The music video was shot in February 2011 by director Joseph Kahn and was released to the iTunes Store on June 24, 2011.

Model and former pornographic actress Sasha Grey plays a young woman who secretly cheats on her boyfriend, Eminem; this turns into a violent conflict.

The video received attention and controversy for a scene in which Eminem shoots himself under the chin in frustration, with blood spurting from the exit wound.

"Space Bound" was written by Eminem, British songwriter Steve McEwan, and Jim Jonsin, the latter having produced the track with keyboards from Danny Morris.

The version initially sent to Eminem was a full song; complete with verses, B section, and a chorus by McEwan.

Richards described "Space Bound" as "ugly" and "wafer-thin", going on to criticise the song's macabre content: "Eminem can't talk to women and he never could, so when he threatens to strangle anyone who leaves him, the peril feels forced and wholly off-putting.

"[6] AbsolutePunk writer Thomas Nassiff, in his review for Recovery, stated that "Space Bound", along with five other songs, were "pure filler" and "don't require more than one listen.

"[7] The music video for "Space Bound" was filmed over three days in February 2011, in Los Angeles, California,[8] and was produced over approximately five months.

"[12] The full video was released on June 24, 2011 at 5 pm EST for purchase on the iTunes Store, uncut.

He has a flashback of the cell phone, which shows 'Unknown caller', and a gun in Grey's car along with the lighter and cigarette.

I don't know if it necessarily has a thorough message, but I think it shows that even the strongest of love meets destruction at some point.

[17] The song's producer, Jim Jonsin, suggested that viewers watch it multiple times to figure out the concept and draw their own conclusion.

[18] The video received attention from reporters for the scene where Eminem dies of suicide by gunshot.

[20] A spokesperson for the anti-violence group Mothers Against Violence told the Daily Mirror, "It's all about the money with these videos.

"[24] Critics made note of the "Space Bound" music video's similarities with the Kahn-directed "Love the Way You Lie", in which the couple was portrayed by actors.

[15] April Chieffo from The Celebrity Cafe said, "The video touches on the subject of domestic violence like 'Love the Way You Lie,' but this time there were deadly consequences.

"[12] Rob Markman quoted about the death scene, "Throughout the video, Eminem follows Grey like a lost puppy.