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It's close to midnight, and something evil's lurking in the dark.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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You try to scream, but terror takes the sound before you make it.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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You hear the door slam, and realize there's nowhere left to run.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Michael Jackson (as himself)

I’m gonna thrill you tonight.

Michael Jackson (as himself)

Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Narrator

Night creatures calling, the dead start to walk in their masquerade.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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There's no escaping the jaws of the alien this time.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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The foulest stench is in the air, the funk of forty thousand years.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Michael Jackson (as himself)

You know it's a thriller, thriller night.

Michael Jackson (as himself)

Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Narrator

The creatures crawl in search of blood, to terrorize your neighborhood.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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And though you fight to stay alive, your body starts to shiver.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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For no mere mortal can resist the evil of the thriller.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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The darkness of the night, where creatures come alive.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Michael Jackson (as himself)

It's alive! It's alive! (In a dance of the undead)

Michael Jackson (as himself)

Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Narrator

Your eyes deceive you, an illusion never lies.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Michael Jackson (as himself)

Tonight's the night, I shall unleash my fright.

Michael Jackson (as himself)

Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Narrator

There's a zombie on the loose, a creature of the night.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Narrator

This is your last chance before our ghosts ignite.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
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The shine of the moon, made it hard to breathe.

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Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive
Michael Jackson (as himself)

It's a thriller, thriller night! So let me hold you tight.

Michael Jackson (as himself)

Michael Jackson's Thriller, Reelive

Thriller

Thriller by Michael Jackson, Main music video and iconic dance sequence

Ghosts

Ghosts by Michael Jackson, Featured in the short film segment

Somebody's Watching Me

Somebody's Watching Me by Rockwell, Part of the extended version sequence


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Opening With the Graveyard

The film opens with Michael Jackson and his date driving in a car. As they drive past a graveyard, the camera shifts to show a spooky atmosphere, filled with fog and eerie sounds. The tension builds as Michael's date starts to feel uneasy. This sets the stage for the thrilling events to come, blending the horror and music genres. The pivotal moment happens when the camera zooms in on the gravestones, and suddenly, Michael transforms into a werewolf, startling everyone. This transformation leads to a chilling dance sequence with zombies, making the audience gasp. After this moment, the film takes a turn as it fully embraces the horror theme, and Michael's magical world of dance and fright solidifies the connection between music and emotion.

Context: This scene serves as the introduction to the narrative structure of 'Thriller'. It cleverly combines a romantic element with horror, drawing viewers into the story and setting the mood for what follows.

The Transformation

As Michael drives with his girlfriend, he looks into the rearview mirror and sees his eyes glowing. In a shocking turn, he reveals his wolf-like transformation. The special effects and makeup create an impactful visual, becoming iconic in horror and music video history. This pivotal moment is both thrilling and alarming, showcasing a drastic change in Michael's character. The aftermath sees him fully embracing his new identity, leading to an elaborate dance sequence with the undead that captivates the audience's attention even more. It heightens the fear and excitement of the entire film.

Context: This transformation is crucial as it marks the moment where Michael Jackson's character steps into the supernatural realm, giving insight into the fusion of fear and allure.

Zombie Dance Sequence

In perhaps one of the most memorable sequences, Michael leads a group of dancing zombies. The choreography is intense and synchronized, which amplifies the eerie atmosphere. The zombies moving in unison alongside Michael creates a sense of both beauty and horror. The climactic moment occurs when Michael performs his iconic 'Thriller' dance, drawing viewers deeper into the music and connecting them to the underlying theme of the struggle between good and evil. The aftermath features the culmination of fear and fun, with the audience left in awe. This scene encapsulates the essence of the video, highlighting excellent choreography and creativity.

Context: This moment symbolizes the merging of horror culture with mainstream music, offering a commentary on the complexities of fear and enjoyment.

The Chase

After the zombie dance, Michael and his girlfriend find themselves pursued by the monstrous undead forces. The tension peaks as they run through a dark, fog-laden street, heightening fear and urgency. The visuals are gripping, with shadows lurking around every corner, intensifying the dramatic stakes. This adds to the narrative of survival and avoidance of danger. The aftermath sees them finding refuge in an abandoned house, which leads into the next exciting sequence. The fear and thrill of this chase resonate with viewers, evoking feelings of adrenaline and panic.

Context: The chase plays with the familiar horror trope of being pursued, adding layers to the relationship narrative and character development.

The Graveyard Return

As Michael and his girlfriend barricade themselves in an old house, we see reflections in the window of zombies approaching. The scene reaches its climax when Michael realizes he has to face the music and confront the undead. The tension is palpable, leading to Michael bravely stepping outside, ready for confrontation. Afterward, this unification of characters and the undead allows for the final dance-off where they all collectively shine in rhythm and choreography. The fear transcends into acceptance, showcasing a remarkable blend of horror and camaraderie.

Context: This moment signifies transformation not just for Michael but for the fear he faces within himself, embodying the theme of facing your fears.

The Final Embrace

In a dramatic conclusion, Michael lifts his girlfriend close as the zombies dance around them, showcasing unity in fear. The final embrace happens under a haunting moonlit sky, creating a beautiful yet eerie ambiance. The viewers feel the combination of horror and romance, leading to a cathartic emotional release as the music culminates. After this moment, the scene quiets, leaving viewers with a sense of awe and emotional uplift, despite the fears portrayed. The finale builds upon themes of connection and facing fear together.

Context: This scene encapsulates the fusion of love, fear, and unity. It delivers a heartfelt message about courage and support amid terrifying circumstances.

Michael's Eye-Popping Transition

As Michael transitions back to his human form at a crucial moment in the film, he freezes mid-dance, and the focus shifts to his eyes. The crescendo of music weaves through the air, creating a tantalizing climax as his eyes bulge, portraying a range of emotions. This pivotal moment is both shocking and mesmerizing, captivating the audience's attention. After this transformation, the atmosphere lightens, reinforcing the bond between him and his girlfriend. This powerful visual conveys the idea of duality and self-acceptance.

Context: This transformation signifies the constant battle between light and darkness, a key theme within the narrative, reinforcing Michael's character struggles.

Face to Face with Fear

As Michael faces the zombies who previously chased him, there’s a moment of stillness. A close-up focuses on his determined expression reflecting courage and fearlessness. The pivotal event happens as he begins to dance again, shifting from fear to control. The choreography and closer shots amplify the emotional intensity. This moment transforms the atmosphere from one of dread to empowerment as they embrace the rhythm. The aftermath leads to the characters breaking free from their fears, uniting through dance.

Context: This moment highlights Michael’s growth as he reaches a personal breakthrough that represents overcoming fear, a central facet of the film.

The Pendant Revelation

In a tender moment, Michael gifts his girlfriend a pendant that signifies their bond amidst their thrilling adventure. The atmosphere is softly lit, enhancing the emotional intimacy of the scene. The dialogue is heartfelt, showing Michael’s commitment before plunging back into the horror. This pivotal moment allows for a romantic connection against the backdrop of fear. After this exchange, the intensity of their relationship deepens, making their struggle more personal.

Context: This scene emphasizes love as a powerful motivator, enriching the overall narrative of bravery amid challenges.

Confronting the Night

Michael stands alone before a full moon, facing the camera with determination and a haunting smile. This pivotal moment captures the duality within him—a mix of beauty and horror. A beautiful orchestral piece underscores his emotions, creating a sense of elegance within fear. After this moment, the resolve he displays propels the story forward. This segment resonates with viewers showcasing inner strength amid chaos.

Context: Michael’s moment of reflection highlights the theme of self-awareness and personal growth, revealing the dualities of human nature.

Vampire Encounter

Amid the frenetic energy of the group dance, a vampire appears unexpectedly, drawing gasps from viewers. The tension peaks as Michael locks eyes with the creature. Dialogue exchanges create a blend of horror and comedy, showcasing Michael's charisma even in fear. The aftermath leads to heightened stakes as Michael must confront both the vampire and the impending danger. The sudden twist connects with the constant battle theme portrayed throughout.

Context: This scene showcases the playful interaction with horror while still maintaining emotional stakes, humor, and surprise.

Dancing in the Moonlight

The zombies dance around Michael and his girlfriend under the glow of the moon, creating a visually mesmerizing scene. The choreography is marked with intense energy and syncopation, resulting in a captivating display. The pivotal moment occurs when all characters fully embrace the music, blurring the line between life and death. The aftermath enhances the theme of unity and acceptance as they all dance together.

Context: This highlight encapsulates the connection between life and death, representing how the characters find solace and beauty in the chaos.

The Heart-Stopping Finale

In one of the final scenes, a cinematic twist of the camera reveals the living room where everyone is seated. There’s a moment of disbelief as the audience realizes that everything may have been a dream. This exhilarating climax sends chills down viewers’ spines. After this revelation, the music softens, emphasizing the contrast between horror and normalcy, leaving them contemplating what is real.

Context: This ending comment underscores the theme of illusion and reality, compelling viewers to ponder the nature of fear and dreams.

The Final Dance

As the movie culminates, Michael and the undead perform their last dance ritual. The intensity of their choreography amplifies, becoming a climactic celebration of life and acceptance. The magic of music prevails as the visuals blend the spooky with vibrant, showcasing Michael’s genius. The aftermath sees the characters defying fear, leaving audiences with hope. This dance marks a cathartic moment that encapsulates the message of overcoming adversity.

Context: The final dance solidifies the unity theme, representing how love can conquer even the darkest fears.

The Transformation Back

In an emotionally charged scene, Michael returns to his human form, expressing vulnerability. His girlfriend supports him through this journey, making it a powerful moment of acceptance. The pivotal point includes a slow, meaningful expression displayed on Michael’s face, making viewers empathize with him during this transition. Following this metamorphosis, the atmosphere shifts—from horror to love and relief.

Context: This moment symbolizes the journey of self-acceptance, highlighting vulnerability, and sets up the emotional resolution of their relationship.

The Iconic Pose

Michael strikes his signature pose with arms outstretched, silhouetted against the moonlight at the end of the film. It’s visually stunning, evoking feelings of freedom and acceptance. The pivotal moment occurs when the music reaches its peak, perfectly paired with this visual representation. The aftermath leaves a lasting impression on audience minds, with this image becoming iconic in film history.

Context: This gesture embodies the themes of unity and love, symbolizing courage in the face of fear, making it memorable.

End Credits Reflection

As the music fades, the credits roll over a lingering shadow of Michael dancing alone against the night sky. This final reflection offers viewers a moment to soak in the journey they’ve been on. The tone shifts from excitement to introspection, allowing audiences to reflect on the themes of love, fear, and connection. The aftermath leaves audiences feeling fulfilled and contemplative.

Context: This closing scene invites continuous reflection on the themes expressed throughout the film, tying together its emotional resonance.


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The Director's Vision

The famous music video was directed by John Landis, who initially envisioned it as a short horror film rather than a traditional music video.

Why it matters: This creative decision set 'Thriller' apart from other music videos of the time. Landis aimed to create a cinematic experience, blending music with compelling storytelling, which greatly enhanced the audience's engagement.

Iconic Makeup and Choreography

Rick Baker, the legendary makeup artist, created the zombie and werewolf transformations, which required hours to apply.

Why it matters: Baker's groundbreaking special effects elevated the visual quality of 'Thriller,' influencing future music videos and horror films by showcasing the potential of makeup artistry in storytelling.

Collaborative Choreography

The famous choreography was created by Michael Peters, who collaborated closely with Michael Jackson to ensure the moves matched the song's rhythm and narrative.

Why it matters: This collaboration resulted in one of the most memorable dance sequences in music video history, blending precise choreography with the story, which continues to inspire artists today.

A Risky Performance

Michael Jackson insisted on performing the dance on the streets of Los Angeles, recklessly attracting large crowds during filming.

Why it matters: The chaotic environment added an authentic urgency to the performance, showcasing Jackson's commitment to creating an epic and powerful visual experience.

Acting in a Music Video

Michael Jackson portrayed both the protagonist and zombie in the video; his dedication included mastering the character's transitions.

Why it matters: This duality showcased Jackson's versatility as an artist and added depth to his character's emotional journey, resonating with the audience on multiple levels.

The Famous Ventriloquist Scene

The terrifying scene with the live-action skeleton was created by puppeteer and special effects artist A. A. Milne.

Why it matters: This choice to include novel effects enhanced the horror element, effectively combining elements of film and music while redefining expectations for music videos.

The Exaggerated Soundtrack

The sound effects, including the iconic crunching bones and eerie moans, were added in post-production to heighten tension.

Why it matters: These sound elements contributed significantly to the atmosphere of the video and became a signature element in horror media, influencing future productions.

Cameo by Vincent Price

Vincent Price's spoken-word segment was recorded in just one take, showcasing his legendary voice and presence.

Why it matters: Price’s involvement added a touch of authenticity and horror gravitas to the track, further solidifying 'Thriller' as a classic by tying it to horror film history.

The Dance Instruction

Michael Jackson had dance rehearsals with the entire cast weeks before filming to ensure synchrony in the group's performances.

Why it matters: This meticulous preparation paid off, as the well-coordinated dance sequence made the music video unforgettable and set a new standard for choreography in the industry.

Innovative Budgeting

The budget for 'Thriller' was budgeted at $500,000, a substantial sum for a music video at that time, necessitating careful financial planning.

Why it matters: This investment demonstrated a belief in the artistic potential of music videos, helping to evolve the genre into a formidable form of entertainment and paving the way for future high-budget productions.

Using Real Filming Locations

Filming took place in the actual streets of Los Angeles, which required coordinating with local authorities and managing a production crew amid public distractions.

Why it matters: By using real environments, the video drew in a rawness that elevated viewer immersion, establishing an ambitious precedent for future artists.

Choreography's Cultural Impact

The choreography, particularly the iconic 'zombie dance,' has been heavily referenced and parodied in numerous shows and events since its release.

Why it matters: This cultural infiltration highlighted the enduring appeal and recognition of 'Thriller,' cementing its place in pop culture history.

The Unofficial Horror Film

Due to its narrative and visual style, many regarded 'Thriller' as a mini-horror film, leading to television screenings during Halloween.

Why it matters: This perspective allowed 'Thriller' to transcend its music video classification and influence how future music videos could incorporate genre elements.

Last-Minute Changes

The ending of 'Thriller' was changed late in production when Michael Jackson decided to retain the horror theme instead of a happy closure.

Why it matters: This decision crafted a sense of lingering unease that compelled viewers to reflect on the themes of fear and magic, contributing to the video’s lasting power.

The Iconic Jacket

Michael's red leather jacket worn in 'Thriller' became a fashion statement, designed specifically to capture attention and enhance his superstar persona.

Why it matters: The jacket's iconic status helped bridge fashion with music, influencing both the music and style industries for years to come.

The Dance Audience

When filming the dance scenes, Jackson encouraged the participation of onlookers to capture authentic reactions.

Why it matters: This engagement not only made the video feel lively and spontaneous but also showcased Jackson's charisma and magnetic energy.

Soundtrack Success

'Thriller' became the best-selling album of all time, largely attributed to the sensational success of the title track and its groundbreaking video.

Why it matters: This achievement confirmed the power of synergizing music and visual storytelling, inspiring artists to consider how their music videos could enhance album sales.

Setting a New Standard

Upon release, 'Thriller' redefined the music video industry standards in production quality and storytelling.

Why it matters: This shift encouraged artists to invest more in their videos and explore narrative depth, forever changing the landscape of music entertainment.

Cultural Commentary

The video's themes of fear, love, and transformation resonated deeply, allowing for interpretation beyond mere entertainment.

Why it matters: This reflective aspect has kept 'Thriller' relevant, with audiences continuing to analyze its social themes years after its debut.

The Total Package

The combination of music, dance, horror influences, and storytelling made 'Thriller' a total entertainment package that was unprecedented.

Why it matters: This holistic approach created a new model for how music videos could operate as multimedia narratives, influencing countless artists who followed.


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