15 supremely cinematic music videos that could (and should) be feature films

“Cool” – Gwen Stefani

Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. era was marked by wild fashion, her obsession with Japanese culture, and upbeat dance tracks, so “Cool” was an anomaly in many ways, but in the most beautiful of ways.

“Cool” is a dreamy song about Gwen being genuinely happy for her ex-boyfriend and his new girlfriend and how they’re able to all be friends, and the video brings that narrative to life. The video takes place in Lake Como, Italy and it opens at a beautiful moss-covered villa where Gwen’s ex has arrived to introduce her to his new girlfriend. When the song starts up, we’re transported back in time to when a younger, brunette Gwen was gallivanting around Italy with her beau.

The couple had romantic spaghetti and meatball dinners, ate popsicles on steps in the town, drove around on a Vespa, swam in the lake, and everything else you do when you’re young and in love in Italy. Even though they were so in love, it didn’t last forever. Sometimes, in the modern day scenes, it seems like Gwen’s a little jealous of the new girlfriend, but she’s still incredibly happy for her friend.

Many have speculated that the song and video are inspired by Stefani’s relationship with her No Doubt bandmate Tony Kanal. The two dated early on in their career but remained close friends for years as they performed side by side. Funny enough, the girl playing the new girlfriend in the music video was played by Kanal’s now-wife, Erin Lokitz.