The team gathered here is amazing: Steve Winwood at the top of his game back in the 1980's with a great hit song; Paula Abdul providing the choreography for the video and that video clip master-later-turned-into-outstanding-filmmaker directing it, David Fincher (yes, the same from "Se7en" and "Gone Girl") were all integral part of this promo of Winwood's song "Roll with it". Fincher's contribution is nice but the video's success owes more to the sound we hear than to images we see.
Black and white cinematography, couples dancing in this crowded bar and Steve Winwood and band performing the song. The director's attention to detail is truly amazing even back then: close-up on objects, faces, sweat, dance moves, Winwood's performance or the sax player during the solo. It creates a sense of spectacle, a show delivered unto us. Also worthy of mention is the sex appeal he brings into this, something nice and without vulgarity. Yes, he mastered the technique used in other clips and films a long time ago.
However, it's Winwood who triumphs here. Veteran from the British invasion with his Spencer Davis Group, then Traffic and Blind Faith, he's a true musician who survived through it all and redefined himself as a solo artist in the 1980's, with dignity, class and presence. And "Roll with It" was one of his greatest efforts, right after "Valerie" and "While You See a Chance". And if this song became a hit, partly of its effect goes to this clip, one of the rarest in Steve career. A memorable pure R&B, jazzy sound that won't leave you quiet. One of his best soulful moments.
It has some charm and power but considered what David Fincher would do in other clips (Madonna's "Vogue" is an artful masterpiece), this one feels like a lesser work. Recommendable but not that great. 7/10
