Movie spotlight
Steven Wilson: Routine
"Amongst the hundreds of songs I have written over the years, 'Routine' has a very special place. It's a deeply sad story of loss and denial, but at its conclusion the clouds lift and there is acceptance at least. Having worked with her on 3 previous videos, I knew as soon as I wrote it that it was perfect for Jess to do something amazing with. Even then nothing prepared me for the organic beauty and power of the film she made, a painstaking labour of love that took her months to produce. When we play the song live I look out into the audience and see people swept away with emotion at the combination of music and animation. To find poetry and beauty in sadness is a wonderful thing I think" - Steven Wilson
Insights
Plot Summary
This short film visually complements Steven Wilson's song 'Routine' from his album 'Hand. Cannot. Erase.'. It depicts a lonely woman in a desolate environment, seemingly lost in memory and routine. The narrative explores themes of isolation, memory, and the passage of time, conveyed through stark imagery and an atmospheric mood.
Critical Reception
As a music video and short film, 'Routine' received acclaim primarily for its artistic direction and visual storytelling, enhancing the emotional impact of the song it accompanies. Critics and fans lauded the collaboration between Steven Wilson and director Lasse Hoile for their consistent ability to create evocative and atmospheric visual experiences that align perfectly with Wilson's often melancholic and introspective music.
What Reviewers Say
Visually striking and atmospheric, perfectly capturing the song's mood.
A compelling narrative that enhances the emotional depth of the music.
Lasse Hoile's direction is masterful in creating a sense of isolation and melancholy.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely positive, with viewers frequently praising the short film's artistic merit and its effectiveness in complementing Steven Wilson's music. Many appreciate the evocative imagery and the melancholic tone, seeing it as a strong visual representation of the song's themes.
Fun Fact
The 'Routine' short film was created to visually represent the song of the same name from Steven Wilson's critically acclaimed second solo album, 'Hand. Cannot. Erase.', which itself was heavily inspired by the true story of a missing woman named Joyce Hatto.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources