Elemental Fear

NOÉMI BÜCHI «Elemental Fear» — a film by Bennie Hess

«Where does this elemental fear come from? We all face this fear of giving up control over our existence and identity. Essentially, the journey through life is a constant back and forth between finding, holding on, and giving up parts of oneself, in order to become the next version of you.» - Bennie Hess
 
Bennie Hess’ video for Noémi Büchi's album opener ‘Elemental Fear’ portrays a metamorphosis, an inner transformation from one ‘you’ to another, and thus dramatizes the killing of one’s ego. The ego, often the most vulnerable part of human composition, is focalized in this visual exploration. Bennie explains: «I find Noémi's music cinematic and monumental at the same time. ‘Elemental Fear’ in particular doesn't just sneak up on you, it hits you like a bolt of lightning. The fragility of the character offers a contrast to Noémi’s mercilessly pure sound.»
It seemed only logical to cast the composer as the protagonist in the video. While Noémi assumes total control and concentration during her live performances, she now cedes this sense of authority to her role as a character moved by external and internal forces. To convey the impression of losing autonomy in this way, there was no formal, pre-planned choreography. Instead, Noémi reacted ‘live’ to the director’s instructions. Her movements embody the impact her music has on the audience. Throughout the video, the character is in a state of transition, a figure who shapes their ego by exposing themselves to different situations and emotions. As in life, the search here is predicated on finding a (temporary) state of equilibrium. The ego contends with trials of the will, is interrogated, destroyed, and then rebuilt, until the cycle begins again.