Dick Van Dyke Stars in Spike Jonze Co-Directed Coldplay Music Video

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As a lifelong cinephile who has witnessed the evolution of Hollywood, I can confidently say that the collaboration between Coldplay and Dick Van Dyke for their new music video is nothing short of magical. The seven-minute tribute to the 98-year-old legend is a heartwarming celebration of his enduring legacy, sense of humor, and indomitable spirit.

Coldplay’s latest music video for their song “All My Love” salutes the 98-year-plus (and still going!) career of comedy legend Dick Van Dyke, known for his timeless wit. This heartwarming production is a joint effort between Academy Award-winning director Spike Jonze and Mary Wigmore. In this video, Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Dick Van Dyke harmonize and dance together to the single from their new album “Moon Music.

The emotional seven-minute tribute commences with Van Dyke, dressed in a suit resembling the one he wore in Mary Poppins, appearing in his Malibu home’s backyard at twilight. There, he encounters Martin seated at a piano. As darkness descends, Martin serenades a collection of photos and clips depicting Van Dyke over the years, eventually welcoming the Hollywood icon who is later joined by his boisterous great-grandchildren. During the festivities, the mischievously grinning Van Dyke revives some of his well-known comedic skits and dance moves from The Dick Van Dyke Show, dipping his head, twirling his hips, and sporting a bowler hat.

Dick Van Dyke reminisces by sharing family photographs featuring himself, his former spouse Margie Willett, and their four children – Christian, Barry, Stacy, and Carrie Beth. As they approach their seventies and eighties, Dick expressed satisfaction to USA Today in 2011, stating that “They all turned out wonderfully.” He added humorously, “Not a single horse thief among them.

Celebrating a Hollywood Legend Through Song and Dance

Martin and Van Dyke playfully bantered during their appearance on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program, acknowledging that their collaboration is an unlikely duo. Kimmel jested about Van Dyke persuading Coldplay to cover the cost of a home video production. Martin humorously replied, “I was searching for an elderly man.” He continued, “I asked, ‘Who’s the oldest one?’

Martin himself and Jonze are the ones who came up with the initial concept for the video, as Martin explained. While Jonze is widely recognized for his films like Her and Being John Malkovich, it’s worth noting that he has also directed numerous music videos. One of his most famous music video creations is the video for Fatboy Slim’s “Weapon of Choice,” which features Christopher Walken.

After sharing a morning meal with Van Dyke as family, Martin later approached him, and Van Dyke commented on the song as being “lovely”. Martin expressed that the project was the “most enjoyable experience I’ve ever had”. Additionally, Van Dyke mentioned that Martin got him to perform dance moves he didn’t believe he was still capable of.

On December 13, Coldplay plans to unveil a new take on their music video as a tribute to Van Dyke who turns 99 years old that day.

Van Dyke is Embracing the Future — Whatever That May Be

In the interview segment of the music video, Van Dyke modestly addresses the question, “What is love?” by saying, “That question has been pondered for centuries! Frankly, I’m not sure. But it’s undoubtedly a feeling where you care deeply about the well-being and life of another person, just as much as you care for yourself.

Drawing from this perspective, Van Dyke – celebrating his 99th birthday on December 13 – adopts a tranquil viewpoint regarding his upcoming years, as he journeys through the later stages of his life on Earth. In jest, he mentioned during his Kimmel appearance that his memorial service would be an open and inviting event.

In the music video, Van Dyke states, “I sense that I might leave this world soon, yet strangely, it doesn’t bother me. I’m not fearful; instead, there’s a deep-rooted feeling within me, beyond any intellectual understanding, telling me that everything will be all right for me.

Last year, Dick Van Dyke clinched his fourth Emmy award, which was for his exceptional special titled “Dick Van Dyke: 98 Years of Magic“. This makes him the oldest individual to ever win an Emmy.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I can’t help but feel fortunate; it seems fate has granted me the opportunity to turn my passion into a career – something I would have pursued regardless. Reflecting on my luck, I can’t help but exclaim, “Can you believe it? I get to perform and act goofy for a living!

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2024-12-07 03:33