Director Spike Jonze was at the New York Metropolitan Opera House to do a one-act play for fashion week, and was inspired to make the most of his time there by filming a video tribute to Karen O's new album Crush Songs.
He wrote about the experience for VICE.
"They are songs made so intimately and spontaneously alone in her bedroom a few years ago that they feel more like unguarded whispers from her heart than a traditionally produced album," Jonze wrote. "So on Sunday, during a ten-minute break as we were rehearsing and lighting at the Met, we made a very impromptu 'music video' for Karen in the spirit of her album.
"It just seemed like if you have the Opera House, that song, and Elle Fanning together, you shouldn't let the opportunity go by. So we made this as a surprise gift for Karen to congratulate her on her album. She is going to see this for the first time as you do. I hope you enjoy."
Crush Songs hit stores this week, and Karen told Independent that Jonze — her ex-boyfriend — was one of the primary subjects.
"He's in there somewhere," she said of the album. "But probably less than people think; there are other significant exes in there too.
"Heartbreak is one of the feelings that makes you feel most alive," she added. "I mean, it totally reduces you to rubble, but you don't feel it very often in your life, and once you're settled, you're settled, so who doesn't want to revisit that melodrama and rekindle some of those feelings?"
