Let’s shift gears momentarily from Duran Duran to celebrate a music video that epitomizes the exuberance, color, and sheer joy of the 1980s: Elton John’s sensational “I’m Still Standing,” released in 1983.
Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the visual style of “I’m Still Standing” immediately recalls Mulcahy’s work with Duran Duran, particularly “Rio.” Think vibrant body paint, bold pop-art aesthetics, and a loose narrative thread. Much like “Rio,” the plot takes a backseat to pure visual spectacle.
The video opens with Sir Elton cruising along the picturesque French Riviera in a striking convertible. He’s in full voice, radiating charisma and looking every bit the rock icon. Throughout the video, Elton John treats us to a dazzling array of wardrobe changes, each more flamboyant than the last, and an endless parade of sunglasses. This is, after all, the man known to travel with both a formal and a casual tiara. In homage to Elton’s legendary style, one might even be tempted to don a tiara while revisiting this iconic video.
Elton John iconic sunglasses in Still Standing music video
Elton’s journey leads him to the opulent Carlton Hotel, where he’s greeted by an enthusiastic troupe of shirtless bellboys and dancers adorned in vibrant body paint. The Carlton Hotel in Cannes instantly becomes a must-visit destination after witnessing this scene. And expectations are set high: shirts for bellboys? Absolutely not.
Elton John arrives at Carlton Hotel in Cannes for Still Standing video shoot
Adding to the spectacle, a memorable pants-less bellboy welcomes Elton at the entrance, receiving a tip of gold dust for his efforts. This bellboy is none other than Bruno Tonioli, known to many as the animated judge from Dancing with the Stars. Even without prior knowledge of Tonioli’s television fame, his energetic presence in this video is instantly captivating. In an interview with The Sun, Bruno himself described his role:
“My role was to play a variety of dancing characters, including the campest hotel bellboy you could imagine, complete with cap, black Y-fronts and a studded belt. The motivation for this role was to gyrate my crotch in just about every shot.”
Bruno Tonioli as memorable bellboy in Elton John Still Standing video
And gyrate he certainly does, contributing to the video’s infectious energy.
Russell Mulcahy, in I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution, affectionately describes the “I’m Still Standing” video as “super, super gay.” It’s a fitting description, capturing the video’s celebratory and flamboyant spirit. And it’s undeniably glorious.
Body painted dancers in Elton John Still Standing music video
However, the video’s appeal isn’t limited to any single audience. It playfully incorporates heterosexual themes as well. A scene featuring beachgoers engaging in synchronized, suggestive movements on the sand adds another layer of playful, albeit slightly cheeky, sexuality.
Synchronized beach dancers in Elton John Still Standing video
In a moment that raises eyebrows by today’s standards, Elton himself is seen briefly groping a woman’s backside. It’s a reminder of the different social context of 1983 when Elton publicly identified as bisexual, prior to his marriage to Renate Blauel and his later declaration as gay.
Elton John playfully interacts with a dancer in Still Standing video
The visual echoes of Duran Duran’s “Rio” are undeniable. Certain shots, particularly those featuring Bruno Tonioli in his memorable attire, could seamlessly fit into the “Rio” music video aesthetic.
Director Russell Mulcahy on set of Elton John Still Standing music video
One can’t help but ponder: would the iconic “Rio” video, often hailed as one of the greatest music videos ever made, have been even more spectacular with the addition of Bruno and his studded underwear? It’s a playful thought to entertain.
Comparison to Duran Duran's Rio music video visual style
David Buckley’s biography, Elton: The Biography, recounts a particularly chaotic episode during the video shoot when Elton met up with Duran Duran in Cannes. After a few too many martinis, things took a turn for the wild. Marcelo Anciano, Mulcahy’s assistant director, described the scene:
“When we got there, Simon (Le Bon) went off with Elton for a chat and got him absolutely pissed—this was when Elton was a complete fiend. … The next time I saw Russell he said, ‘What the fuck did you do to Elton?’ Apparently Elton had come back from the bar and then proceeded to do these elaborate stripteases in front of the camera, rolling around on the floor naked, then running off, changing into the most outlandish costumes, coming back and doing another extraordinary striptease. All the time he was demanding that the camera continued to run on—and it was all Simon’s fault.”
Elton’s own recollection of the night is equally colorful: “I woke up the next morning and I had all these cuts and bruises all over me. I had destroyed one of the rooms and completely blacked out. Thank you, Duran Duran.” He added, perhaps unsurprisingly, “I can’t really remember the rest of the video.”
Mulcahy himself, in an episode of Music Video Exposed, noted, “If you sit down with Elton, it’s more of an event.” The making of this video was clearly no exception.
Elton John dancing on beach in Still Standing music video
The iconic leg warmers on Bruno Tonioli truly complete the visual feast.
Adding to the video’s unexpected charm, the entire production was almost accidental. Bruno Tonioli revealed that Mulcahy’s original concept involved “cars crashing through windows in the south of France… for Elton John.” However, disaster struck when an expensive camera was lost in the Cannes pier. Filming was halted, and upon resumption, Mulcahy improvised the entire video we know and love, scrapping his elaborate original plan.
Elton John playing piano in Still Standing music video
“I’m Still Standing” became a hit, reaching number twelve on the Billboard chart, and it remains a timeless favorite. Its enduring appeal lies in its celebration of resilience and joy, perfectly encapsulated in the lyrics: “Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid…” It’s a testament to the magic that can happen when spontaneity and iconic personalities collide.
