As the “Legends of Summer,” Jay Z and Justin Timberlake have likened themselves to a blockbuster film series, so it makes sense that the video for “Holy Grail” looks like the type of brooding superhero films that have ruled the box office in recent times. Directed by Anthony Mandler (with the specter of Christopher Nolan’s Batman films looming large), the clip mixes beauty with heavy imagery of the two titans lamenting their star status.
Jay looks downright frightened as he silently watches footage of Buster Douglas’ legendary 1990 upset of Mike Tyson. In spite of all the wealth around them, the video — which also happens to be the first music clip to premiere on Facebook’s new video platform — features none of the levity of Jay’s art museum romp for “Picasso Baby,” which Heems reviewed for SPIN. Of course, this is JT and Jay Z’s second team-up of the year, and the top 10 hit off of Hov’s still charting Magna Carta Holy Grail.
Speaking of films, director/Arrested Development star Ron Howard will soon premiere a documentary following Jigga’s Made in America concert at the Toronto Film Festival. Timberlake, meanwhile, is readying the second part of The 20/20 Experience and just filmed a Target commercial at the legendary, recently shuttered Hoboken venue Maxwell’s.
