Up In The Air is a music video by the American rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. It was released on April 19, 2013, as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams. Directed by Bartholomew Cubbins (Jared Leto’s pseudonym), the video features the band performing on a stage that is floating above the earth, as well as various other scenes that are intended to be symbolic.
The Concept Behind the Video
The video for Up In The Air is filled with symbolism that is meant to represent the themes of the song and the album as a whole. The floating stage represents the idea of being “up in the air,” or not grounded in reality. The band members are also shown wearing wings, which represents the idea of freedom and the ability to soar above one’s problems.
Other images in the video include a woman wearing a gas mask, which represents the idea of pollution and the harm that humans are causing to the earth. There are also brief shots of animals, such as elephants and giraffes, which represent the beauty and diversity of the natural world.
The Music and Lyrics
Up In The Air has a unique sound that blends rock, electronic, and orchestral elements. The song begins with a slow, atmospheric intro before building into a more driving beat. The lyrics are poetic and abstract, but are meant to evoke feelings of hope and inspiration.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase “We’re up in the air,” which is intended to be a metaphor for the idea of being ungrounded or untethered. The lyrics also touch on themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find one’s place in the world.
The Reception
Up In The Air was generally well-received by critics and fans alike. Many praised the song’s unique sound and the visual spectacle of the music video. The song also reached the top 10 on the Billboard Alternative chart and was nominated for a MTV Video Music Award for Best Art Direction.
The Making of the Video
The video for Up In The Air was filmed at an abandoned airplane hangar in California. The floating stage was created using a combination of practical effects and CGI. The band members were harnessed to the stage and filmed against a green screen, which was later replaced with a digital backdrop.
The video also features appearances by various artists and celebrities, including Dita Von Teese, Shaun White, and Steve Nash. Each of these individuals was painted in metallic body paint and filmed performing various activities, such as boxing or dancing.
The Legacy
Up In The Air remains one of Thirty Seconds to Mars’ most popular songs and music videos. It has been viewed over 50 million times on YouTube and continues to be a fan favorite. The band has also continued to experiment with elaborate music videos and visual storytelling in their subsequent releases.
Conclusion
Up In The Air is a visually stunning music video that perfectly captures the themes and mood of the song. Its use of symbolism and metaphor make it a thought-provoking piece of art that rewards repeated viewing. It also stands as a testament to Thirty Seconds to Mars’ commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music videos.
