by As an ardent Michael Jackson fan, I was surprised to learn that the late King of Pop harbored insecurities about his performance in what is considered one of the most groundbreaking and influential music videos of all time – “Billie Jean”. In a rare moment of vulnerability, Jackson admitted in a 2009 interview with Ebony magazine that he never felt “cool” during the filming of the renowned video, always worrying about how he would be perceived.
This confession from one of the most consummate performers in history is illuminating, as it reveals the human side of a man widely considered a genius. Like many artistic giants, Jackson was plagued by self-doubt and anxiety about living up to his own perfectionistic standards. However, his candid remarks about lacking confidence while filming “Billie Jean” do not diminish the undeniable impact of the video and his consummate artistry.
Released in 1983 as the second single from Jackson’s epochal album Thriller, “Billie Jean” was a massive commercial and critical success. The accompanying music video undoubtedly played a pivotal role in propelling the song to the top of charts globally. Directed by Steve Barron, the short film is regarded as the video that broke the color barrier on MTV, debunking the myth that black artists lacked appeal to pop audiences.
When the network initially refused to air “Billie Jean,” CBS Records President Walter Yetnikoff threatened to pull his label’s entire catalog from MTV if they did not relent. Their capitulation marked a major moment in both Jackson’s career and pop culture, as MTV’s programming and aesthetics were never the same. Suddenly, with the premiere of the “Billie Jean” video, music videos were as important as radio play.
As a fan who grew up mesmerized by Jackson’s talent via his myriad thrilling videos, it’s hard to imagine he lacked confidence in this particular visual masterpiece. But his vulnerability makes his flawless performance in “Billie Jean” even more impressive.
A consummate showman, Jackson used the medium of film to create his own pop mythology and introduce signature moves like the moonwalk that electrified audiences globally. The “Billie Jean” short film crystallized the allure, mystery, and magic of Michael Jackson, cementing his status as the biggest pop star on the planet.
Shot on a dimly lit stage, the video is minimalist in its production values. But Jackson’s commanding presence rivets with tightly choreographed dancing and crisp, mechanical motions. Dressed in his iconic black trousers, silver socks, black loafers, and red leather jacket, Jackson is spellbinding. His moves exude precision and fluidity.
The video opens with Jackson deftly spinning and landing en pointe gracefully before launching into his classic choreography. He glides and spins effortlessly, each motion sharp and smooth. The camera work accentuates Jackson’s gravity-defying lean in one sequence. In another, a low angle shot makes his dancing seem even more dynamic and balletic.
Jackson pioneered using video as an art form to amplify music’s emotional resonance. The medium allowed him to get lost in character and performance rather than simply mimicking his live shows. In “Billie Jean,” he inhabits the spirit of the jilted, mysterious woman in the song with his movements and expressions.
The most legendary sequence is Jackson’s introduction of his signature moonwalk across a vast, smoky stage. The illusion of gliding backwards while moving forward is achieved flawlessly by Jackson, who spent months perfecting the complex move. Seeing it for the first time left audiences astounded and cemented Jackson’s status as the greatest dancer in pop.
While Jackson reportedly felt self-conscious during filming, his latent insecurity is invisible to the viewer entranced by his seamless theatrics. The consummate entertainer was clearly in his element, fusing dance, music, fashion and storytelling into an unforgettable pop culture touchstone.
An auteur and perfectionist, Jackson utilized the emergent platform of music video to extend his art beyond just songs and performances. In the 1970s, he had already broken ground in live concert films and creative storytelling videos like “Thriller.”
But the boundary-breaking “Billie Jean” video established Jackson as a pioneer of conceptual visual albums and the modern music video. His impeccable style and dancing also made him into a muse for fashion designers and choreographers. The video for “Billie Jean” made clear that Michael Jackson was in firm control of his musical narratives and aesthetics.
Everything about the video seemed to herald the future, from the cinematic visuals to the sleek, electronic production of the track itself. Jackson’s persona also epitomized the boundless optimism of 1980s pop. In “Billie Jean,” he demonstrated how creative vision, sublime talent and technological innovation could produce lasting art.
While Jackson was reportedly plagued by dark doubts, his genius shines undimmed in the “Billie Jean” video. For fans like myself, re-watching the clip is a euphoric experience. The visuals, music and dancing remain as mesmerizing today as they were groundbreaking decades ago.
Despite his insecurity, Jackson had an unwavering belief in the power of his art. That commitment led to him pioneering a new grammar for music video and raising fans’ expectations forever after. The icons who followed Jackson had to contend with the standard he established.
So while Jackson may have felt self-conscious filming “Billie Jean,” his angst was merely a testament to his relentless drive for perfection and innovation. Music videos were never the same after the “Billie Jean” visual album, a form which reigns supreme in pop culture today.
Jackson’s admission of doubt just renders his flawless performance even more astounding. The way he was able to channel his insecurity into creating something timeless is a lesson for all artists. Self-belief doesn’t mean the absence of anxiety. Rather, it is the ability to pursue your vision regardless.
For decades, the “Billie Jean” video has been etched into the pop culture pantheon. It cemented Jackson as the biggest pop star on the planet and broke MTV’s color barrier. Everything about it seemed to foretell the future of music video as an art form.
While Jackson worried he looked awkward and uncool, he actually pioneered the blueprint for contemporary artists. For fans like myself, “Billie Jean” epitomizes Michael Jackson’s singular creative genius and consummate artistry. His self-doubt makes his effortless virtuosity even more astonishing.
