Thriller is the music video for the song “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, released on December 2, 1983. It was directed by John Landis, written by Jackson and Landis, and stars Jackson and Ola Ray. It references numerous horror films and has Jackson dancing with a horde of zombies. The video is often credited with revolutionizing the music video industry and is widely regarded as one of the greatest music videos of all time.
Michael Jackson wanted to create a music video that was more like a short film, and he was inspired by classic horror films. John Landis was brought on to direct because of his experience with the horror-comedy genre. He and Jackson worked closely to create a narrative that was both entertaining and spooky.
At the time, Thriller was the most expensive music video ever made, with a budget of around $500,000. This was considered a huge amount for a music video in the early 1980s. The video’s high budget was partly funded by MTV and Showtime, who agreed to pay for the behind the scenes documentary titled Making Michael Jackson's Thriller.
Thriller was filmed at the Palace Theatre in downtown Los Angeles, the junction of Union Pacific Avenue and South Calzona Street in East Los Angeles (for the zombie scene), and 1345 Carroll Avenue in the Angeleno Heights neighborhood of Echo Park (for the final house scene). The director of photography was Robert Paynter, who had worked with Landis on Trading Places. The zombie dance was choreographed by Michael Peters, who had choreographed the “Beat It” video.
Landis said directing Jackson was “like dealing with a gifted 10-year-old.” He described Jackson as “emotionally damaged ... He was tortured, but he was happy-go-lucky for a lot of it. He worked very hard. He really was childlike.”
Jackson’s red leather jacket became a fashion icon and has been widely emulated. In 2011, one of the two jackets worn by Jackson in the video sold at auction for $1.8 million. “Thriller” has become closely associated with Halloween; in 2016, US president Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama danced to the song with schoolchildren at a White House Halloween event. The Thriller dance is performed in major cities around the world. The largest zombie dance included 12,937 dancers, in Mexico City. Thriller is popular on YouTube, which hosts reenactments of the dance. A YouTube video of more than 1,500 prisoners performing the dance attracted 14 million views by 2010.
Simply bought "acclaim" fame to video's popularity concept wasn't innovative. Michael's limited insight what critics expected Michael have artistic appeal on video no. Jon Landis reluctant the media didn't hamper him due" Deaths of Jim Morrow and children Twilight Zone (1983) film! Jon never acknowledged disparage of accidents which could been prevented! Thriller video Michael never contributed productions, Quincy and Brian Miesel asked. Death director Jon Landis to assist with Michael's ideal to enhance video for Thriller. Over publicized horrible acting Michael's features either Diana Ross or Melba Moore during this era! Brotha's didn't appreciate his childish candor: saying wasn't acting macho it simply Michael's behavior! Which Jon Landis later criticism not your son Max whom attempting to become dramatic actor good luck! Error with Sony popularity of sales Thriller (1982) single release should been limited to increase CD and album sales! Making of video further criticism those using this mockery making better for whom? Michael never
ReplyDeleteacknowledges Black heritage just main stream or does it matter presently due Hip hop! Ola Rae Ms.Playboy June 1980 yeah, hostess for few good men! Why didn't Black media hassle decry social disrespect to women, Vanessa Williams nude photos during this era 1st. Ms.Black America! Hype bought attention plenty uncertainty among Black media not people mention hold your generalizing. Michael conjured promoting his egoism not Black music why sudden brown face lift. To Snowed Whiten appearance later Jon Landis racist comments to artist of diversity especially Eddie Murphy whom retaliated against him! Debbie Landis Ms.Fashion something gotten her royalties which offered with agitation to Michael attire. The Beat it Jacket ang Thriller Jon staff was rude indirectly to Michael, assumed he was Queer"! Insult simply imagery youthful guy with kid attitude, Blu guys wasn't looking at Mjj! Makeup guy RicK Baker during his prime handsome hunk jock! Sadly, we lost Michael awaiting the 45th. anniversary of Thriller bygone era. Music is among us!
"Mjj" imagery influence artist Al Jaurreau title L is For Love (1987) model looks like Mjj. And Melba Moore title (1983) Never Say Never cover influence by no other Michael! Glove One!
ReplyDeleteOverrated attention of post production of videos equivalent to large scale movies developments. Mjj ideal for Thriller song science fiction with "Pop" humor appeal conflict. Was his religion along conservative Black media, which always interfering with individualism. Critical Black hampering down upon, artistic freedom along boarder audience ratio. Exaggeration exclusively Mjj bought prosperity to whom? Commercialization prominent Sony executives given approval to promote this success MTV was factor bigotry. False assurance diversity of musical concept wasn't there market since emerging "American" media continues. Remain impartial with false assurance non- tandards of culture effecting whom? Mid class suburban interest urban regions I'm clarifying doubt alleged. Lack of interest MTV executives bigoted due: personal executive market retaliation from record labels. Going to devise there own broadcasting which later evolved to save on paying royalties. Anyhow MTV whom? Robert Pittman (Mr.Southerner),Alan Goodman,Les Garland,Tom Freston and Peter Dougherty why the reaction of rejection. Of non rock music which popular but not dynamic until the late 80's. Anyhow Mjj didn't explain the entrenched discriminatory upon Jon Ladis staff conjured from him! Plenty of indirect racial comments Mjj you never prevent this also, his neglect to expose the bigotry! Example preparing for productions cosmetics the staff looked at Mjj as something essences. Bought acclaimed to Jon Landis whom career was in demise since deaths of Twilight Zone (1983). Mjj whom never conveyed or wanted to mention social segregated opinions. Look impartially as those whom artistic creative race doesn't matter, Mjj didn't want to believe. Bigotry even Quincy Jones had question harsh attitude of Jon Landis whom thought. Mjj was overrated manic nonsense didn't want to acknowledge non White artist contradiction. On Jon behalf since heritage derived from the Pal ghetto's of eastern Europe. Grew up affluent in USA now attitude racial critical to those allowing it! Thriller made history error why didn't Mjj make videos release titles could made sales larger! Jon Landis ingratitude those admiring video plenty, racial intolerance from production staff assumed Mjj was estranged really? Mjj acting childish to macho Anglophile "Hollywood" Femme bigotry! Continued bigotry nationalism just highly polished
ReplyDeletemovie theme for video nothing to endure! Mjj failed to achieve aspired diversity in movie productions not saying exclusively Black. Just diversity of fairness bought revenue still Mjj never address the stress he felt upon racist attitude of Jon's production crew creeps!