Synopsis

In a cool blue-green setting, Madonna confronts the end of a troubled romance with a lover played by Goran Visnjic. The pair sit across from each other over a chessboard, their silent game reflecting the emotional struggle between them. Madonna eventually sweeps the pieces away and leaves the house, walking alone along the shore. Intercut with these scenes are close-ups of her singing behind a sheer curtain, creating a restrained, melancholy portrait of separation, release, and the strength found in saying goodbye.

Factoids & Trivia

• Filming took place in August 1998 at Silvertop House in Los Angeles and on Malibu Beach.

• The beach scenes were created with Madonna walking on a treadmill while the background moved behind her.

• Goran Visnjic was chosen for the role after Madonna saw him in the 1997 film "Welcome to Sarajevo." He was still several years away from his breakthrough role as Dr. Luka Kovac on "ER."

• The chess sequence was inspired by the seductive chess match between Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway in the 1968 film "The Thomas Crown Affair."

• The solitary beach walk has also been linked to Joan Crawford's imagery in the 1946 film "Humoresque."

• The video premiered on MTV on September 10, 1998, shortly before that year's MTV Video Music Awards broadcast.

• The clip was later included on Madonna's 1999 compilation "The Video Collection 93:99."

• The video was also used in promotional advertising for "Felicity," with the song serving as background music for spots for the television series.