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Making Michael Jackson's Thriller

Name: Making Michael Jackson's Thriller
Director: Jerry Kramer
Released: 1983
Duration: 60 min

Representation Score

4.7/10

Fair

1983

Director

Jerry Kramer

Runtime

60 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

This documentary serves as a technical retrospective of a landmark music video. It prioritizes the mechanics of professional filmmaking and high-concept production over social commentary or diverse identity exploration. The film's greatest strength lies in its historical documentation of Black ability to act. By centering a Black icon in a position of unprecedented global influence, it challenges standard industry hierarchies of the time. However, the work remains traditional in its depiction of gender and social identity. It focuses on the logistical triumphs of a commercial production rather than providing space for diverse physical or cognitive experiences.

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Category Breakdown

Does Making Michael Jackson's Thriller have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The documentary does not include any focus on LGBTQ+ narratives or non-binary gender identities. The subject matter is focused solely on technical and choreographic elements.

How does Making Michael Jackson's Thriller portray gender?

Fair

The creative control is centered around a traditional director-star-choreographer team. Female performers are part of the dance ensemble, but the film reflects the gender hierarchies of the 1980s.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Making Michael Jackson's Thriller?

Good

The film highlights Black ability to act by centering Michael Jackson as the main driver of a large-scale production. It includes a diverse group of dancers.

How does Making Michael Jackson's Thriller represent religion and culture?

Limited

The work celebrates high-budget, capitalist-driven media production. It emphasizes the prestige of the global pop machine without engaging in cultural critiques.

Does Making Michael Jackson's Thriller include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no focus on disability or neurodivergence. The emphasis remains on the physical perfection and high stamina required of the performers.

Present on Screen

Provides a significant historical marker of Black ability to act within a global commercial medium.
Features a diverse group of dancers supporting the central figure in a mainstream context.
Offers a detailed look at the technical craftsmanship and high-concept production of a music milestone.

Limited or Absent

Lacks any explicit focus on LGBTQ+ themes or non-binary gender identities.
Maintains traditional 1980s professional hierarchies regarding gendered power dynamics.
Does not provide space for the exploration of disability or diverse cognitive experiences.

Official Synopsis

Featuring interviews with director John Landis, make-up artist Rick Baker, and the King of Pop himself, Making Michael Jackson's Thriller takes you on a behind-the-scenes journey from pre-production to shooting on the ghoulish graveyard set of Michael Jackson's legendary music video and short film.

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