Thriller (music video)

Thriller (music video) The Thriller (music video) is a groundbreaking 14-minute short film directed by John Landis and written by John Landis and Michael Jackson. It was produced by Michael Jackson, John Landis, and George Folsey Jr. for Michael Jackson's sixth studio album, Thriller (album), released by Epic Records. The music video features Michael Jackson alongside Vincent Price, Rick Baker, and Ola Ray, and its success can be attributed to the collaboration of these talented individuals, including Quincy Jones, Rod Temperton, and Elmer Bernstein.

Background

The concept of the Thriller (music video) was inspired by An American Werewolf in London, a John Landis film, and Michael Jackson's love for horror movies, such as Nosferatu and Frankenstein (1931 film). Michael Jackson and John Landis worked together to create a unique blend of music video and short film, with Michael Jackson drawing inspiration from his own experiences and interests, including dance, special effects, and storytelling. The project involved notable figures like Walter Murch, Albert Magnoli, and Vladimir Horowitz, who contributed to the development of the music video. Michael Jackson's vision was also influenced by his work with Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, and Quincy Jones on previous projects, such as Off the Wall and Bad (album).

Production

The production of the Thriller (music video) involved a team of experienced professionals, including John Landis, Michael Jackson, and George Folsey Jr.. The music video was filmed at Iverson Movie Ranch, Union Station (Los Angeles), and Palmdale, with a budget of $1.1 million, which was relatively high for a music video at the time. The special effects were created by Rick Baker, who had previously worked on An American Werewolf in London and The Howling, and the choreography was designed by Vincent Paterson and Michael Jackson. The cast included Ola Ray, Vincent Price, and Michael Jackson, who all played important roles in bringing the story to life. The production team also included notable figures like Jan de Bont, Bill Pope, and Stan Winston, who contributed to the development of the music video.

Plot

The plot of the Thriller (music video) is a complex and engaging narrative that tells the story of a young man, played by Michael Jackson, who is transformed into a werewolf and a zombie. The music video features a range of dance styles, including jazz, hip hop, and contemporary, and showcases Michael Jackson's signature moonwalk move. The story is set in a creepy and abandoned environment, with a range of special effects and makeup used to create the monsters and creatures. The music video also features a range of references to horror movies, including Nosferatu and Frankenstein (1931 film), and pays homage to the work of Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick. The plot was influenced by Michael Jackson's love of horror movies and his desire to create a unique and engaging narrative.

Release_and_reception

The Thriller (music video) was released in 1983 and was an instant success, with MTV playing the video in heavy rotation. The music video was also screened in cinemas and theaters, and was included on the Thriller (album) video album. The music video received widespread critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone and The New York Times praising its originality and creativity. The music video also won a range of awards, including MTV Video Music Awards and American Music Awards, and was inducted into the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress. The success of the music video can be attributed to the collaboration of Michael Jackson, John Landis, and Quincy Jones, who all played important roles in its development.

Impact_and_legacy

The Thriller (music video) has had a significant impact on the music industry and popular culture, with many artists citing it as an influence, including Madonna, Prince, and Beyoncé. The music video's success can be attributed to its unique blend of music, dance, and narrative, and its use of special effects and makeup. The music video has also been referenced and parodied in a range of TV shows and movies, including The Simpsons, Family Guy, and Scary Movie. The music video's influence can also be seen in the work of Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry, who have all been inspired by Michael Jackson's innovative approach to music videos. The music video's legacy continues to be felt, with many regarding it as one of the greatest music videos of all time, alongside Bohemian Rhapsody and Smells Like Teen Spirit.

Cultural_significance

The Thriller (music video) is a culturally significant work that has had a lasting impact on popular culture, with its influence extending beyond the music industry to film, TV, and fashion. The music video's use of dance and choreography has been particularly influential, with many artists incorporating similar styles into their own work, including Justin Timberlake, Usher, and Chris Brown. The music video's special effects and makeup have also been widely influential, with many horror movies and TV shows referencing its use of zombies and werewolves. The music video's cultural significance can be seen in its inclusion in the National Film Registry and its recognition as one of the greatest music videos of all time by Rolling Stone and The New York Times. The music video continues to be celebrated and referenced, with many regarding it as a landmark work in the history of music videos, alongside Michael Jackson's other notable works, such as Bad (album) and Off the Wall. Category:Music videos