Synopsis

A man and woman move through a dreamlike, black-and-white world where intimacy and tension seem to exist side by side. Their images are repeatedly interrupted by vivid flashes of color, shifting geometric patterns and animated digital textures. The visual contrast gives the video a surreal, almost psychedelic atmosphere, matching the song's pulsing electronic production and uneasy lyrics. Rather than following a conventional narrative, "Breaking Bones" builds an impressionistic portrait of attraction, instability and emotional disconnection.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was released in 2011 alongside VHS or Beta's fourth album, "Diamonds & Death." The "Breaking Bones" single appeared on August 16, 2011, while the album followed on September 27.

• Craig Pfunder said the video's look came from seeing the Brooklyn-based artists' digital work at an art show. He specifically wanted to bring that animated-gif aesthetic into a music video, although he said the decision was not directly prompted by Tumblr.

• The production combines live-action footage with design and animation credited to Andrew Bernet, Graham Hill, Daniel Pernikoff and Ben Gabelman. Alexandra Hellquist and Priest Fontaine appear as the two featured performers.

• The clip's visual language marked a strong turn toward the electronic, club-oriented direction of "Diamonds & Death," an era in which the band moved away from the guitar-heavy sound associated with "Bring on the Comets."