Depeche Mode’s most recent single, People Are Good, directed by the talented Rich Hall, is a visually arresting journey into the complexity of human nature. Shot entirely in black and white, Hall’s interpretation of the song combines striking cinematography with a series of powerful, symbolic vignettes. Through scenes like a riot in progress, a woman digging a grave, and a tense confrontation between gang leaders, Hall plays with perception, revealing unexpected truths that challenge our initial judgments. The themes of moral ambiguity and human frailty are intricately woven into the fabric of the video, serving as a subtle counterpoint to Dave Gahan’s emotionally ambivalent vocals.
Filmed on location at Beams, the vast, industrial setting of the venue provided the perfect canvas for Ruhe’s dreamlike, heightened visuals. The open, versatile spaces allowed for bold staging, while the architecture supported the creation of stark contrasts between light and shadow — a hallmark of the video’s aesthetic. Hosting Depeche Mode’s project at The Beams was a true honor, as it exemplifies our ethos of nurturing progressive creative work. The venue’s raw, flexible environment played a pivotal role in supporting the ambitious vision of the production team, making it an ideal partner for the video’s dramatic storytelling.
