Synth-rockers Passion Pit have just dropped the video for “Carried Away,” the latest single off of their 2012 album Gossamer, and it’s a kinetic, fast-motion look at a tumultuous relationship between a couple played by frontman Michael Angelakos and "One Tree Hill" star Sophia Bush, directed by indie-video prodigies Benjamin and Alex Brewer, and shot by “Beasts of the Southern Wild” cinematographer Ben Richardson.
So many notable facets of this collaboration. First of all, it’s great to see Richardson with an exciting if small-scale project post 'Beasts.' His gorgeous camerawork was recognized last year with the Excellence in Cinematography Award at Sundance and the Camera d’Or prize at Cannes, but he was snubbed for an Oscar nomination, despite all of the film’s other Oscar recognition (Best Directing, Best Picture). The directing of the video is also fantastic, with brothers Benjamin and Alex Brewer at the helm. The talented duo have now racked up credits directing music videos for the likes of Purity Ring, Alt-J and Steve Aoki & Lovefoxx, for whom they have delivered complex and beautiful work. While the Passion Pit video is a bit more straightforward than some of their other projects, they still play with the images and make the mood a bit surreal at times. Finally, Sophia Bush was quite a surprising choice as the female lead. With her latest project being the failed sitcom “Partners,” and the vast majority of her career spent consumed by “One Tree Hill,” we didn’t peg her as much of a hipster love interest. But here she’s convincing as the free-spirited object of Angelakos’ affection.
Some may know that Angelakos caused a stir last summer when he canceled tour dates to undergo treatment for bipolar disorder, later speaking openly about his troubled history with mental health issues. But while the title “Carried Away” might imply a reference to that topic, the song is a relatively carefree electro-pop tune, and the video probably portrays Bush as the more unstable of the pair. Take a look below.