Synopsis

The Strokes perform "12:51" inside a stark, futuristic soundstage modeled after the neon world of the 1982 film "Tron." Against a mostly black background, electric-blue and orange lines pulse, flare and form geometric shapes around the band. The members play with restrained intensity while the visual effects turn their instruments and movements into part of the digital environment. The result is less a narrative than a tightly controlled performance piece that translates the song's bright, keyboard-like guitar sound into an unmistakably early-1980s sci-fi visual language.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was explicitly inspired by "Tron," with its glowing grid imagery, black void and arcade-like visual design.

• The unusual keyboard effect in the song was created with guitar, and the video emphasizes that contrast by placing the guitarists in a synthetic, electronic-looking environment.

• Visual-effects work for the video was led by Bucky Fukumoto and Arya Senboutaraj, who were involved in the art direction, design, animation and production of the effects.

• An alternative version circulated in 2003, replacing the polished "Tron"-style presentation with backstage, rehearsal and studio footage. It included scenes of the band working on "Room on Fire" with producer Gordon Raphael.

• The visual concept was later echoed in "The End Has No End," whose closing moments reference footage and imagery associated with "12:51."