Introduction: The Birth of a Cultural Milestone Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is not just a music video; it is a landmark in the annals of pop culture. Released in 1983, it shattered the boundaries of what a music video could be, turning the genre into a legitimate form of artistic expression. This transformation was spearheaded by Jackson, already a global superstar, who sought to redefine the music video format by merging it with cinematic storytelling. His collaboration with filmmaker John Landis, known for his work on An American Werewolf in London, resulted in a short film that revolutionized not only music videos but also the cultural landscape of the 1980s. This article will explore the making of “Thriller,” the creative minds behind it, and its enduring legacy.
The Vision: Merging Music and Cinema
Michael Jackson’s Ambition Michael Jackson was at a pivotal point in his career by the early 1980s. Having already established himself as a dominant force in music, he sought to transcend the typical boundaries of pop stardom. Jackson wasn’t content with simply topping the charts; he wanted to innovate and push artistic boundaries. His fascination with film, particularly the horror genre, led him to conceive the idea of creating a music video that was more than just a promotional tool—it would be a short film, a work of art that could stand on its own.
Inspiration from Horror Cinema Jackson’s love for cinema, particularly the horror genre, played a crucial role in the conceptualization of “Thriller.” He was deeply inspired by the classic horror films of the 1950s and ’60s, as well as modern takes on the genre, particularly John Landis’s An American Werewolf in London. The latter, with its groundbreaking special effects and blend of horror with humor, made a significant impression on Jackson. He saw in Landis not just a director, but a creative partner who could help him realize his vision of a music video that was, in essence, a horror movie with a soundtrack.
Choosing the Right Collaborators John Landis, known for his innovative approach to filmmaking, was Jackson’s first and only choice for directing the video. Landis was initially surprised by Jackson’s request, as he hadn’t previously worked on music videos. However, Jackson’s enthusiasm and the prospect of doing something entirely new in the music video space intrigued him. Together, they embarked on a journey that would redefine both their careers and the music video genre itself.
Collaboration: Crafting the Story
Developing the Narrative The narrative of “Thriller” was a collaborative effort between Jackson and Landis, with both contributing ideas that would eventually shape the final product. Landis suggested that the video should tell a story with a beginning, middle, and end—something that was unheard of in music videos at the time. He proposed the idea of Jackson transforming into a werewolf, drawing inspiration from his work on An American Werewolf in London. Jackson, who loved the idea, immediately saw the potential in blending his music with a horror-themed narrative.
Writing the Script The script for “Thriller” was carefully crafted to balance the horror elements with Jackson’s musical and dance talents. Landis’s wife, Deborah Nadoolman, who was an experienced costume designer, also played a crucial role in developing the look of the characters, particularly the iconic red jacket worn by Jackson. The jacket was designed to be both stylish and functional, allowing Jackson to perform complex dance routines while maintaining the visual appeal of a leading man in a horror film.
Incorporating Dance into Horror One of the most innovative aspects of “Thriller” was the incorporation of a dance sequence into a horror narrative. Jackson and Landis recognized that this would be a key element in making the video memorable. They decided that the dance should be performed by zombies, turning a typical horror trope on its head. The choreography, created by Michael Peters in collaboration with Jackson, was designed to be both eerie and energetic, with movements that mimicked the shuffling of the undead while still showcasing Jackson’s unparalleled dance skills.
Behind the Camera: The Making of a Masterpiece
A Film-Like Production The production of “Thriller” was unlike any music video before it. With a budget of $500,000—an astronomical sum for a music video at the time—it was clear that Jackson and Landis were committed to creating something truly extraordinary. The video was shot over several weeks, with a production team that included some of the best in the industry. Landis approached the project with the same meticulous attention to detail that he would bring to a feature film, ensuring that every aspect of the video, from the set design to the special effects, was of the highest quality.
Special Effects and Makeup One of the most groundbreaking aspects of “Thriller” was its use of special effects and makeup. Jackson’s transformation into a werewolf, and later into a zombie, required the expertise of Rick Baker, a legendary makeup artist who had worked on An American Werewolf in London. Baker’s work on “Thriller” was so convincing that it became a major talking point, with fans and critics alike praising the realistic and terrifying effects. The makeup process was painstakingly detailed, taking hours to apply, but the result was nothing short of revolutionary for a music video.
Cinematography and Set Design The cinematography of “Thriller” was also crucial to its success. Landis and his team chose to shoot the video in a gritty, urban setting, which added to the eerie atmosphere of the narrative. The use of low lighting, fog machines, and innovative camera angles helped to create a sense of tension and suspense, drawing viewers into the story. The set design, which included a dilapidated theater and a foggy cemetery, was carefully constructed to enhance the horror elements of the video while providing a visually striking backdrop for Jackson’s performance.
Choreography: The Zombie Dance The dance sequence in “Thriller” is perhaps the most iconic element of the video. Jackson and choreographer Michael Peters worked tirelessly to create a routine that would be both memorable and fitting for the video’s horror theme. The result was the now-famous zombie dance, which has been imitated and parodied countless times over the years. The choreography was designed to be both eerie and energetic, with movements that mimicked the shuffling of the undead while still showcasing Jackson’s unparalleled dance skills. The sequence was shot over several nights, with Jackson and the dancers performing take after take to get the routine just right.
The Soundtrack: Enhancing the Horror The soundtrack of “Thriller” was equally important in creating the video’s atmosphere. Jackson’s song, with its catchy beat and spooky lyrics, provided the perfect backdrop for the video’s horror narrative. The addition of sound effects, such as creaking doors and howling wolves, helped to enhance the eerie atmosphere of the video. Vincent Price’s spoken-word segment, which was recorded in a single take, added a final touch of horror to the soundtrack, making it one of the most memorable elements of the song.
The Impact: A Cultural Phenomenon
Immediate Reception When the “Thriller” music video premiered on December 2, 1983, it was an instant sensation. MTV aired the video repeatedly, and it quickly became the most-watched music video in the network’s history. The video’s success was not just due to its groundbreaking special effects and choreography, but also because of the unique storytelling approach that Jackson and Landis brought to the project. “Thriller” broke down barriers between music and film, proving that a music video could be more than just a promotional tool—it could be a work of art.
Critical Acclaim Critics were quick to praise the “Thriller” music video for its innovative approach to the genre. It was lauded for its cinematic quality, with many noting that it felt more like a short film than a traditional music video. The video’s success also helped to elevate the status of music videos as an art form, inspiring countless artists to think bigger and more creatively about the medium. The “Thriller” music video was not just a commercial success; it was also a critical one, earning Jackson and Landis numerous awards and accolades.
Influence on the Music Industry The impact of “Thriller” on the music industry was profound. The video set a new standard for music videos, raising the bar for production quality and creativity. It also helped to establish MTV as a cultural force, with the network’s success being closely tied to the popularity of the “Thriller” video. Artists and record labels began to see the potential of music videos as a marketing tool, leading to a boom in the production of high-quality, cinematic music videos throughout the 1980s and beyond.
The “Making of Thriller” Documentary In addition to the music video itself, the “Making of Thriller” documentary also had a significant impact on the industry. The documentary, which aired alongside the video, provided fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the production process, further fueling the public’s fascination with the video. It also set a precedent for music videos to be accompanied by “making of” documentaries, giving fans a deeper insight into the creative process behind their favorite videos.
Legacy: The Lasting Influence of Thriller
Cultural Touchstone Today, the “Thriller” music video remains a cultural touchstone. It has been preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Film Registry, recognizing its significance as a piece of American history. The video’s influence can be seen in everything from music videos to movies, and its impact on pop culture is undeniable. Jackson and Landis’s collaboration on “Thriller” was a perfect marriage of music and cinema, creating a piece of art that has stood the test of time.
Enduring Popularity The “Thriller” music video continues to be popular with audiences around the world. It is regularly featured in Halloween programming, and the iconic zombie dance is still performed at events and parties. The video has also been parodied and referenced in numerous TV shows, movies, and other media, further cementing its place in pop culture. Even decades after its release, “Thriller” remains one of the most beloved and influential music videos of all time.
Impact on Michael Jackson’s Career The success of the “Thriller” music video had a profound impact on Michael Jackson’s career. It solidified his status as a global superstar and helped to establish him as a pioneer in the music industry. The video’s success also paved the way for Jackson to continue experimenting with the music video format, leading to the creation of other iconic videos such as “Beat It,” “Bad,” and “Smooth Criminal.” Jackson’s work on “Thriller” not only changed the music video industry but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time.
John Landis’s Career Post-Thriller For John Landis, “Thriller” was a career-defining project that showcased his ability to blend horror and humor in a way that resonated with a broad audience. The success of the video opened up new opportunities for Landis in both the film and music industries. While he continued to work on feature films, the success of “Thriller” also established him as a sought-after director for music videos and commercials. Landis’s work on “Thriller” remains one of the most celebrated achievements of his career, and his collaboration with Jackson is still regarded as one of the most successful partnerships in the history of music videos.
The Evolution of the Music Video Industry The impact of “Thriller” on the music video industry cannot be overstated. The video’s success helped to elevate the status of music videos from mere promotional tools to legitimate forms of artistic expression. This shift in perception led to a boom in the production of high-quality, cinematic music videos, with artists and record labels investing more time and resources into their creation. The influence of “Thriller” can still be seen in the music videos of today, with many artists continuing to push the boundaries of the genre in ways that were inspired by Jackson and Landis’s groundbreaking work.
Thriller’s Place in History As we look back on the legacy of “Thriller,” it’s clear that the video occupies a unique place in the history of music and pop culture. It was a game-changer that redefined the possibilities of what a music video could be, and its influence continues to be felt in the industry today. Michael Jackson and John Landis’s collaboration on “Thriller” was a perfect storm of creativity, innovation, and ambition, resulting in a piece of art that has stood the test of time. The “Thriller” music video is more than just a piece of entertainment—it is a cultural phenomenon that will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Conclusion: The Timeless Magic of ‘Thriller’
As we reflect on the legacy of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” it is clear that its impact goes far beyond the realms of music and cinema. It is a testament to the power of creativity and collaboration, a piece of art that transcended its original purpose and became a defining moment in popular culture. The making of “Thriller” was a journey that brought together some of the most talented individuals in the industry, resulting in a work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences more than three decades later. In the end, “Thriller” is more than just a music video—it is a cultural touchstone, a masterpiece that stands as one of the greatest achievements in the history of music.
