Kim Carnes - Bette Davis Eyes

What this video is

Released in spring 1981, 'Bette Davis Eyes' arrived at the precise inflection point between the album-rock 1970s and the synth-driven 1980s. The song's synthesizer-based rearrangement of a 1974 Jackie DeShannon composition — anchored by keyboardist Bill Cuomo's signature lick — signaled a radical sonic shift for mainstream American pop. The video, directed by Russell Mulcahy weeks before MTV's August 1981 launch,…

Why it matters

A landmark synth-pop crossover that bridged adult contemporary and new wave audiences, 'Bette Davis Eyes' demonstrated that electronic production could achieve mass mainstream penetration in the US market. Its success accelerated industry investment in music video production and validated the MTV…

The director

Born 23 June 1953 in Melbourne, Australia. Began career directing music video clips for Australian acts including AC/DC before relocating to London. Made early UK credits with Culture Club, the Human League, XTC, and The Buggles' 'Video Killed the Radio…