"The Wolves (Act I & II)" by Bon Iver

video for "The Wolves (Act I & II)" by Bon Iver from the Jagjaguwar release For Emma, Forever Ago
Directed by Matt Amato for The Masses
Filmed on location in Fall Creek, Wisconsin
January 2008

This is by any description, a project that almost never happened. Rushing to get to Wisconsin for fresh snows and still frozen air, Director Matt Amato arrived in Eau Claire, hometown of Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, in late January. In the midst of warming up after a long journey and excitedly telling Justin about all the projects he had on the horizon, Matt received a phone call. One of his best friends had suddenly and tragically passed away. All logic and reason were thrown out. Nobody knew what to do. Matt didn't know whether to stay or go, or how he would even manage to get back to the airport in his state of shock. Justin just tried to stay calm. Between a flurry of phone calls and attempting to contact some of Matt's family to accompany him home, night fell. Almost by default, Matt remained in Eau Claire in the company of his newest acquaintance. Something about it was safe, and that was enough. The next morning, Matt read the lyrics to "The Wolves" and felt as if those were the exact words he needed to hear from his departed friend. That pretty much sealed it. Matt would stay and work, even as the thought of making a video became the last thing on their minds. They built a bonfire and just let it burn all day and into the night, and Matt filmed. The weight of the circumstances propelled the collaboration to a place these sort of projects don't often go. The cathartic spirit of Bon Iver's music had found its kindred spirit in imagery.
Enjoy.

More info on Bon Iver:
http://www.jagjaguwar.com/artist.php?name=boniver

Category:

Music

Tags:

• bon
• iver
• wolves
• jagjaguwar
• music
• video
• eau
• claire
• Fall
• Creek
• Wisconsin

[TheErickaJane]

Tears. Streaming down my face. Good god.

[dollyromyx]

Currently studying for exams, listening to bon iver<3 this will get me through.

[ilyily96]

listening to this with rainymood . com.....ultimate relaxation and bliss....



[ilyily96]

@dollyromyx SAME HERE. o.o love this so much.



[BrodEirennach90]

This reminds me of myself. The way he acts and portrays himself. rather strange.

[tadwollop]

@godlovesugly208 lifestyle

[godlovesugly208]

What is this video about?

[godlovesugly208]

i love this video, its so raw and real

[DeBoWed]

@IdontCareAboutTed thinking about your life?

[cindyveit]

love his voice

[NorthWriter]

Whenever I listen to Bon Iver I think of the movie "Lars and the Real Girl." It has that same sense of desolate sadness to it.