Textual Analysis: Michael Jackson - Thriller

Generic codes and conventions in the video of thriller is much different from what you would usually see in its decade as the costume designs and amount of performers in the video are significantly different. As celebrities are usually known for being the fashion icons of this world, the costume design of Michael Jackson’s red suit stood out from the rest as it was much more unique and eye-catching then others. Furthermore as this was a pop music video the amount of performers being in sync and dancing to the same moves was at a larger scale, making the video much more entertaining and matchless. 

The relationship between sound and images have been used exceptionally as well for example scenes such as the graveyard coming to life a voiceover also being included really sets the atmosphere and mood giving added depth to the track, this particular scene makes the whole video seem like a horror film as the voiceover explains what is going on giving the video a gothic and horror theme.

Additionally the use of camera shots and angels is varied, in the beginning of the video we start of with a long shot / tracking shot of Michael Jackson and the actress, this allows us to see costume design and body language of the two, the actress in the video is shown to be fashionable and glamorous as the high-heels and coat/jeans suggests so.

The video also features aspects of horror costumers and characters that are depicted in this to be superior and important; by having rapid zoom in and low angle close-up shots it is straight-forward to the audience that this is a visual change in the leads characters appearance which has a dramatic relevance to the lyrics on of the song giving emphasises that this is a ‘scary’ video. We also encounter many long shots in this video as well thus allowing the video to give a much greater visual impact as the audience can see the mise-en-scene in the video such as the gothic settings of graveyards and deserted houses.

There are many low angle shots of the zombies in the video which shows them to be superior as they are chasing Michael and the actress; this helps us to understand that they are isolated and venerable to them.

The intertextuality included in this video such as the evil laugh and American ware wolf also signifies the theme of the video as a ‘horror film’. Lastly this particular video is narrative, concept and performance based mixing up all elements of music videos appealing to a much wider audience and giving much more to see and admire by the viewer. The choreographed dance performance is an iconic routine of Michael Jackson and can be seen in any of his music videos, additionally the horror aspect gives it a concept as well as the beginning scene of Michael Jackson with the woman adding a narrative.