Dezeen Magazine

Electronic components "bleed" in Christophe Thockler's music video for Lusine

Dezeen Music Project: a stack of old electronic devices and circuit boards appear to secrete blood in this music video by director Christophe Thockler for US musician Lusine's latest track.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

As the track is called Arterial, Lusine (AKA Jeff McIlwain) already had ideas about using blood when he approached Christophe Thockler to create the video.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

"When Lusine asked me to direct a video for the track Arterial, he had blood in mind and wanted something that depicted blood flow, maybe with the use of microscopical images," Thockler told Dezeen.

"I felt the track needed more than just blood to be illustrated, and this idea came to me – using electronic components to emphasise the cold feeling of the electronica style and playing with blood to symbolise the warmer sounds."

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

Thockler compiled 15 kilograms of old electronic equipment – including computers, VCRs, televisions, phones and other devices – which were rewired and stacked on top of each other.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

He sourced real blood from a butcher to pour over the devices. "I simply went to a butcher's shop and asked him 'are you selling blood?'" he said. "I explained that it was for a kind of 'arty' music video and that I was not a vampire or insane."

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

"[The butcher] was at first surprised, but after talking a bit he was really happy to help," Thockler added.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

Fake blood was also mixed in different colours and viscosities to create varied effects.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

Instead of a standard narrative, Thockler aimed to create suspense and intrigue with visuals that make the viewer unsure whether the machines are producing, or powered by, the dripping red liquid.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

Lights flicker and dance across the circuit boards as the blood trickles and drips over the surfaces, in time with the music.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

"I wanted a video where the rhythm was created with a mix of shots focused on the lights and components, for the beat, and blood shots to illustrate the other sounds, and sometimes both," Thockler said.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

Although impressed with the effect the animal blood created, he decided it would be the last time he works with it. "Even with a powerful fridge, you have to work quickly!" he said.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

Macro shots are used at the beginning of the video, panning out to the full heap of objects as the film progresses.

Some elements, such as the alarm clock and watch, were also captured in stop motion to create images that suggest a faster passing of time.

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

Towards the end of the video, the components fizzle and melt – an effect achieved by "cooking" them with a heat gun.

"I can still remember the smell of those components burning," said Thockler. "The room was ventilated and I was safe, but wow, it smelled so bad!"

Arterial by Lusine music video directed by Christophe Thockler

The end credits are displayed on an old glitchy Mintel computer as the final shot. Lusine's Arterial EP is due to be released on 5 August.