Muse - Time Is Running Out (video) May 2026

: 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 .

: Released shortly after the start of the Iraq War, the video is often interpreted as a critique of blind bureaucracy and the detached nature of political decision-making. The "games" played by the officials suggest that global stakes are treated with a lack of seriousness.

Watch the official music video to see the 'Dr. Strangelove' inspired visuals and the descent into institutional madness: Muse - Time Is Running Out (Official Music Video) Warner Records Vault YouTube• Oct 26, 2009 Muse - Time Is Running Out (video)

: As the song progresses, the military officials' synchronized movements become increasingly erratic until they are dancing on the table and eventually crawling on the floor, symbolizing a total loss of control and collective insanity.

: 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 : The central set is a direct homage

Directed by , the video depicts a secret government or military council meeting behind closed doors. Instead of managing global affairs, these officials are shown playing rhythmic games and performing synchronized, almost ritualistic movements.

: 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 The "games" played by the officials suggest that

: 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.