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Music Video Analysis- Thriller, Micheal Jackson

One of the main reasons as to why this music video is seen as iconic is due to it being one of the very first music videos to be made in the style of a short film which is similar to a horror film. Another key aspect as to why this music video is seen as iconic is due to the theme of horror which is shown through many mise en scene and sound aspects throughout the film which makes the video iconic as no music videos had ever been made that were based around very little other than the artist and their lyrics let alone a horror film which is why Thriller stands out.

Many mise en scene elements which are based around the horror genre are used effectively within the music video. We see props such as the smoke and fog which helps to create a spooky and mysterious feel for the audience and add to the realism of the video. The setting of the graveyard and spooky house are also key elements of the horror genre which help to distinguish from the typical everyday settings that are seen in most music videos, the fact that its set at night also helps to create a more haunted music video.

One key aspect of what makes the music video a success is the link between on screen visuals and sound, during the video we hear and see dialogue when Micheal Jackson mentions the door slamming and then immediately after a non diegetic door slam sound effect plays this adds continuity to the video as well as making the audience jump. We also hear an eary screeching sound effect suddenly implemented when we see a change on screen when the zombies awake from the grave which is used to add to the haunted atmosphere that seeing the zombies awake creates.

The frequent use of close ups of Micheal Jacksons face also help to emphasise his change from being normal to zombified and the close ups of him make it clear to the audience that the girl is in danger. another important camera shot within the extract is the wide shot which is used to show the choreography and manages to incorporate all of the zombies dancing and emphasise that they are taking over.