Kayne West, “All of the lights” (Directed by Hype Williams, 2011)

Kanye West has a new music video out for the song, “All of the lights” from his fifth studio album “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy.” Collaborating with artists Rihanna and Kid Cudi, this is one of the more anthemic songs on his new album. Acclaimed Hip-Hop artist Hype Williams directed this music video as he has so many others. Unlike the usual Hip-Hop music videos Williams has created “All of the lights” is a blatant rip off of Gaspar Noe’s 2009 film “Enter the Void.” The similarities are uncanny. The opening title sequence of “Enter the void” is a visceral mind-fuck that has never been done before. The bright texts flash continuously giving the viewer only seconds to read what they later realize is the credits for the film. Every single frame of this sequence is a constant changing text with bright, flashing motion graphics incorporated throughout. Those who are familiar with the film will tell you that the title sequence is a triumph in the collaboration of text, motion graphics and frantic editing techniques.

West and Williams use this distinct editing technique without giving Noe any credit for the inspiration of this music video. The video its self is actually quite good because of the introduction of this sequence in a music video. But one could argue that the titles of “Enter the void” are a music video in their own right. The rest of “All of the lights” follows the typical structure for any Hip-Hop video, the beautiful Rihanna wearing an outfit that looks like it was made from electrical tape, West fighting with a girl and jumping on cops cars. It has all the makings of a decent music video but the obvious stolen sequences from “Enter the void” makes this video is a crime to the art of the film. West will unfortunately receive praise for this music video because the general population isn’t necessarily familiar with Gaspar Noe or “Enter the void.” This wouldn’t be a problem if West gave credit where credit is due. “Enter the void” is so unique that trying to get away with this music video as an original piece of art is ludicrous.

Follow the links to view the similarities...

"All of the lights"

"Enter the void"