a narrative about how happiness in love can turn to ruthlessness, if need be.
In music videos, it’s difficult to focus on narratives especially if there are too many things going on. In the case of “Hotel Ceiling,” everything fell into their rightful spots. The vocals immersed well with the theme of the video. The natural acting of the stars, especially the girl who went mad after her boyfriend went missing, supported the intention of the video to create an unsettling plot.
However, the best thing about the video is the editing aspect. It may be too technical, but it’s too good not to be emphasized. The execution of the scenes, of course, is well directed. But what made it work well is the flawless editing, which was interestingly managed to create a good build-up for the big ending. It’s too effortless that the audience is led to believe of another narrative, then ends up surprised and confused at the same. It’s a good thing, though. It’s like the effect of the French film, Fat Girl. Albeit in different conditions, it’s like watching Anaïs Reboux towards the end of the video.
For the most part, the overall effect of the song can be attributed to its ordinary, yet attention-worthy lyrics. Of course, no one could go wrong in an Ed Sheeran-penned song. But, honestly, it’s very simple, yet the story is too vast.
The video, together with the song, is like imagination – there is no limit to its meaning. It’s the psyche you can never control. It’s the taboo of all taboos, the id behind the ego. It’s crazy, but you know it’s within yourself. At the end of it all, it’s a video about the dark side of love.