Missy Elliott

The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) (1997), directed by Hype Williams, makes Elliott's wit and physical confidence the centre of a deliberately distorted visual world. The inflated black outfit and exaggerated camera perspective resist the idea that a female star has to appear within a narrow glamour template. Watch how comfortably she controls images that could overwhelm a less assured performer. The appeal comes from the partnership between an inventive production and a personality willing to be funny, commanding and visually strange.