Exclusive Interview with Joseph Kahn: Exploring Sound and Vision (Part 1)
In the realm of music videos, Joseph Kahn stands as a prominent figure from the 90s and early 2000s. Recently, he debuted his monster movie “Ick” at the Rotterdam Film Festival. ScreenAnarchists Ard Vijn and Theodoor Steen had a chance to sit down with him and dive into his body of work, covering topics from music videos to his experiences in the movie industry. This article is the first segment of their extensive interview.
The conversation began with a viewing of Kahn’s latest music video for All American Rejects, setting the stage for a deep dive into his creative process and evolution as a director. Reflecting on his expansive repertoire of over 500 music videos, Kahn noted the challenges of archiving these works in the digital age. He emphasized the importance of crediting directors in the digital era, recalling the transition from MTV to YouTube as a significant shift in visibility for music video creators.
Kahn’s journey as a director unfolded through various stages, starting with low-budget hip hop videos and expanding into the realm of MTV stardom. He emphasized the significance of music videos as a distinct art form, recalling his introduction to rock music through visuals like Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Despite initial skepticism from film school peers, Kahn remained steadfast in his belief in the creative potential of music videos, setting the stage for his groundbreaking work in the industry.
When asked about his signature style, Kahn reflected on his early influences, citing directors like David Fincher and Dominic Sena as inspirations. As he navigated the evolving landscape of music videos in the 90s, he honed his distinctive aesthetic, integrating elements from his cinematic idols into his own visual language. For Kahn, the process of crafting a unique directorial style was a continuous journey, rooted in a deep appreciation for the art form and a meticulous study of his predecessors.
Looking back on his career, Kahn expressed a sense of continuity in his creative output, viewing each project as an opportunity to refine and redefine his directorial voice. From his formative years as a music video director to his foray into feature films, Kahn’s relentless pursuit of artistic innovation has cemented his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry. As the interview unfolded, Kahn’s passion for storytelling and visual expression shone through, offering a glimpse into the mind of a visionary director at the forefront of his craft.