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Massive Attack: Eleven Promos

Name: Massive Attack: Eleven Promos
Director: Jonathan Glazer, Michel Gondry, Stéphane Sednaoui, Walter A. Stern, Baillie Walsh, WIZ Andrew John Whiston
Released: 2001
Duration: 58 min

Representation Score

5.7/10

Fair

2001

Director

Jonathan Glazer, Michel Gondry, Stéphane Sednaoui, Walter A. Stern, Baillie Walsh, WIZ Andrew John Whiston

Runtime

58 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This collection of music videos serves as a visual anthology of the trip-hop movement. Since the work is non-narrative and lacks centralized plots or character arcs, it avoids traditional storytelling hierarchies. Instead, it relies on postmodern visual abstraction and surrealism. Representation is primarily atmospheric rather than character-driven. While the directors' styles challenge mainstream pop clichés and conventional visual structures, the absence of dialogue and structured interpersonal conflict limits the ability to assess deep identity narratives. Ultimately, the work achieves a progressive feel through its refusal to adhere to monolithic structures. It offers a fragmented, inclusive visual palette that reflects the anti-establishment spirit of the electronic music scene.

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Category Breakdown

Does Massive Attack: Eleven Promos have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The compilation lacks explicit narratives about sexual orientation or gender identity. While the visuals use fluid, non-traditional aesthetics, there is no clear depiction of specific LGBTQ characters to justify a higher score.

How does Massive Attack: Eleven Promos portray gender?

Fair

The anthology avoids traditional gender roles by focusing on mood and abstraction. The visual focus shifts between human subjects and surreal environments, avoiding traditional masculine dominance or submissive femininity.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Massive Attack: Eleven Promos?

Good

The compilation reflects a cosmopolitan sensibility through its global, urban, and multicultural aesthetic. Visual landscapes showcase diverse urban environments and a non-homogeneous cast of performers.

How does Massive Attack: Eleven Promos represent religion and culture?

Good

The work prioritizes subjective experience and atmospheric tension over specific moral or religious messages. Its aesthetic is rooted in secularism and urban melancholy, avoiding traditional Western institutional optimism.

Does Massive Attack: Eleven Promos include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no clear evidence of the portrayal of physical or neurodivergent disabilities. The focus remains on abstract visuals.

Present on Screen

The collection employs a cosmopolitan, multicultural aesthetic inherent to the trip-hop genre.
Visual abstraction helps de-emphasize traditional gendered clichés and hierarchies.
The non-linear presentation reflects a progressive, anti-establishment spirit.

Limited or Absent

The lack of narrative structure prevents the development of explicit, identity-driven character arcs.
There is insufficient evidence of specific LGBTQ characterizations or ability to act.
The focus on abstraction limits the portrayal of diverse protagonists with high ability to act.

Official Synopsis

Massive Attack are one of the innovative frontrunners within the world of Electronica. Credited with creating the sound of trip-hop, Massive Attack continue to develop new sound worlds with each successive release. Massive Attack has just as dstinctive a vision when it comes to videos as they do for their music. "Eleven Promos" compiles eleven videos from the mind of Massive Attack including such memorable tracks as "Unfinished Sympathy," "Safe from Harm," "Protection," and "Angel." Video directors represented are: Michel Gondry, Jonathan Glazer and Wiz among others. Other tracklistings: Daydreaming; Be Thankful for What You've Got; Sly; Karmacoma; Risingson; Teardrop.

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