In the annals of pop culture history, we delve into the making of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” music video and its unparalleled impact on pop culture, creativity, and originality. As we explore the lasting legacy of this groundbreaking masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences across generations. Beyond its infectious song and mesmerising dance moves, the music video for “Thriller” is a visual and creative masterpiece. But what makes the “Thriller’ music video a creative and original masterpiece? This essay looks to answer this question by deconstructing the music video, focusing on the song itself, its creative and original elements, comments from the director and lead choreographer, and its profound impact on pop culture. By the end, we will understand why “Thriller” is an iconic video that remains etched in the collective memory.
The Song: “Thriller”
Before diving into the music video, it’s essential to appreciate the musical foundation upon which “Thriller” is built. Released in 1982 as the title track of Michael Jackson’s album, the song is an infectious fusion of pop, rock, and funk. Written by British songwriter Rod Temperton, “Thriller” showcases Jackson’s vocal prowess and his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his singing. The song’s lyrics and composition create a sense of tension and excitement, perfectly setting the stage for the video’s narrative. It’s an undeniable hit, and its catchiness has made it an enduring classic in the world of music.
Creativity and Originality: A Visual Masterpiece
The “Thriller” music video is a visual tour de force, born out of creative genius and originality. Directed by John Landis, it draws inspiration from classic horror films while adding a unique twist that is unmistakably Jacksonian. At its core, the video is a narrative-driven piece, which was a novel approach at the time.
The video opens with Jackson and his date, played by Ola Ray, watching a horror film in a theatre. The self-awareness of this opening is a creative choice that breaks the fourth wall, immediately engaging the viewer. The transformation of Jackson into a werewolf during the date adds an unexpected element of horror. The choreography in this scene, led by choreographer Michael Peters, is noteworthy, as it blends Jackson’s signature moves with new and dramatic gestures that convey the transformation effectively.
The cemetery dance sequence is a highlight of the video. Jackson leads a group of zombies in a stunningly synchronised dance, their undead appearance contrasting with the vibrant choreography. The originality of the dance and makeup is evident, creating an iconic image that continues to resonate with fans and Halloween enthusiasts. This dance sequence adds an unexpected layer of artistry to a music video, one could argue in this case that just the visuals and choreography alone makes the “Thriller’ music video a creative and original masterpiece. It showcases Jackson’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries, and offering something refreshing and unique.
The concluding scene, in which Jackson and Ray escape from the zombies, plays with the idea of monsters hidden in everyday life. The abrupt ending with Jackson’s demonic eyes cements the eerie atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression.
Director’s Comments: John Landis
John Landis, the director of the “Thriller” music video, shared insights into the creative process and the impact of the video in an article by The Guardian. He noted that the idea of creating a horror-themed video was inspired by Jackson’s fascination with the genre and a desire to do something “fun and commercial.” Landis emphasised the importance of storytelling and character development in the video, indicating that Jackson was “the most extraordinary human being” he had ever worked with. Landis’ comments shed light on the collaborative effort behind the video’s creation, where he and Jackson shared a vision for creating something original and memorable. The genesis of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” music video was an unexpected late-night call from the pop superstar to director John Landis in 1983. Landis, who was in London at the time, recalls the groggy conversation where Jackson proposed the idea. “Michael’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious,” Landis reminisces. Despite Landis’s initial unfamiliarity with the song, Jackson’s enthusiasm and Landis’s reputation for directing horror films like “An American Werewolf in London” sealed the deal. “The end result was a 13-minute masterpiece that transcended the traditional music video format,” Landis reflects. The video, which drew in a slew of celebrities during its creation, including Marlon Brando and Fred Astaire, marked a pivotal moment for both MTV and the music industry as a whole.
Brian Grant, director of Tina Turner’s “Private Dancer” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” highlights how “Thriller” catalysed the monetization of music videos, transforming them from a cottage industry into a lucrative business. Spike Jonze captured the essence of ‘Thriller’ perfectly,” Landis acknowledges. Jonze, like many others, found himself captivated by the video’s creativity and spontaneity. Trudy Bellinger credits “Thriller” for inspiring her career in music filmmaking. The video’s lasting legacy is evident in its continued influence on directors like Romain Gavras and Chris Milk, who push the boundaries of storytelling in music videos. Their combined talents led to the birth of “Thriller,” which has left an indelible mark on music and pop culture.
Lead Choreographer’s Comments: Michael Peters
The choreography in the “Thriller” music video is one of its most striking features. Lead choreographer Michael Peters played a pivotal role in crafting the dance sequences that became iconic. In a 1983 interview, Peters commented on the challenges and innovations involved in choreographing the video. Peters explained that the graveyard dance sequence was a particularly complex undertaking. The idea was to blend Jackson’s signature moves with a unique zombie-like choreography. Peters emphasised the need for precise synchronisation among the dancers, which was challenging due to the heavy makeup and prosthetics the performers wore. This creative challenge resulted in a visually stunning and unforgettable sequence that redefined the possibilities of dance in music videos.
Peters’ contributions to the video’s choreography demonstrated the fusion of creativity and innovation. His work brought life to the undead and elevated the video to an art form that extended beyond the music itself.
Impact on Pop Culture: A Lasting Legacy
The impact of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video on pop culture cannot be overstated. The video’s release marked a turning point in the music industry and visual storytelling. It introduced cinematic production values to music videos, raising the bar for creativity and originality. “Thriller” set new standards for the industry, influencing countless artists and directors who sought to emulate its success.
The iconic red jacket worn by Jackson in the video became synonymous with the artist and remains a popular costume choice for fans. The dance moves, especially the “zombie dance,” are often imitated and celebrated in tribute performances and flash mobs. The video’s influence extends to contemporary artists who incorporate elements of horror and the supernatural in their work.
Moreover, “Thriller” remains a Halloween classic. Its release in December 1983 resulted in the creation of a 13-minute short film that was a staple in annual Halloween programming. The video’s impact on holiday traditions and its continued relevance demonstrate its enduring cultural significance. In 2009, the “Thriller” video was inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, and aesthetic importance. It became the first music video to receive this honour, solidifying its place in the pantheon of American pop culture.
The impact of “Thriller” on pop culture extends beyond its cultural impact. In 2009, the video was inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress, cementing its status as a cultural treasure. Additionally, in Mexico City, thousands gathered to dance “Thriller,” setting a Guinness World Record and further solidifying its global reach, further information can be found at the Guinness World Record page.
Conclusion: The Iconic “Thriller” Video
In conclusion, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music video is a masterpiece of creativity, originality, and enduring pop culture impact. The combination of the infectious song, innovative storytelling, and groundbreaking choreography resulted in a video that transcends the boundaries of a traditional music video. It introduced cinematic storytelling and artistic depth to the medium, raising the bar for the industry.
Comments from the director, John Landis, and the lead choreographer, Michael Peters, highlight the collaborative efforts and creative challenges that contributed to the video’s success.
The video’s influence on pop culture is immeasurable, from its impact on fashion and dance to its lasting legacy as a Halloween tradition. Its induction into the National Film Registry further underscores its cultural importance.
“Thriller” is not merely a music video; it is an icon, a timeless work of art that continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. It is a testament to the power of creativity, originality, and innovation in shaping the landscape of popular culture. In the realm of music videos, “Thriller” stands as the definitive standard, a classic that will endure for generations to come.
