The vibrant and nostalgic music video for Train’s “Play That Song” was filmed primarily in Rome, Italy, specifically leveraging the city’s iconic architecture and charming streets to capture its playful and romantic essence. Key locations included the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and various picturesque side streets.
A Roman Holiday: Delving into the Filming Locations
The “Play That Song” video, released in 2017, is a visually arresting testament to the charm of Rome. Beyond simply using the city as a backdrop, the filmmakers cleverly integrated its landmarks and atmosphere into the narrative, turning Rome itself into a character. The video’s success lies in its ability to blend the band’s performance with the inherent beauty and romantic associations of the chosen locations.
Trevi Fountain: A Symbol of Romance
Perhaps the most recognizable location in the video is the Trevi Fountain. This baroque masterpiece, a symbol of love and good fortune, appears prominently throughout. Patrick Monahan, Train’s lead singer, is seen interacting with the fountain, enhancing its already potent imagery. The fountain’s grandeur provides a stunning visual contrast to the song’s upbeat tempo, creating a memorable and engaging spectacle.
Piazza Navona: A Hub of Activity and Art
Another key location is Piazza Navona, a large public square known for its Baroque architecture, fountains, and street performers. The video captures the lively atmosphere of the piazza, showcasing the band performing amidst the bustling crowds. The use of Piazza Navona adds a layer of authenticity and spontaneity to the video, reflecting the energy of the song.
Hidden Gems: Exploring Rome’s Backstreets
Beyond the main landmarks, the video also features numerous shots filmed in Rome’s narrow, winding streets and charming alleyways. These less-known locations offer a glimpse into the city’s everyday life, adding depth and texture to the visual narrative. The cobblestone streets and historic buildings contribute to the video’s overall sense of timelessness and romance.
The Director’s Vision: Behind the Scenes
While specific details regarding the director’s explicit intentions are not widely publicized, the video clearly aims to evoke a sense of joy and escapism, perfectly aligning with the song’s upbeat and catchy melody. The choice of Rome as the filming location was undoubtedly intentional, leveraging the city’s inherent romantic associations and visual appeal to enhance the song’s message. The director likely sought to create a video that felt both authentic and aspirational, capturing the spirit of the song while showcasing the beauty of Rome.
Train’s Connection to “Play That Song” and its Visuals
“Play That Song” is known for its catchy melody and its sampling of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Heart and Soul.” The song’s feel-good nature is perfectly complemented by the video’s vibrant visuals. Train’s decision to film in Rome suggests a desire to create a visually appealing and engaging experience for their fans, further solidifying the song’s position as a feel-good anthem. The band’s interaction with the city and its landmarks further enhances the connection between the music and the visual storytelling.
FAQs: Unveiling More About the “Play That Song” Video
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide deeper insights into the video and its production:
FAQ 1: Why was Rome chosen as the filming location for the “Play That Song” video?
Rome was chosen to leverage its iconic landmarks, romantic atmosphere, and inherent visual appeal, enhancing the song’s upbeat and feel-good message. The city’s beauty and history added a layer of depth and sophistication to the video.
FAQ 2: Were any other locations besides Rome used in the video?
To the best of available knowledge and public information, the primary filming location was Rome, Italy. While some interior shots might have been filmed elsewhere, the core narrative and key visuals are centered around Roman landmarks.
FAQ 3: Who directed the music video for “Play That Song”?
Details about the specific director have proven difficult to definitively confirm publicly. Music video directorial credits are often not as widely publicized as film credits.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of the Trevi Fountain in the video?
The Trevi Fountain, a symbol of love and good fortune, serves as a visually striking backdrop, reinforcing the song’s themes of romance and happiness. Its inclusion adds a layer of cultural significance and familiarity to the video.
FAQ 5: Did Train encounter any challenges filming in Rome?
Filming in a bustling tourist destination like Rome undoubtedly presented logistical challenges, including managing crowds, securing permits, and navigating the city’s narrow streets. However, the challenges were likely outweighed by the benefits of filming in such a visually stunning location.
FAQ 6: How does the video connect to the lyrics of “Play That Song”?
While not a direct narrative interpretation of the lyrics, the video’s upbeat and joyful tone complements the song’s catchy melody and feel-good message. The Roman setting adds a touch of romance and escapism, further enhancing the song’s overall appeal.
FAQ 7: What other music videos have been filmed in Rome?
Rome has served as a backdrop for numerous music videos, including those by artists like Madonna (“Like a Prayer”) and Coldplay (“Viva la Vida”). Its rich history and iconic landmarks make it a popular choice for filmmakers.
FAQ 8: Is there any symbolism incorporated within the video’s visuals?
Beyond the symbolic nature of the Trevi Fountain, the video’s overall visual style emphasizes joy, spontaneity, and connection. The use of vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles contributes to the video’s upbeat and engaging tone.
FAQ 9: What was the public’s reaction to the “Play That Song” music video?
The video was generally well-received, praised for its visually appealing Roman setting and its ability to capture the song’s upbeat and playful spirit. Fans appreciated the band’s integration with the city and its landmarks.
FAQ 10: Did Train collaborate with any local Italian artists or performers during filming?
There is no readily available information to suggest that Train collaborated with any local Italian artists or performers during the filming of the “Play That Song” video.
FAQ 11: Can I visit the exact locations where the video was filmed?
Yes, you can visit the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and many of the streets featured in the video. These locations are popular tourist destinations and are generally accessible to the public.
FAQ 12: Is there a behind-the-scenes documentary or footage of the video’s production?
While comprehensive behind-the-scenes documentaries are not readily available, snippets of behind-the-scenes footage may exist on Train’s official social media channels or fan-made videos. However, a dedicated documentary has not been widely publicized.