The unique approach used for this music video and the single used as background is amazing, intriguing and way ahead of its time
when it comes to discussing issues that were only perceived and faced by one group: women. "Beautiful Girl" by INXS tells us one story of a runaway girl who finds some comfort with a perfect stranger (many might see other things on that lyrics); its images reflected on that video is
something else.
A full discourse on the pressures and challenges faced by young girls and women in order to present themselves as beautiful, shown through
several words popping out on the screen (descriptions, qualities, good and bad things), and images from women either close-up shots of their
faces, others eating junk food, and a fashion show at the end that goes in a dark, critical manner. The group appears in a very reduced manner,
through little colorful effects and editing tricks that makes them very obscure on scene.
The clip certainly serves a debate on the outside issues
and the inner issues women (and men too) face while presenting the image of themselves, the choices made between being personally satisfied with
such image or just attending society's perception of what's beautiful or not, to stay healthy or just consume what one wants, or the sacrifices
in between, as we're bombared by media ideals of perfection. One choice and one renounce, that's life says a song, and a balance while trying the best of both worlds feels like an impossible
goal to achieve.
But it also views a colorful and hopeful embrace of positivity, self-acceptance, and that the real version of you is acceptable, interesting
and worthy. It feels that way when all the women are united after the fashion show. Obviously that
today we'd have a more variety of body sizes, ethnicities, but the little showed there finds its way to spread its intent that they're all beautiful to someone's eye. The "stay with me"
phrasing from Michael Hutchence and his voice brings that closeness and acceptance, even though the lyrics tell a different story. And do I need
to tell that this is one of my favorite INXS songs? Well, I just love it. 9/10.
