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D'Angelo's "Untitled" Video Director Recalls Timeless Moment of Male Objectification
15 Oct
Summary
- D'Angelo's "Untitled" video director Paul Hunter reflects on the making of the iconic video
- The video presented male sexuality in a bold way for mainstream culture
- The video was a rare moment of male objectification in pop music
In the wake of the recent passing of soul singer D'Angelo at the age of 51 from pancreatic cancer, the director of his iconic "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" music video, Paul Hunter, has reflected on the making of the timeless cultural moment.
The video, released in 2000 to support D'Angelo's album Voodoo, featured the artist in a stark, black-and-white setting, showcasing his athletic frame and sensual performance. Hunter explains that the concept was to capture D'Angelo's artistry in an unfiltered, honest way, exploring him as both a man and a performer.
The video's bold presentation of male sexuality was a rarity in mainstream pop music at the time, drawing comparisons to Sinead O'Connor's "Nothing Compares 2 U" for its intimate, one-shot approach. Hunter notes that while D'Angelo was not fully nude, the camera angles gave the illusion of nudity, further heightening the video's sensual nature.
The director recalls that the shoot was a smooth, focused process, with D'Angelo remaining professional and committed to the performance. The use of slow-motion filming techniques added to the video's silky, smooth aesthetic, creating a captivating visual that left a lasting impression on audiences.
In the years since its release, the "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" video has become a cultural touchstone, cementing D'Angelo's status as a singular R&B talent and showcasing the power of stripped-down, emotionally resonant artistry.
