"No one's gonna save you from the beast about to strike"
Michael Jackson's Thriller - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Full Moon
The full moon is a classic horror symbol that traditionally triggers transformations, most notably into werewolves. In "Thriller," it symbolizes the unleashing of primal instincts and hidden desires. It is the catalyst for Michael's first transformation, representing an uncontrollable force of nature that reveals his hidden, monstrous side.
It appears during the 1950s-style film-within-a-film, right before Michael transforms into a werecat. Its presence immediately signals a shift from a romantic moment to one of classic horror.
The Zombie Dance
The synchronized dance of the zombies represents a subversion of horror. Instead of being mindless, terrifying creatures, they become performers in a grand, artistic spectacle. It symbolizes the power of music and dance to unify and to transform something frightening into something captivating and even joyful. It also highlights Michael's control over the forces of darkness, leading them rather than being consumed by them.
This is the centerpiece of the film, occurring after Michael and his girlfriend are surrounded by zombies in the street. Michael joins them, leading a complex, iconic dance routine before they resume their pursuit of his girlfriend.
Michael's Red Jacket
The vibrant red jacket, designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis, has become an iconic piece of fashion history. In the context of the film, the color red often symbolizes danger, passion, and blood. It makes Michael stand out amidst the dark, gloomy settings and the pale, decaying zombies, signifying his status as the central figure who is both part of the horror and the hero of the spectacle.
Michael wears this jacket during the main 1980s storyline, including the famous zombie dance sequence. Its bright color is a stark contrast to the muted tones of the graveyard and the zombies' decaying clothes.
The Movie Theater
The movie theater serves as a framing device and a symbol of the boundary between fiction and reality. It represents a safe space where horror can be consumed as entertainment. By having the characters watch a horror film that mirrors their later experiences, the video breaks the fourth wall and questions the safety of that boundary.
After the opening werecat scene, the film cuts to Michael and Ola in a movie theater, revealing the previous events were a film they were watching. Ola's fear prompts them to leave, leading them from the fictional horror on screen to a seemingly real one outside.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true nature of a 'monster'?
The film explores the concept of the monster as something that resides within us. Michael is not attacked by an external force; the monster is a part of him that is unleashed. However, his monstrous forms are not purely evil. As a zombie, he becomes a charismatic leader and artist. This raises questions about whether monstrosity is inherently evil or simply a manifestation of a primal, untamed aspect of our nature. The film challenges the simple binary of human versus monster, suggesting a more complex and integrated reality.
Where is the line between fantasy and reality?
"Thriller" deliberately blurs this line from the beginning with its film-within-a-film structure. The audience is constantly asked to re-evaluate what is real within the narrative's context. The dream sequence that turns out to be not-quite-a-dream further complicates this. The film suggests that the fears and fantasies we create in our minds (or watch on a screen) can have a powerful and tangible impact on our reality, and that the boundary between the two is more permeable than we think.
Core Meaning
"Michael Jackson's Thriller" is a multi-layered work that explores the transition from innocence to experience and the duality of human nature. On the surface, it's a tribute to classic horror films, but at its core, it delves into themes of adolescent anxieties, burgeoning sexuality, and the fine line between fantasy and reality. Director John Landis has suggested that the transformations Michael undergoes—from a boy-next-door to a werecat and a zombie—can be seen as metaphors for the frightening and uncontrollable changes of puberty. The film-within-a-film structure constantly forces the audience to question what is real, suggesting that the horrors we imagine can be just as potent as those we experience. Ultimately, the film is a celebration of the horror genre while also serving as a complex allegory for personal transformation and the thrill of confronting one's own fears.