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CBC
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
From Blade Runner to Casino: the Weeknd's 15 best movie references
A noted cinephile, the Weeknd's love of movies has played a big part in his songs and visual works. "Before I ever thought of making music, I wanted to make films. I was writing screenplays and short stories before I ever wrote a full song," he once told V Man. "David Lynch, alongside David Cronenberg, Stanley Kubrick, and Martin Scorsese play a huge part in my brand, my looks, my sound, and my aesthetic." The Weeknd made his film debut with a cameo in 2019's Uncut Gems, and now he's starring as another fictionalized version of himself in the new film Hurry Up Tomorrow, a thriller he co-wrote and co-produced. To celebrate the film's release, we're revisiting some of the Weeknd's best movie references that have appeared across his songs and music videos. Blade Runner Horror auteurs such as John Carpenter and David Cronenberg had a large influence on the Weeknd's 2013 debut album, Kiss Land, and he stated in Complex that they, along with sci-fi director Ridley Scott, inspired him "because they know how to capture fear." The most specific movie nod appears on the album closer Tears in the Rain, which references Scott's 1982 film Blade Runner by taking inspiration from the character Ray's famous last lines about the fickleness of time: "I've seen things you people wouldn't believe: attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion. I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate. All those moments will be lost in time, like tears in rain. Time to die," he says, before perishing. On the track, the Weeknd sings, "It's pointless/ like tears in the rain," incorporating the phrase to describe how empty he feels about a lost love. The Hills Have Eyes On the track The Hills, from the Weeknd's second album, Beauty Behind the Madness, the song's lyrics allude to Wes Craven's 1977 horror film The Hills Have Eyes. In the movie, a family of cannibals attacks a family of travellers passing through a remote, rocky area while on a road trip. On the song, the Weeknd sings, "Hills have eyes, the hills have eyes/ who are you to judge?" to convey how he feels picked apart and surveilled by the public. Carrie The music video for Can't Feel My Face features a glittering backdrop similar to the one in Brian De Palma's 1976 horror film Carrie. The Weeknd is set on fire by Rick Wilder of the Mau-Maus, somewhat similarly to the famed prom scene in the movie, where Carrie is pushed too far by her bullies and unleashes her telekinetic powers to lock the doors and set the school aflame. Taxi Driver The colourful music video for In the Night follows a sex worker (portrayed by model Bella Hadid) who violently fights back against a crime boss, and the seedy narrative and bloody aesthetic were nods to Martin Scorsese's 1976 film Taxi Driver. "We are always inspired by directors who know how to create a distinct aesthetic and vibe," the music video's director, BRTHR, told Dazed. "The film Taxi Driver was a huge inspiration in terms of the bloodshed and prostitution narrative, but also the New York feel that the film has." "Other directors we are always inspired by are Wong Kar-wai, Harmony Korine, Guy Ritchie, Gaspar Noé and Quentin Tarantino," he added. "Weirdly, after we shot everything, things started reminding us more of Blade Runner, so that became an inspiration too. Last but not least, we were obviously inspired by Prince and Michael Jackson vids. We wanted to bring back the feel of those grand-scale music videos." Clash of the Titans The futuristic theme in the music video for I Feel It Coming sees the Weeknd and his love interest turn to stone, which is a nod to how Medusa kills her victims in the 1981 movie Clash of the Titans. According to Billboard, the music video's director, Warren Fu, watched the film as a child, and incorporated the idea into the plotline. Terminator 2 Fu also told Billboard the final scene in the I Feel It Coming music video, which shows Daft Punk cleaning away ash and dust, references the nuclear apocalypse scene in James Cameron's 1991 film Terminator 2. "It's almost like a fable, something in a storybook you'd read as a kid, so I tried to think of a darker ending, and that image popped into my head," he said. Mulholland Drive The music video for Starboy and the track Ordinary Life (both from the Weeknd's Starboy album) each reference David Lynch's 2001 thriller Mulholland Drive. At the end of the Starboy video, the Weeknd drives down the dangerous, twisty road in a sports car, which is where a deadly car crash occurs in the film after the opening credits. On Ordinary Life he references the mountainous road on the second verse with the lyrics "Mulholland's where all the damned will be kept" and "Over 45, Imma drift on a bend/ do a buck 20, Imma fly off the edge." After Hours The Weeknd's 2020 album, After Hours, shares its title with Martin Scorsese's 1985 thriller movie, which unfolds over the course of one chaotic evening, just like in the Weeknd's short film that accompanies the album. While Scorsese's one of the more obvious references, the Weeknd explained to Variety that he went "full-on film geek" with the After Hours short, which contains seven cinematic nods: "There's the Chinatown reference with the broken nose, the Jacob's Ladder reference with the subway, King of Comedy for Jimmy Kimmel, Trouble Every Day, Possession, Dressed to Kill with the elevator — and of course After Hours, Martin Scorsese's [1985] film, is the obvious inspiration, with all this madness taking place in one night," he said. Casino The red blazer the Weeknd wore in the music videos for Blinding Lights, Heartless and more while promoting After Hours is another Scorsese reference, acting as a nod to the film Casino. The crimson jacket he sported is reminiscent of the one donned by Robert De Niro's character, Ace, in Scorsese's 1995 movie that tackles gambling, betrayal and greed. Terminator The music video for In Your Eyes is packed with nods to slasher films, and portrays the Weeknd as a knife-wielding killer. The video references "almost every thriller film you can think of in the '70s and '80s," he told GQ. The music video's director, Anton Tammi, revealed that the video has a reference to a 1984 James Cameron sci-fi film, stating that the After Hours nightclub "uses the exact same font and lightbulb texture as the one from Terminator." Lost in Translation Many of the scenes in the music video for the Dawn FM track Out of Time are nods to Sofia Coppola's 2003 romantic drama Lost in Translation. When the Weeknd and actress HoYeon Jung sing karaoke in the video, it echoes the scene in the film where Scarlett Johansson and Bill Murray's characters sing Brass in Pocket at a karaoke bar. Additionally, the music video's elevator scene parallels a similar one in the movie where the characters look at each other wistfully while riding the elevator. The Mask Things take a sinister turn at the end of the Out of Time video when Jim Carrey (who poses as a radio host narrating the journey to the underworld on the album) appears as a doctor, placing a mask on the Weeknd to give him a jarringly sculpted face. The use of the mask is likely a wink to Chuck Russell's 1994 Carrey-starring film The Mask, which the Weeknd stated is the first film he ever saw in theatres. Scarface Wake Me Up, the opening track on Hurry Up Tomorrow, samples the main theme music from Brian De Palma's 1983 thriller Scarface. The eerie, pulsating synths that appear on the title music from the film show up at the beginning of the track where the Weeknd sings: "All I have is my legacy/ I been losing my memory." Giorgio Moroder, who composed the Scarface score, also served as an inspiration for the album: "His DNA has always been in all of my music, but I'm really honing in on it here, especially the operatic synths in Scarface," the Weeknd told Variety. Midnight Express The vocals at the beginning of the track, where the Weeknd sings "la la la la la la," are an interpolation of the theme music. Eraserhead The title track from Hurry Up Tomorrow interpolates In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song) from another David Lynch film, the 1977 horror movie Eraserhead. The Weeknd had previously covered the song while performing live along with producer Mike Dean, who is currently opening for him on the After Hours til Dawn tour.
Hindustan Times
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Movie Review: The Weeknd's 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' is a surrealist vanity project
NEW YORK — It's the final night of tour. SoFi Stadium, just outside Los Angeles, is packed. 80,000 fans stand before The Weeknd, an endless sea of blinding lights. The bestselling artist born Abel Tesfaye emerges onstage. He launches into the first song. Less than a minute goes by, and the unthinkable happens: His voice cracks. And then it is gone. That September night in 2022 marked a turning point for Tesfaye. He mines the scene in 'Hurry Up Tomorrow, ' where, ironically, it arrives too late. The tedium of an incoherent first act paints the charismatic performer — one of the last few decades' most popular — as an unempathetic protagonist in a nonlinear and nonsensical world. But how much of The Weeknd is here, really? In his first leading role in a feature film, directed by Trey Edward Shults, Tesfaye plays a fictionalized version of himself, an insomniac musician . He's marred by a recent breakup from an ex portrayed in a cruel voicemail message and a hedonistic lifestyle, instigated by his superficial friend-manager Lee, played Barry Keoghan. Shortly after Tesfaye loses his voice, a psychosomatic ailment, he meets superfan Amina, portrayed by Jenna Ortega. She offers temporary comfort and, in return, is afforded no agency. She exists for him. Soon, the uninspired horrors begin, culminating in what recalls the torture scene in 'Reservoir Dogs' with less violence. Instead, Amina — when she is not weeping; I urge all viewers to keep a 'cry count' and consider what feminist blogs might have to say — lip-syncs some of The Weeknd's biggest hits back to him, explaining that they're all about 'emptiness and heartbreak.' Woven throughout is some conversation about absent fathers and fear of abandonment, with unearned delivery and first-draft acuity — something gesturing at depth without piercing the surface. According to press materials, Amina and Lee are not real people but representations of Tesfaye. She is meant to represent Tesfaye's disconnected, 'deeper emotional self' — and Lee, his public persona. That is not made explicitly clear in the film, except in a very generous reading of the ending. Subtext only works when there is context to back it up, otherwise, you are left with 'Hurry Up Tomorrow': an exciting vanity project with surrealist imagination but stiff writing, no stakes, limited emotional weight and an unclear narrative. That won't be an issue for superfans, of course — those intimately familiar with The Weeknd's music and career. This film appears to be for them and Tesfaye, a producer, alone; they have the framework in which to enjoy the runtime. Considering that fandom is the dominant form of popular culture, it's not a bad business decision. And it's worked for him before. This is not Tesfaye's first foray into acting. Aside from his cameo in 'Uncut Gems,' he starred in HBO's 2023 series 'The Idol. ' He co-created the show with Sam Levinson, a show that similarly presented unearned provocation. At the time, 'The Idol' received criticism for its sadomasochistic storytelling that emerged after a shift away from 'the female perspective,' allegedly a request from Tesfaye. It was not a clever or subversive show, nor was it really even about anything, but it did inspire conversation. It's easy to see how 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' may have similar effects. In a moment where autobiographical films about musicians are playful and creative — Pharrell Williams' Lego partnership 'Piece by Piece' comes to mind, as does Robbie Williams' ' Better Man ' — 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' feels like a misstep for those outside The Weeknd's most devoted. Of course, the film does not identify as a biopic. But it could've benefited from less self-seriousness. And editing. But what about the music? 'Hurry Up Tomorrow' is connected to Tesfaye's latest album of the same name — and the final chapter in The Weeknd's record-breaking trilogy that began with 2020's 'After Hours' and continued with 2022's 'Dawn FM.' The album, the quietest of the series, worked as an allegory on the trials of fame — a topic long covered by the most successful purveyors of pop. Retrospectively, it works best as a film's soundtrack than a stand-alone record, ambitious. Like the movie, it gestures at criticism of the celebrity-industrial complex without accomplishing it. It seems obvious, now, to learn that the movie predates the record. The film's strength far and away is its score, composed by Tesfaye with Daniel Lopatin . It builds from Tesfaye's discography and morphs into something physical and psychedelic — at its most elated, dread-filled and clubby. It is so affecting, it almost distracts from moments of dizzying cinematography, with the films' penchant for spinning frames, zooms into upside skylines, blurred vision and erratic lights. Those tools feel better suited for a music video, the kind of sophisticated visual world Tesfaye has developed in his pop career. They elevate his euphoric, layered, evocative dance-pop, but they do not translate in this film. 'Hurry Up Tomorrow,' a Lionsgate release, is rated R by the Motion Picture Association for language throughout, drug use, some bloody violence and brief nudity. Running time: 105 minutes. One and a half stars out of four.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Abel Tesfaye Is 'Brainstorming' His Next Move With ‘The Weeknd' Stage Name: 'We Don't Have Any Definite Answers'
After past performances in Uncut Gems and The Idol, Abel Tesfaye is continuing to solidify himself as an actor, and on Tuesday night debuted his starring role in Hurry Up Tomorrow. Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, plays a fictionalized version of himself in the Lionsgate project, as a musician on the verge of a mental breakdown who is pulled into an existential odyssey by a mysterious stranger. The film is a companion piece to his album of the same name, which was released in January. More from The Hollywood Reporter Rihanna to Release First Song in Three Years for 'Smurfs' Soundtrack Celine Dion Makes Surprise Video Appearance at Eurovision Song Contest: "Music Unites Us" Pro Sound Effects Library Teams With Musical AI to Create Licensed Training Datasets Trey Edward Shults directed the movie, and Tesfaye told The Hollywood Reporter at the New York premiere he is someone 'I've been such a fan of and watching the film, the first cut, and praying that it fit in his body of work — luckily it does and I'm really proud of that because I'm a huge fan.' When it comes to the future of his acting journey, the musician noted, 'It's all art to me, so if it connects with me and I feel inspired to make it, then I'm gonna make it.' The film also comes at a time when Tesfaye has spoken about retiring his stage name and has previously signaled that Hurry Up Tomorrow would likely be the final chapter of The Weeknd. But when asked about that decision on the carpet, he said, 'We're brainstorming it right now. I feel like we don't have any definite answers, but I haven't dropped it yet because I'm on tour, so I've still gotta get out there and see the fans.' Ortega — wearing the iconic Christian Dior newspaper dress that Carrie Bradshaw wore in Sex and the City — explained that the 'whole point of the film is it's supposed to be very enigmatic' and highlighted the value of her 'support system' in Tesfaye, Keoghan and Shults. 'It's challenging to insert yourself into such a personal story for somebody else and allow them to be vulnerable and create a safe space to do that but then also share your own experiences,' she acknowledged. The star also spoke about her desire to direct, after recently revealing she wants to direct a script she's been working on for 10 years. When asked if fans can expect her in the director's chair soon, Ortega responded, 'I don't know, there's also a lot of pressure on it, but I really would. I think I would rather wait for the right time and when I feel ready — and I'll know when that happens but when I do it, I want to be able to give all my time and effort in it. I'm working on projects I'm really excited about right now so maybe, everything needs its due time.' Hurry Up Tomorrow hits theaters on Friday. Neha Joy contributed to this report. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Abel Tesfaye Is 'Brainstorming' His Next Move With ‘The Weeknd' Stage Name: 'We Don't Have Any Definite Answers'
After past performances in Uncut Gems and The Idol, Abel Tesfaye is continuing to solidify himself as an actor, and on Tuesday night debuted his starring role in Hurry Up Tomorrow. Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, plays a fictionalized version of himself in the Lionsgate project, as a musician on the verge of a mental breakdown who is pulled into an existential odyssey by a mysterious stranger. The film is a companion piece to his album of the same name, which was released in January. More from The Hollywood Reporter Rihanna to Release First Song in Three Years for 'Smurfs' Soundtrack Celine Dion Makes Surprise Video Appearance at Eurovision Song Contest: "Music Unites Us" Pro Sound Effects Library Teams With Musical AI to Create Licensed Training Datasets Trey Edward Shults directed the movie, and Tesfaye told The Hollywood Reporter at the New York premiere he is someone 'I've been such a fan of and watching the film, the first cut, and praying that it fit in his body of work — luckily it does and I'm really proud of that because I'm a huge fan.' The Weeknd reveals the impact creating the film #HURRYUPTOMORROW had on him and his plans for filmmaking in the future. — The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 13, 2025 When it comes to the future of his acting journey, the musician noted, 'It's all art to me, so if it connects with me and I feel inspired to make it, then I'm gonna make it.' The film also comes at a time when Tesfaye has spoken about retiring his stage name and has previously signaled that Hurry Up Tomorrow would likely be the final chapter of The Weeknd. But when asked about that decision on the carpet, he said, 'We're brainstorming it right now. I feel like we don't have any definite answers, but I haven't dropped it yet because I'm on tour, so I've still gotta get out there and see the fans.' Ortega — wearing the iconic Christian Dior newspaper dress that Carrie Bradshaw wore in Sex and the City — explained that the 'whole point of the film is it's supposed to be very enigmatic' and highlighted the value of her 'support system' in Tesfaye, Keoghan and Shults. Jenna Ortega, Abel Tesfaye and Barry Keoghan take pics together at the #HurryUpTomorrow premiere — The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 13, 2025 'It's challenging to insert yourself into such a personal story for somebody else and allow them to be vulnerable and create a safe space to do that but then also share your own experiences,' she acknowledged. The star also spoke about her desire to direct, after recently revealing she wants to direct a script she's been working on for 10 years. When asked if fans can expect her in the director's chair soon, Ortega responded, 'I don't know, there's also a lot of pressure on it, but I really would. I think I would rather wait for the right time and when I feel ready — and I'll know when that happens but when I do it, I want to be able to give all my time and effort in it. I'm working on projects I'm really excited about right now so maybe, everything needs its due time.' At the #HURRYUPTOMORROW premiere, Jenna Ortega talks about the possibility of directing in the future — The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) May 13, 2025 Hurry Up Tomorrow hits theaters on Friday. Neha Joy contributed to this report. Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Six candidates to run against Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell in 2025 election
With the upcoming Seattle mayoral election in November, six candidates have declared they are running against Bruce Harrell, who is running for re-election. All seven candidates will run in the primary on Aug. 5, with the top two facing off in the general election on Nov. 4. Bruce Harrell, the current mayor of Seattle, was elected in 2021. The six candidates other candidates are: Ry Armstrong - According to their official website, Armstrong was born in Seattle and raised in Kenmore. They ran as a candidate for District 3 of the Seattle City Council, striving to be the first openly nonbinary person on the council. They have also appeared in the film Uncut Gems and the TV series The Gilded Age. A graduate of Central Washington University, "Armstrong's platform included advocating for the use of compostable alternatives to plastics, implementing a tax on corporations for their carbon emissions, mandating that the city provide shelter for the houseless, and exploring the possibility of using a retired battleship for housing." Alexander Barickman - Limited information was provided for Barickman, who registered on Aug. 2, 2024. Joe Molloy - According to their campaign website, Molloy grew up in Detroit. They say, "A few years ago, I learned I was likely autistic— something that, had it been recognized earlier, might have changed the trajectory of my life. Instead, I've had to teach myself how to navigate a world that often felt overwhelming and unaccommodating. At its worst, this led me to a period of time where I was unable to work — and then to homelessness." Molloy continues, "For the past two years, Joe has focused on mutual aid and grassroots efforts to support homeless and disabled communities. They have studied Seattle's homeless response system in depth, worked directly with advocacy organizations, and now serve on the Board of Directors for a Seattle-based shelter organization. They are also a key organizer in the push to open 500 new shelter beds in 2025. Joe may not be a traditional candidate. They are honest, direct, and come from a humble background. But maybe that's exactly what Seattle needs. A leader who actually represents the people. The Average Joe may just be the best candidate for the job." Rachael Savage - According to her official campaign website, Savage says, "Not a career politician, Rachael Savage is uniquely qualified for the role of At Large Council Member in this dire time when the city needs leadership, straight talk and honesty. Rachael possesses a practical common sense and the will to work with all concerned in order to get the project done. These are the qualities critical to success as a business owner and entrepreneur. Her decades of experience working with addicts, both on an individual basis and in the process of building new and innovative recovery methods, can help the city find its way in the middle of the unprecedented addiction epidemic. Her experience as an independent retailer can help to restore all of our retail districts and high streets. Throughout her life Rachael has been able to transform potential tragedy and difficulty to positive change through a commitment to honesty, open mindedness and personal integrity." Thaddeus Whelan - According to his official campaign website, Whelan says he grew up in Texas and joined the Army, eventually ending at Joint Base Lewis-McChord after four years. He now calls Seattle home. "My search to serve and lead new eras stretched into my studies, as I devoted myself to Public Policy and kept a honed vision on Seattle. Everything from social diaspora and gentrification to elections and police, I maintained a locked view on the place that I called home. Even as a federal employee, my first focus is how to make peoples' lives better. I fell in love with this city from the moment I drove across the I-90 bridge. Now, I want to use everything I've learned and built to propel Seattle even further. My time working with NOAA and the FAA has been incredibly enlightening to the depths at which the government can provide aid and support to the people who need it the most." Katie Wilson - According to her official campaign website, she is the co-founder and executive director of the Transit Riders Union, a membership organization that "organizes in the Seattle area around public transit, affordable housing, workers' rights, and other issues that affect the quality of life of working people." Wilson "has spent her career fighting for working families, building powerful coalitions and winning major victories that put money in people's pockets and improve their daily lives."
