Synopsis

Set in a nostalgic English boarding-school world, the video follows a shy schoolboy who becomes infatuated with his glamorous teacher. Lingering classroom glances and flirtatious encounters blur the line between reality and fantasy as his desire grows increasingly vivid. The story eventually leaves the live-action school behind, transforming into a hand-drawn psychedelic journey filled with cosmic imagery, surreal bodies, and erotic daydreams. The contrast between restrained adolescence and uninhibited animation mirrors the song's dreamy, restless mood.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was released in January 2013 as the third single from Tame Impala's 2012 album "Lonerism."

• Filming took place at Ashlyns School in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire. The location had personal significance for the video's creative team and had previously appeared in the film "Son of Rambow."

• Bill Milner, who plays the schoolboy, had appeared in "Son of Rambow." His casting created an intentional connection between the filming location and the actor's earlier work.

• The production combines live action with approximately two and a half minutes of hand-drawn animation. The complete film runs for nearly six minutes.

• The live-action section was shot in a single day in mid-December, with freezing weather, changing conditions, and only about eight hours of daylight.

• A Citroen 2CV replaced a Mini Cooper at the last minute after the Mini's owner withdrew. Its removable roof, seats, and trunk made it easier to film the unusual transition through the back of the car.

• The visual concept grew from the song's looping guitar riff and its association with classic rock. Film references included "The Virgin Suicides" and "The Graduate," while the animation drew inspiration from MGMT's "Kids," the work of Ian Emes, and the "Den" segment of "Heavy Metal."

• The project was co-commissioned by Modular Records and Urban Outfitters. The production was allowed to retain its drug references and animated nudity, despite the commercial involvement.

• The video's student-teacher fantasy drew controversy because the school setting and sexualized premise were considered inappropriate by some viewers and school representatives.

• At the 2013 UK Music Video Awards, "Mind Mischief" received a nomination in the Best Rock/Indie Video - International category.