The raw energy in this clip is unmatched. It feels like a rebirth, stripping away the theater to show the core of the artist. [2]
Filmed in , the clip is famous for its gritty, industrial look. Farmer is seen strapped to the front of a moving locomotive, a powerful image that symbolizes the "locomotive of love" described in the lyrics. MylГЁne Farmer - XXL (Clip officiel)
XXL is the perfect bridge between the dark '80s Mylène and the rock star she became in the '90s. The train imagery is iconic. [1] The raw energy in this clip is unmatched
The music video for released in 1995 and directed by Marcus Nispel , marked a dramatic visual shift in Mylène Farmer's career, trading her signature cinematic French melancholia for a raw, high-contrast American aesthetic . Visual Style and Direction Farmer is seen strapped to the front of
Nispel’s use of sepia tones and rapid editing creates a sense of frantic energy and "oversized" emotion that matches the rock-infused track. Symbolic Meaning
The video serves as a literal representation of the song's plea for "love in XXL." By placing herself at the vanguard of a charging train, Farmer positions herself as both vulnerable to the elements and an unstoppable force of nature. It’s a celebration of —both in sound and soul. Critical Reception
Critics and fans often cite "XXL" as the moment Farmer "conquered the image" by simplifying it. While her previous videos were 10-minute short films, this was a punchy, 4-minute visual statement that proved she could command attention without a complex narrative. What Fans Think