The Soundtrack to My Life
POSTED:Sat, March 1, 2008 @ 3:04PM
Thriller
I walked into Circuit City last weekend in search of an old movie. I flew past the CD’s, but something caught my eye. I stopped and picked up the newly released version of Michael Jackson’s album, “Thriller.” I hadn’t seen the cover since I was a kid, and it struck me how small it was on the CD case. The record that I’d received for my sixth birthday seemed so big compared to the CD that was now in my hands. When I’d opened the record with my tiny hands, the picture of Jackson sitting with a tiger jumped out at me. I suddenly realized how I missed the art of not only the music inside the jacket, but the visual experience of that big picture staring back at me, inviting me to go on a journey through the eyes and heart of its creator.
After I couldn’t find the movie I had gone into Circuit City for, I decided to buy “Thriller.” I have to admit, the bonus DVD that includes four of Jackson’s legendary music videos was the final straw in my decision. I can vividly remember when MTV was in its early days; you know, back when they actually played music videos. Jackson’s music video for “Thriller” scared me, but there was just something about it that made my five-year-old self sit down and watch it.
Jackson’s transformation from teenager to werewolf terrified me. Seeing his teeth grow sharp, his eyes turn yellow, and his hair grow rapidly over his face, while his girlfriend screamed, piercing my ears, I immediately shut my eyes. When the music started, I listened to the hook of the guitar as the sound of wolves howled in the background. When Jackson sang, “You close your eyes and hope that this is just imagination,” I uncovered my eyes and saw that the zombies were dancing, and I realized the horror I felt before was now replaced with awe. Watching the music video now, I still get spooked when I hear Vincent Price cackling as the camera pans on Jackson’s cat-like yellow eyes.
I never realized how much of an impact this video had when it was first released. Instead of Jackson succumbing to “video killing the radio star,” he embraced his opportunity to make the song even more into an art form through the visual adventure of “Thriller.” It clearly paved the way for the future generations of music videos by creating storylines, dances, and special effects. Even though I do not consider myself a big fan of Jackson, I purchased the special edition CD, so that I could re-visit those same feelings of amazement I had as a child.
