Synopsis

Olivia Newton-John performs "Landslide" in a surreal, futuristic world shaped by mirrors, prisms, dramatic lighting, and theatrical costumes. Her romantic connection with a mysterious male figure, played by Matt Lattanzi, unfolds through stylized dance, fencing, and fantasy imagery. The video treats the song's rush of desire as a strange power struggle rather than a straightforward love story. Its final twist reverses the expected romantic ending, leaving Newton-John in control as she locks her partner away.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Landslide" was the first video made for the larger "Olivia Physical" project. Newton-John said she trusted the unusual storyboard and concept, even though she would have approached the song more literally herself.

• Matt Lattanzi, Newton-John's boyfriend at the time, plays her love interest. The pair had met while working on "Xanadu" and married in 1984.

• The production uses a deliberately theatrical visual language, including mirrors, prisms, swordplay, an eagle, and elaborate costumes. The imagery reflects the song's heightened, almost overwhelming feeling of falling in love.

• "Olivia Physical" was an ambitious pre-MTV video album containing videos for songs from the 1981 album "Physical" alongside earlier hits. It was released on home video and LaserDisc.

• The video version of "Landslide" runs about 4:28, slightly longer than the 3:50 single edit and the 4:21 album version.

• The single reached No. 18 in the United Kingdom in 1982, giving Newton-John another strong chart appearance during the "Physical" era.

• "Olivia Physical" later won the Video of the Year award at the 25th Grammy Awards in 1983.