Synopsis

Shot in stark, chrome-like black and white, the video places Vanessa Paradis in a shadowy, stylized performance space surrounded by dancers and musicians. She moves between close-ups, choreographed poses, and energetic bursts of performance while the imagery emphasizes leather, bare skin, dramatic lighting, and rock'n'roll attitude. A female guitarist, played by model Emma Sjoberg, adds to the video's provocative visual charge. Rather than following a conventional narrative, "Tandem" builds a sensual, rebellious atmosphere around Paradis and the song's feverish rhythm.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Tandem" was the lead single from Paradis' 1990 album "Variations sur le meme t'aime," with lyrics by Serge Gainsbourg and music by Franck Langolff.

• The production reportedly required two days of filming and another week of post-production to achieve its distinctive chrome-like black-and-white appearance.

• Model and actress Emma Sjoberg plays the topless guitarist. She later became widely known for her role as Petra in the French "Taxi" film series.

• The costumes worn by Paradis and the dancers were created by fashion designer Lionel Cros.

• The video won the Victoire de la musique for Music Video of the Year in February 1991.

• Its overtly sensual styling and hard-edged rock imagery marked a sharp visual departure from the lighter pop image associated with "Joe le taxi."