What a Thriller!

July 12, 6:02 PMActing ExaminerDeborah Smith Ford

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Michael Jackson in Thriller - 25th Anniversary                                                          (Photo/Amazon)

An acting side of Michael Jackson can be seen in this music video.  Of course it is the music and his moves that are the center of attention. 

Thriller is probably one of the most well known music videos that ties in with Jackson's name in all of his musical history.  Say Say Say released then too.

"Michael Jackson's Thriller" is a 14-minute music video for the song of the same name released on December 2, 1983.  John Landis co-wrote the screenplay with Jackson.

The mini-film music video was broadcast on MTV three weeks before Christmas 1983. It was the most expensive video of its time, costing US$500,000. 

The Guinness World Records listed it in 2006 as the "most successful music video", selling over 9 million units.

"Thriller" was less a conventional music video and more a full-fledged short subject or mini-film.  It was of the horror film homage featuring choreographed zombies performing with Jackson.

The music was re-edited to match the video, with the verses being sung one after the other followed by the ending rap from Vincent Price, then the main dance sequence was shot to an instrumental loop.

The finale of the choruses was in a "big dance number," -  the climactic scene.

During the video, Jackson transforms into both a zombie and a werecat (although makeup artist Rick Baker referred to it as a "cat monster" in the "Making of Thriller" documentary).  This is not unusual considering that Landis had directed An American Werewolf in London two years earlier.  It was kind of familiar territory.

Co-starring with Jackson was former Playboy centerfold Ola Ray. The video was choreographed by Michael Peters who had worked with the singer on his prior hit "Beat It".

Jackson, who at the time was one of Jehovah's Witnesses, added a disclaimer to the start of the video, saying,

Due to my strong personal convictions, I wish to stress that this film in no way endorses a belief in the occult. ”

After the credits, when they concurrently show the zombies dancing again, the disclaimer humorously states,

Any similarity to actual events or persons living, dead (or undead) is purely coincidental."  (Landis' An American Werewolf in London likewise offered this disclaimer.)

To qualify for an Academy Award, "Thriller" debuted at a special theatrical screening, along with the 1940 animated motion picture Fantasia. ~ Don't forget his moonwalking to Billie Jean, written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones.

Since Jackson's death, music has been the main tribute to the King of Pop.  Brooke Shields remembered the fun times.  Around the world in celebration of his life.  His fans, family and friends have paid tribute and continue to do so.  Even one of his three children shared to thousands how she loved her daddy.