Thoroughly Thrilled

While doing some research, I wasn’t surprised to learn that Michael Jackson’s Thriller was dubbed the most influential music video of all time. Considered the first big “blockbuster” music video, Thriller has inspired millions since it’s airing in 1983. As I re-watched the 14-minute video I was instantly transported to memories of my youth. I can remember as a child trying to recreate the iconic dance in my living room.

Thriller was one of the first “blockbuster” music video. It combined a film like quality with music. All music videos until then were solely a portrayal of the artist’s music. Michael Jackson went above and beyond with Thriller by creating a whole story with the characters. Thriller helped give hope for music video producers/directors by opening the doorway for a new kind of music video. Music video producers and directors were suddenly being recognized for their efforts.

Just to grasp how truly influential Thriller has become I have some examples how it has shaped our culture. Fall Out Boy is one band that was inspired by the video and chose to pay respect in their video, A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me.” This video pays homage to Thriller with a combination of short film clips and music. A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me” also uses a similar sci-fi theme as Thriller by using vampires. Although there is no dance sequence in A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More “Touch Me” the band has several fight scenes, which are made to look as if they were dancing.

Another artist who has drawn inspiration from Thriller is Lady Gaga. Lady Gaga released her music video for Telephone featuring Beyonce in 2010. The video runs for 9 minutes and in the opening credits the video is referred to as “a film.” While watching this video I noticed Lady Gaga incorporates dance moves from the Thriller dance. She also references the video in her fashion choices. While in the jail common room she is wearing a leather jacket much like the one wore by Michael Jackson (only in black). 

Although these similarities may not have been planned, they are still present. Many people today don’t realize how much that video has shaped the way we think about pop culture. I shudder to think what the world would be like without Michael Jackson’s, Thriller. Even Korean prisoners draw inspiration from Thriller! Check it out here!