D’Angelo’s Steamy ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’ Video, as Remembered by Its Director

News of D’Angelo’s passing at 51 from pancreatic cancer unlocked a torrent of cherished memories for fans of the soul crooner, and none more so than his breakthrough music video for “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” from his 2000 album Voodoo. Starkly shot against a black backdrop, D’Angelo, his frame athletic and taut, sported nothing more than a gold chain and crucifix as he relayed the sensual slow-burn of the R&B single. It was a rare moment of male objectification in pop music — and it won him legions of new fans in the process. The director of that video, Paul Hunter, caught up with The Hollywood Reporter to walk through the making of that groundbreaking cultural moment. Like a lot of people, I’m sure, the first thing I thought of when I heard of D’Angelo’s passing was your video for “Untitled (How Does it Feel).” How did that come about? I worked with D’Angelo’s manager who, Dominique Trenier, who had the idea. We worked on it and shot it. What was the concept? Just make him sexy? No, it was more just about capturing his performance in a stripped-down way. It was unfiltered, the audience front and center, capturing
Read More