Michael Jackson- A case studyRicardo Da Silva Media A2

Contents A timeline of Michael Jacksons music video

history. A detailed textual analysis of Michael Jacksons music video- Bad.

Michael Jackson Music video history

ABC- 1970 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ho7796-au8U

Michael Jacksons fist music video appearance

came at the hands of his family based band the Jackson 5. In this video be see a young Michael a bundle of energy singing and dancing in a more natural form with the restrictions of conforming to a stage persona. Simple in its design it both reflects the early beginning of the band and Michael. It was also to be a rarity as he Michael was soon quick to become a solo artist where his individuality would shine through.

Rock with you- 1979 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5X-Mrc2l1d0

In this video we see for the first time a relatively

adult Michael performing in his first ever solo music video. His previous energy is felt but it is directed into specific moves and some of his trademark moves develop from there. We also see the low budget setting was to change later on in life. However it is clear to see that Michael still attempts to add some glamour with his sparkly outfit and rainbow coloured background.

Thriller- 1982 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4V90AmXnguw This album and music video changed his

Michaels life. We can see the differences from his off the wall music videos. That success had allowed him to follow his favoured destination of Hollywood style music videos of which the lyrics and song played in tandem to produce a great piece of art. The artist freedom is clear from the dance moves that seem choreographed to his specifications and the introductions that displayed the music videos film merit. Furthemore the dark and sombre moods of the videos like Beat it and Thriller gave a clear insight into what was taking place in his life at the time.

Man in the mirror- 1987 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps

This music video was part of infamous album

Bad. In this song and video Michael displayed his concerns for issues outside the music world. The video reflects this with different images of people protesting and wars and crimes. This shows that Michael believes that while the songs should be cinematic they should project a message for people. He was aware of his influence to his fans so he used the music videos as an easier platform to do so.

Black or White-1991 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2AitTPI5U0

After going through some stuff times with the

media questioning certain life decisions he had taken Michael was back again to where he started all those years ago with Billie Jean. He was defending himself via the medium of his music video. Displaying terrific creativity in his video while also trying to show people that he was normal and they should respect him. The music video is a lot more upbeat and has more joyful tempo with Michael constantly smiling and trying to display an image of a nice person.

Scream- 1995 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbC2qhIiRrQ

Joining forces with his sister for the first time in

this music video. This joint collabortaive effort is quite left field and different to what we had come to expect form him as an artist. Although very grand and cinematic the theme had never been seen before. Its clear from the extra terrestrial theme that once again Michael is sending a subliminal message that he feels alienated from society because of the goings on in his life.

You rock my world- 2001 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-7ABIM2qjU

May would consider this to be Michaels swan

song from both music and his famous cinematic videos. With the cast containing Chris Tucker Michael attempted one last narrative music video. It contained all his traditional moves and edge. However there was no longer a powerful message, it had been replaced with a more light hearted subject of love and romance. Furthermore the inclusion of Chris Tucker was a clear means of attempting to keep with the times and add a comedic element that was had been previously unseen in many of his videos.

A detailed textual analysis of Michael Jacksons music video- Bad. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsUXAEzaC3Q

General Information "Bad" was released on September 1987, as the

second single from Jackson's seventh studio album of the same name. "Bad" was generally well received by contemporary music critics, with some critics noting that "Bad" helped Jackson's image become edgier during the Bad-era. A music video for "Bad" was directed by Martin Scorsese Strongly influenced by the "Cool" scene in West Side Story. The music video received one nomination at the

The mise-en-scene is very early set with Michael given the

clear instructions to make menacing faces. This has the effect on the audience of knowing that this song has a clear and powerful message that must be enjoyed but also some what feared. Considering the Michael wanted to have an edgier image. These subtle differences would have changed his star image quite significantly

Here we see the use of quite provocative gestures

where he flexes different parts of the body. Taking into the account the lyrics of the song is clear that Michael is trying to portray an alpha male feel. This is further seen in the mise-en-scene. The clothing suggest unique manliness only seen in Michael. The setting in the mean time shows a more dyer glimpse to the hard world he faces.

The ever present dance moves are a huge part of this

videos appeal to many people. There is a combination of battle scenes and dancing coming together to show a tough gang. The lighting remains dark throughout as to give the impression that while the flamboyant dance moves are there we should be aware that there purpose is different to the past.

The camera angles tend to be in mid shot and see

him in the middle of the frame. This places Michael as the centre of attention whilst also creating an ere of importance. This subsequently places anything he does in the forefront of peoples minds.

In this sequence the camera pivots around Michael in

a 360 degree angle as a means of allowing him to directly address the audience. While being quite unnerving it is clear to see that he wants to make clear that he blames us all of the recent turmoil that has befallen him.