Synopsis

Eurythmics perform in a nightmarish, infernal setting where Annie Lennox appears as a commanding, leather-clad figure surrounded by fire, shadows, religious imagery, and surreal visual effects. Dave Stewart and the band are integrated into the chaotic stage-like environment as the "missionary man" becomes an imposing symbol of moral authority and intimidation. Stop-motion and rapidly edited performance footage give the clip a feverish, comic-book quality, matching the song's confrontational attack on religious hypocrisy and self-righteousness.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video was filmed in London on June 21, 1985, more than a year before the single's US release. It was reportedly shot on the same day as the video for "There Must Be an Angel (Playing with My Heart)."

• Its imagery combines live-action performance with stop-motion animation and elaborate practical effects, creating a deliberately rough, tactile look rather than a polished studio fantasy.

• The clip drew comparisons with Peter Gabriel's "Sledgehammer," another 1986 video noted for inventive stop-motion work. "Missionary Man" was distinguished at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards with five nominations, including Best Group Video, Best Concept Video, Most Experimental Video, Best Special Effects, and Best Editing.

• While the video was being made, Dave Stewart used a nearby studio to record a spontaneous demo with U2's The Edge and Larry Mullen Jr. Bono also stopped by during the session.

• The song's hard-rock direction marked a major change from the duo's earlier synth-pop image. The recording later won the 1987 Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.