Never Gonna Give You Up

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Simon West is known for directing the action-packed thriller starring Nicolas Cage, titled “Con Air“. Before that, he made one of the most notorious music videos ever produced, released in 1997. During this period, Cage was at the peak of his career as an action movie star, with films like “The Rock” and “Face/Off“, which were released before and after “Con Air“. In this film, Cage portrays Cameron Poe, a man wrongly accused of involuntary manslaughter for defending himself against an attacker. However, he finds himself on a prison plane with a ruthless murderer who has a daring escape plot in mind.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’d like to share a fun fact: Before I became known for directing blockbusters like Con Air, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, and the second Expendables film, I actually made a name for myself in a different field – music video direction. I collaborated with artists such as Captain Sensible, Mel & Kim, and Mike + The Mechanics. However, my most notable work in this arena is one that has left an indelible mark on pop culture history. Yes, you guessed it! I was the man behind the camera for Rick Astley’s iconic music video, “Never Gonna Give You Up.

Con Air Director Simon West Also Directed Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” Music Video

Simon West Directed The Rickroll Music Video

Simon West, the director, is renowned for his work in music videos, particularly one for Rick Astley and the hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up.” This video gained him significant attention when it reached number one. However, unbeknownst to him, this recognition would later turn into an unwanted fame due to the song’s influence on internet culture, a phenomenon now known as the “Rickroll.” (Source: Metro)

That event has been a persistent memory… I believed I had accomplished larger and more noteworthy feats. However, it’s the one that gained global recognition that persistently resurfaces. No matter where I traveled, be it Australia or Canada, it was always there. After a 20 to 30-year lull, Rickrolling made its return, reemerging as an unwelcome ghost once more.

The popular video by Rick Astley titled “Never Gonna Give You Up” has amassed over 1.2 billion views on YouTube, turning into a viral phenomenon. Unfortunately for West, the movie itself has been transformed into a meme: Individuals often pretend to send a video, only for the Astley music video to unexpectedly play instead as a joke – a prank known as Rickrolling. West himself admitted that he’s experienced this trick more than once.

I may appear sensitive to others, but those who know me intimately understand that I won’t react dramatically. It’s only occurred a handful of times, but when it does happen, it’s absolutely dreadful! You’d expect a fun video about surfing or similar, yet instead, I receive something else.

Other Major Movie Directors Who Were Behind Famous Music Videos

Spike Jonze, David Fincher, & More

It’s generally agreed that Spike Jonze is exceptionally productive in both music video directing and feature filmmaking. With over 100 credits under his belt, he has worked on numerous music videos for artists like Arcade Fire, Fatboy Slim, Weezer, and Beastie Boys. Some of these include “The Suburbs,” “Praise You,” “Buddy Holly,” and “Sabotage.” Notably, he also directed the critically acclaimed films Where The Wild Things Are and Her on the big screen.

Known for his work on films such as Fight Club, Gone Girl, and Se7en in Hollywood, David Fincher has also ventured into the world of music videos. This versatile director has collaborated with a range of bands, directing several videos for acts including Nine Inch Nails (“Only”), Justin Timberlake (“Suit & Tie”), George Michael (“Freedom! ’90”), Aerosmith (“Janie’s Got a Gun”), and Billy Idol (“Cradle of Love”).

Antoine Fuqua, who steered Denzel Washington to an Oscar in “Training Day”, also directed music videos for Coolio (“Gangsta’s Paradise”) and Prince (“The Most Beautiful Girl in the World”). Similarly, Francis Lawrence, known for the “Hunger Games” films, has directed music videos by Lady Gaga (“Bad Romance”) and Aerosmith (“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”). Michel Gondry, famed for “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”, is also responsible for directing “Believe” by Lenny Kravitz and “Everlong” by the Foo Fighters. Interestingly, the director of “Con Air”, Simon West, shares this diverse portfolio.

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2025-05-17 05:09