The Making of 'Thriller'

My review was written in February 1984 after watching the program on a Vestron video cassette.

Yet another promotional piece to spur the unending sales of Michael Jackson's "Thriller" LP and singles on the Epic label, this documentary provides an entertaining view of film director John Landis at work. Displaying an enviable rapport with actors and technical personnel, Landis, currently embroiled in the "Twilight Zone" hearing, comes off as a funny personality given to frequent horseplay during off moments as he monitors all phases of production.

Especially rewarding here is an in-depth look at Oscar-winning makeup artist Rick Baker preparing Jackson's cat-monster makeup for the film. The 14-minute Landid-helmed "Thriller" short film is shown in its entirety, followed by candid footage of dance and acting rehearsals and the actual filming of key scenes.

Beyond the "Thriller" film are clips from Jackson's Bob Giraldi-helmed "Beat It" music short and a psychedelic-styled Jackson 5 music short "Can You Feel It", of which Jackson is quite proud. Highlight is a videotape of Jackson's show-stopping onstage performance of "Billie Jean" for the "Motown 35th Anniversary" tv special, a dance routine he reports even impressed Fred Astaire, and understandably so.