Muse - Time Is Running Out (video) May 2026

The video's descent into chaos mirrors the song's escalating tension.

: The central set is a direct homage to the iconic War Room from Stanley Kubrick's 1964 film Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb .

: The band performs on a large round table while the officials sit around them, initially oblivious. This placement highlights a reversal of power; while the "leaders" are stagnant, the music and the band occupy the space of active influence. Cinematic and Political Symbolism Muse - Time Is Running Out (video)

: To ensure the dancers could maintain their complex synchronization, Muse had to perform the song at double speed during filming, which was later slowed down to match the actual track.

: The video begins with slow, deliberate shots and transitions into a faster montage as the "time is running out" theme reaches its climax. The video's descent into chaos mirrors the song's

Classic films in music videos: “Time is Running Out” by Muse

The 2003 music video for "Time Is Running Out" by Muse, directed by John Hillcoat, is a satirical exploration of power, institutional madness, and societal collapse. This draft paper explores the visual symbolism, cinematic influences, and thematic layers that define the video. Visual Concept and Directorial Vision : The band performs on a large round

: The band is dressed entirely in black, fitting the alternative rock genre and contrasting with the varied, official attire of the dancers. The use of black instruments further emphasizes this sleek, dark aesthetic. Technical Execution