Who directed the music video for Queen’s “I Want to Break Free”?

David Mallet directed the music video for Queen’s “I Want to Break Free.”

Released in 1984, the video presents the four members of Queen in comic domestic scenes inspired by the British television soap opera Coronation Street. The band members wear exaggerated costumes, with the first section featuring them parodying women characters from the programme. The video then shifts into a surreal ballet sequence created with the Royal Ballet.

David Mallet directed a number of major music videos and had already worked with Queen on videos including “Radio Ga Ga.” His direction helped make “I Want to Break Free” one of Queen’s most recognizable visual productions.

The song was written by bassist John Deacon and released on the album The Works. Although it became a major anthem in many countries, the video received less exposure on MTV in the United States because of its cross-dressing comedy. That limited broadcast is a frequent part of the song’s video history, but it does not change Mallet’s directing credit.