When Michael Jackson first tossed a coin into a jukebox and leaned into the opening notes of "Smooth Criminal," he didn't just release a music video—he redefined what a short film could be. Decades later, the in HD remains a masterclass in style, storytelling, and revolutionary choreography. The Origins of a Masterpiece
The video for "Smooth Criminal," which premiered in , served as the centerpiece of Jackson’s feature-length film, Moonwalker . Directed by Colin Chilvers , the project was a departure from the suburban horror of Thriller , opting instead for a gritty, noir-inspired 1930s gangster aesthetic. When Michael Jackson first tossed a coin into
Defying Gravity: The Timeless Cool of Michael Jackson’s "Smooth Criminal" Directed by Colin Chilvers , the project was
The video’s crown jewel is the , a move that sees Jackson and his dancers tilt forward at a 45-degree angle while keeping their feet flat on the floor. Interview With Director/Choreographer Vincent Paterson Directed by Colin Chilvers