Sun Goes Down

• What is the real name of Lil Nas X?

  Montero Lamar Hill
• What was the title of Lil Nas X's first album?

  Montero
• When did Lil Nas X come out as gay?

  June 2019
• What was the public reaction to Lil Nas X coming out?

  Majority responded positively, but there were negative and homophobic reactions
• Who directed the video for SUN GOES DOWN?

  Lil Nas X in collaboration with Psycho Films
• What themes caused controversy in the video for Montero (Call Me By Your Name)?

  Explicitly queer themes and religious iconography
• When was SUN GOES DOWN made available on YouTube?

  May 2021
• How did Lil Nas X want the video for SUN GOES DOWN to feel compared to his earlier work?

  He wanted it to feel "very real"
• What recurring themes does Lil Nas X mention in relation to his visual aesthetic?

  Surrealism and Futurism
• What does Lil Nas X do in the video to uplift his younger self?

  He visits a younger version of himself and sings words of encouragement
• How many views did the video have at the time of writing?

  Over 40 million views
• What message did Lil Nas X post for his younger self on Twitter?

  He wrote a song about a guy he met and encouraged his younger self to embrace his identity
• What themes do both the song and video of SUN GOES DOWN develop?

  Bullying, self-hatred, and contemplating suicide
• What are the key visual elements in the SUN GOES DOWN video?

  • Extreme close-up of Lil Nas X's eye
  • Long shot of him in a lotus position
  • Juxtaposition of past and present selves
  • Use of CGI and practical effects
  • Rich purple color palette
• What does the extreme close-up of Lil Nas X's eye suggest at the beginning of the video?

  It suggests peace and meditation
• How does the video structure communicate Lil Nas X's acceptance of himself?

  It follows a linear narrative with elements of magical realism
• How does the video depict Lil Nas X's past self in relation to his current self?

  It juxtaposes a stylized, futuristic version with a struggling younger self
• What is the significance of the color palette in the video?

  It links the two worlds of past and present Lil Nas X
• How does the use of slow-motion at the end of the video reinforce its message?

  It emphasizes the optimistic outcome
• What role does CGI play in the SUN GOES DOWN video?

  It creates virtual worlds and enhances visual storytelling
• How does the video reflect Lil Nas X's ideological viewpoint as of 2021?

  It relates to his reflections on his personal past and identity
• What genre conventions does SUN GOES DOWN play with?

  • Science fiction/fantasy
  • (Queer) coming of age drama
  • Teen/school drama
  • Magical realism
• How does Lil Nas X's portrayal of his younger self challenge genre conventions?

  It presents a strong current self against a weak past self
• What is the relationship between music and images in the video?

  There is a standard relationship with a clear narrative through-line
• How does the video subvert typical music video conventions?

  It contrasts the strong present self with the weak past self
• What is the significance of the intertextual references in the video?

  They connect to Lil Nas X's previous work and enhance the narrative
• What are the implications of the shots of Lil Nas X in the car with his father?

  • Reflects their relationship
  • Highlights themes of acceptance
  • Contrasts with the younger self's struggles
• How does the video communicate multiple meanings?

  • Uses elliptical and fragmentary editing
  • Incorporates symbolism and connotation
  • Follows a linear narrative structure
• What choices in the video reflect Lil Nas X's personal experiences?

  • Juxtaposition of past and present
  • Themes of bullying and self-acceptance
  • Visual motifs of struggle and hope
• How does the video challenge typical genre conventions?

  It presents a strong version of Lil Nas X in contrast to his younger, weaker self.
• What are some genres hybridized in the video?

  Science fiction/fantasy, (queer) coming of age drama, teen/school drama, magical realism.
• What intertextual references are present in the video?

  References to Lil Nas X's past videos, particularly Panini, and the mention of Nicki Minaj.
• What does the "prophet eyes" trope connote in the video?

  It typically signifies mystical or magical characters.
• What significant moment does Lil Nas X reference in relation to Nicki Minaj?

  His pre-fame life running a Nicki Minaj fan account on Twitter.
• How does the video depict the teenage experience?

  Through archetypical scenes set in school and prom environments.
• What is the basic plot of It's a Wonderful Life referenced in the video?

  An angelic figure saves a desperate man from suicide.
• What is the level of self-representation in the video?

  It is very high, with Lil Nas X almost always in shot.
• How does the representation of the "water world" differ from the "real world" in the video?

  The "water world" is more meditative and surreal compared to the "real world".
• What contrasts are made in Lil Nas X's clothing throughout the video?

  The tailored white suit contrasts with the futuristic costume from Panini and other outfits.
• What is the significance of the reactions of characters to Lil Nas X in the video?

  They highlight themes of isolation and acceptance in social settings.