The Director of Michael Jackson's Thriller: John Landis

The iconic music video for Michael Jackson's song 'Thriller' was directed by John Landis, a renowned figure in the film industry. This video, released in 1983, is celebrated for its elaborate dance sequences and its narrative that pays homage to horror films. This article explores the making of the 'Thriller' video, the background of John Landis, and the impact of this groundbreaking video on popular culture.

A Brief Overview of the 'Thriller' Music Video

The 'Thriller' music video, released in November 1983, marked a significant moment in music history. The video features Jackson in a zombie costume, performing a series of haunting dance moves against a backdrop of horror imagery. Not only did this video serve as a unique marketing tool for Jackson's album, it also set new standards for music video production, blending music, dance, and visual storytelling. This groundbreaking performance was both a creative feat and a commercial success, selling over nine million copies worldwide.

John Landis: The Man Behind the Scenes

John Landis, the director of 'Thriller', also directed 'An American Werewolf in London,' a horror film that was also well-received. Landis' background in horror and comedy influenced his approach to directing the 'Thriller' video. His knowledge of horror tropes and the ability to create engaging narratives made him the perfect choice for Michael Jackson's vision.

How John Landis Became the Director

The inspiration for 'Thriller' came from Michael Jackson himself. Jackson had seen the film 'An American Werewolf in London,' which Landis directed, and was impressed by both the direction and the production values. Taking this as his cue, Jackson approached Landis with the ambition to create something similar, but with a music video format. This vision combined Michael Jackson's musical talents with Landis' cinematic expertise, resulting in a creative collaboration that defined a generation.

The Impact of the 'Thriller' Music Video

The 'Thriller' video was ahead of its time and has left an indelible mark on pop culture. It was a pioneering work that revolutionized the genre of music videos. The video not only highlighted Jackson's incredible dance skills but also showcased his storytelling prowess. The incorporation of cinematic techniques such as lighting, camera movements, and narrative structure elevated the music video from a simple promotional tool to an artistic statement. This groundbreaking approach paved the way for other music videos to be treated with the same level of respect and craft as short films.

Conclusion

John Landis' direction of Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' music video not only solidified his place in the film industry but also left an enduring legacy in popular culture. The 'Thriller' video's innovative use of horror and dance symbolism set a new standard for music videos and has continued to influence filmmakers and artists to this day.

Related Keywords

Michael Jackson Thriller John Landis

Further Reading

If you are interested in learning more about the making of 'Thriller' or the works of John Landis, here are some additional resources:

John Landis: Wikipedia Michael Jackson: Analysis of 'Thriller' music video: Metacritic Review