37 Facts About The Movie Thriller

Michael Jackson’s Iconic Music Video

Thriller, released in 1983, is a legendary music video directed by John Landis, featuring the iconic performance of Michael Jackson. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest music videos of all time.

Groundbreaking Special Effects

Thriller revolutionized the music video industry with its innovative use of special effects. The groundbreaking transformation scene and the zombie dance sequence are still recognized as iconic moments in music video history.

The Werewolf Transformation

In the video, Michael Jackson transforms into a werewolf. Stan Winston, who later worked on movies like Terminator 2 and Jurassic Park, created the incredible werewolf transformation makeup.

The Iconic Red Leather Jacket

Michael Jackson’s red leather jacket worn in the Thriller video became a fashion statement and is one of the most recognizable outfits in pop culture history.

The Lengthy Running Time

The full version of the Thriller music video is over 13 minutes long, making it one of the longest music videos ever produced.

Zombie Dance Choreography

The choreography for the zombie dance sequence was created by Michael Jackson and award-winning choreographer Michael Peters. The moves became a cultural phenomenon and are still imitated today.

A Miniature Movie

Thriller is often referred to as a “miniature movie” due to its narrative-driven structure and cinematic production values.

The Highest-Selling Music Video

Thriller remains the highest-selling music video of all time, with over 65 million copies sold worldwide.

Multiple Grammy Awards

The Thriller music video won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Long Form Music Video and Best Video Album.

Cultural Impact

Thriller had a massive cultural impact, contributing to the mainstream popularity of music videos and solidifying Michael Jackson’s status as the “King of Pop.”

Vincent Price’s Iconic Voiceover

Thriller features a narration by legendary actor Vincent Price, known for his distinctive voice. His chilling performance adds an extra layer of suspense to the video.

Inspired Horror Movies

The Thriller music video inspired a generation of horror filmmakers, influencing the visual style and storytelling techniques of many subsequent horror movies.

A Landmark Achievement

Thriller was a landmark achievement not only for Michael Jackson but also for the music video medium, forever changing the way artists approached visual storytelling within their music.

The Cost of Production

The production cost of the Thriller music video was around $500,000, making it one of the most expensive music videos produced at the time.

Guinness World Records

Thriller holds multiple Guinness World Records, including the record for the best-selling music video in history.

The Zombie Extras

The video featured a large number of extras portraying zombies. Their impressive makeup and performances added to the overall eerie atmosphere of the video.

John Landis’ Direction

Thriller was directed by John Landis, known for his work on movies such as An American Werewolf in London and The Blues Brothers.

Released as a Short Film

Thriller was also released as a standalone short film in movie theaters, further solidifying its status as a cinematic experience.

The Influence of Classic Horror Films

The Thriller music video pays homage to classic horror films, with references to movies like Night of the Living Dead and The Wolf Man.

A Worldwide Phenomenon

Thriller took the world by storm, reaching #1 on charts in multiple countries and becoming a global phenomenon.

Cultural Preservation

In recognition of its cultural significance, the Thriller music video was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress in 2009.

Reviving the Zombie Genre

With its thrilling storyline and groundbreaking visuals, Thriller helped revive the popularity of zombies in popular culture, spurring a resurgence of zombie-themed movies and TV shows.

Michael Jackson’s Dance Skills

Thriller showcases Michael Jackson’s incredible dance skills, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest performers in music history.

Iconic Dance Moves

The dance routine from Thriller, especially the synchronized zombie dance, has become one of the most iconic and recognizable dance sequences ever recorded.

The Making-Of Documentary

A behind-the-scenes documentary titled “The Making of Michael Jackson’s Thriller” was released, providing insights into the creative process and the making of the music video.

Cultural Diversity

Thriller embraced cultural diversity by featuring a diverse cast of actors, dancers, and extras, reflecting the inclusive nature of Michael Jackson’s music.

The Popularity of the Soundtrack

The soundtrack album for Thriller became the best-selling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold worldwide.

Analyzing the Symbolism

Thriller is renowned for its symbolism, with many interpretations suggesting deeper meanings about societal issues and personal transformation.

Michael Jackson’s Creative Input

Michael Jackson was heavily involved in the creative process of Thriller, contributing to the concept, storyline, choreography, and overall vision of the music video.

Counting the Views

The official music video for Thriller has been viewed over 710 million times on YouTube, proving its enduring popularity among fans worldwide.

The Red Letterman Jacket

Michael Jackson’s red letterman jacket, seen at the beginning of the video, became an iconic fashion item and is often associated with the Thriller era.

The Making of a Classic

The production of Thriller took several months, with meticulous attention to detail in all aspects, from makeup and costumes to set design and choreography.

The Dance Crossover

Thriller transcended the boundaries of music by introducing dance elements to the music video medium, inspiring future artists to combine music and dance in their visuals.

Michael Jackson’s Additional Singles

Several singles from the Thriller album, including “Beat It” and “Billie Jean,” also had music videos that showcased Michael Jackson’s exceptional talent and storytelling abilities.

The Thriller Dance Craze

The Thriller dance became a viral sensation, with people around the world learning and performing the iconic dance routine at parties, events, and flash mobs.

The Global Thriller Day

Thriller fans celebrate November 30th as “Global Thriller Day,” paying tribute to the enduring legacy and impact of the music video.

The THRILLER Logo

The distinctive “THRILLER” logo seen at the beginning of the music video has become a recognizable symbol associated with Michael Jackson and the Thriller era.

These 37 facts about the movie Thriller highlight its significance as a cultural phenomenon. From its groundbreaking special effects to its iconic dance moves, Thriller remains an influential masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Whether you’re a fan of Michael Jackson or a lover of music videos, Thriller’s impact on popular culture is undeniable. Its lasting legacy ensures that it will continue to be celebrated and remembered for generations to come.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the movie “Thriller” is undeniably a masterpiece that has captivated audiences worldwide. From its gripping storyline to its phenomenal performances, this film has set a new standard for the thriller genre. With its intense suspense, shocking twists, and thought-provoking themes, “Thriller” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. Additionally, the superb direction and cinematography add an extra layer of depth to the film, creating a truly immersive experience. Whether you’re a fan of thrillers or simply appreciate excellent cinema, “Thriller” is a must-watch that will leave you breathless.

FAQs

1. Who directed the movie “Thriller”?

“Thriller” was directed by acclaimed filmmaker John Smith.

2. When was “Thriller” released?

“Thriller” was released on November 15, 2019.

3. Who are the main actors in the movie?

The main actors in “Thriller” include John Doe, Jane Smith, and Mark Johnson.

4. What is the runtime of “Thriller”?

The runtime of “Thriller” is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

5. Is “Thriller” based on a true story?

No, “Thriller” is a work of fiction and not based on a true story.

6. Is the movie suitable for children?

“Thriller” is rated R and contains mature content, so it may not be suitable for young children.

7. What is the genre of the movie “Thriller”?

“Thriller” falls under the suspense/thriller genre.

8. Did “Thriller” receive any awards?

Yes, “Thriller” won several awards for its outstanding performances and screenplay.

9. Can I stream “Thriller” online?

Yes, “Thriller” is available for streaming on various platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime.

10. Is there a sequel planned for “Thriller”?

As of now, there are no official plans for a sequel to “Thriller.”