Michael Jackson Released A Better Version Of His “Thriller” Short Film 13 Years Later
As the “King of Pop” and a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, there was nothing Michael Jackson couldn’t accomplish in his career. This includes topping one of his most iconic music videos for the song “Thriller.” Along with being a great artist, Jackson certainly knew how to act, and paved the way for other multi-talented artists such as Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, and Justin Bieber. He showed that musicians didn’t have to be confined to one category; they could demonstrate what they were capable of with every performance.
Famously, Jackson started his career when he was only a child, as a member of the Jackson 5. Together, he and his brothers made history by debuting with four consecutive number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. The career they built was legendary, but it didn’t stop Jackson from pursuing a solo career. Once he branched off on his own, he showed the world exactly what he was made of as he sold over 500 million records worldwide. All of Jackson’s albums remain bestsellers to this day.
It’s not surprising either, as he was a trailblazer, especially when it came to incorporating storytelling into his already successful music. Jackson’s music videos, which he referred to as “short films,” are utterly legendary, and completely transformed the way artists would approach their own music videos forever. “Thriller” is easily the greatest example of this, but what some people may not know is that Jackson actually took “Thriller” and made an even better version of it 13 years later.
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Michael Jackson’s Ghosts Builds On Everything Thriller Was & More
The Masterpiece Was Leveled Up
When Michael Jackson released the music video for “Thriller,” it revolutionized the music industry, as it showed that the videos didn’t need to be confined to just a simple plot. Instead, an artist could take their song, and use it as the backdrop for the story they were telling.
In this case, Jackson drew inspiration from An American Werewolf in London. It showed Jackson transitioning from a patron watching a movie, to seeing himself turn into a were-creature onscreen, and then into a dancing zombie after leaving the theater. At a time when music videos were becoming an integral part of pop culture, it had a significant impact.
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Although Jackson could have been satisfied with what was achieved in this video, he was always looking to make his work as creative as possible. For the song “Ghosts,” Jackson took what “Thriller” had and turned it up a notch. The full short film for “Ghosts,” titled Michael Jackson’s Ghosts, also featured songs such as “2 Bad” and “Is It Scary.” He played not only the Maestro, who could pull off ghoulish magic tricks, but also the Mayor, who’s clearly meant to be the villain in this story.
The short film also featured what many considered stronger choreography than “Thriller.” Here, Jackson truly told the story through his intricate movements. Additionally, the visuals were more complex, and fans appreciated the uniqueness of the story. One more key point is the emotions Jackson displayed. Fans loved seeing more versatility from him, as they knew he was capable of so much.
Ghosts Was Jackson’s Storytelling At Its Best
He Was The King For A Reason
The story told by Michael Jackson’s Ghosts is about a man with supernatural powers who is run out of town by the residents. The shortened video conveys a lot, with Jackson’s dancing, and the inclusion of the classic line, “Are you scared yet?” However, to enhance the experience, Jackson decided to create a short film that would last 40 minutes. To accomplish this, he enlisted the help of many, but one name that truly stood out was Stephen King.
Of course, just as Jackson defined the pop genre, King can be regarded as an icon of the horror genre. His books are legendary, and the video adaptations have been equally memorable. Working together, King was able to recommend some important names to collaborate on the project, with whom he had previously worked. King truly helped Jackson elevate the visual aspects of the film. The video had a macabre tone that aligned with King’s style.
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Overall, the video was a must-watch with a theme centered around persecution and identity, accompanied by groundbreaking visual effects. Some of the camera techniques, CGI usage, and motion capture effects made this video a work of art. For many years, it even held a Guinness World Record for the longest music video. It was yet another achievement in a career of remarkable feats for one of the greatest ever. Michael Jackson proved he wasn’t just a musician, he was a true artist and a visionary who paved the way for future generations.
