Melina Matsoukas Talks About "Formation" Video
We take music videos for granted. In about 35 years, they’ve gone from an alleged scourge on the musical imagination to a form of oxygen. Every so often, one comes along that touches a nerve or causes a scandal. Back in February, on the eve of the Super Bowl, “Formation” stopped the nation. It was another Beyoncé sneak attack, but also a statement piece and a work of art. And for a month, the intent of its imagery — Beyoncé atop a sinking New Orleans Police Department cruiser; the witchiness of her wide-brimmed hat and her seemingly spiritually possessed head bob on the porch of a manse; a young black boy dancing before a phalanx of militarized cops — was deconstructed, debated and defended.
This was Beyoncé, of course. But it was also Melina Matsoukas, who directed “Formation.” These are edited excerpts from The New York Times' conversation with her.
At what point did you get involved with “Formation”?
Right after I came back from Cuba last year, after the family vacation. Beyoncé was performing at the Super Bowl, so she wanted this to come out right before that, obviously, to set up her performance. She wanted to shoot in two weeks. And because it was also my birthday, I probably didn’t even really think about it for a week.
This was Beyoncé, of course. But it was also Melina Matsoukas, who directed “Formation.” These are edited excerpts from The New York Times' conversation with her.
At what point did you get involved with “Formation”?
Right after I came back from Cuba last year, after the family vacation. Beyoncé was performing at the Super Bowl, so she wanted this to come out right before that, obviously, to set up her performance. She wanted to shoot in two weeks. And because it was also my birthday, I probably didn’t even really think about it for a week.