Cold Hearted

We're swinging out to the very edge of the 1980s for this one.  In fact, his video could easily be  mistaken for a product of the 90s:  Paula Abdul's video for Cold Hearted.

So this is where the 80's ended.  This is the finished product.  Everything about this video, from the lighting, the acting, the camera work -- you name it, is perfect.  This might not be your particular choice in music, and that's fine, but you have to admit, there isn't a single frame of this thing that isn't polished to a high sheen.  Someone had a vision for a video, and also had enough money (let's face it) to make that vision a reality.  I can't say I'm a fan of Ms. Abdul, but this video deserves to be recognized for its excellence.  You go, girl.

And of course, excellence has its origins.  Paul Abdul was a choreographer first, and a singer second, and the video for Cold Hearted was her tribute to famed choreographer Bob Fosse.  And who exactly is Bob Fosse?  Well, to be blunt, he is single-handedly responsible for making what jazz and modern dance is today.  Seriously.  He took jumping and prancing, and made it sexy.  Dead fucking sexy.

Since Bob was a choreographer and a director, he was rarely in front of the camera, but in 1974 he had a small part in The Little Prince, playing the part of the (cold hearted?) snake in the grass.  Take a look:

Every time I watch that clip, I imagine The Man With One Glove is sitting in the theater next to me, his jaw wide open, desperately taking notes to use in his future career.   You know who I'm talking about.  As you can see, Bob Fosse had a significant impact on the 1980s, though most people have never heard of him.  And it's no wonder Paula Abul wanted to honor him with her 5 minute tribute.

Not convinced?  Okay.  Here's a clip from the 1953 musical Kiss Me Kate.  Now Bob only does about 60 seconds of choreography here, but this 60 seconds of dance marks a moment the whole world was changed.  Even if you know nothing about dance (like me) I bet you'll be able to spot the moment we reach maximum Fosseosity.

Amazing.  It's like somebody walked up and slapped the SEXY button.  Which raises the question:  How long was that button sitting there, and why was Bob Fosse the first one to push it?

Okay, we've had enough Fosse,  back to Abdul.  This is a rare example where the video actually exceeds the song.  Sure, it was a certifiable hit single, but it didn't have the lasting power of the 1980s greats.  And when it comes down to it, if you don't remember the song, you're not going to remember the video, even if it was pretty darn amazing.  Maybe it's just too close to the 90s.  Here's my breakdown:

Style: 4
Execution:5
Nostalgia: 2
Fossefuriosity: 5

FINAL SCORE (not an average):  2.5

NEXT WEEK:  Debbie Gibson