It’s such a breath of fresh air to watch something about Michael Jackson that is about the artist. “Thriller 40” is a ninety minute look in to the making of Michael Jackson’s historic album “Thriller” and how much it influenced a generation. As well director Nelson George digs in to how it continues to influence generations both far and wide, and the way every movement within the album was a calculated bit by Jackson to completely boost his status from superstar to near deity proportions. “Thriller 40” is a marvelous documentary that gets down to the nitty gritty of the making of “Thriller.”
The 1983 album was an enormous hit and Nelson George explores how the album signified a change in Michael’s career, how it helped him carve out his own niche from his family, and how many minds worked on the album to help cement it as a smash hit. The film goes through every single track on the album, discussing the evolution of the song, the impact of the song, and what Michael ultimately thought of it. Although many will tune in to hear about the title track of the album, the movie does a great job of exploring the making of the other songs in the album that are amazing in their own right.
There’s talks about Michael working on “The Girl is Mine,” Michael’s attempts to be a bit edgier with “Wanna Be Starting Something?” and what ended up being his favorite track: “Human Nature.” There’s also a ton of exploration on “Billie Jean” and how it helped propel Jackson as an icon with the introduction of the Moonwalk to the world. They’re all riveting anecdotes, and there is of course the discussion of “Thriller” and how it went from a single to a multimedia enterprise inspiring a hit VHS tape, and a world premiere music video/short film. There’s also great significance placed on how it caused MTV to re-considered playing music from black artists, as they ultimately refused to play music from people of color in the first few years of their life on cable television.
There is some discussion about Michael’s scandals as how he was goaded in to touring with his family by his father, as well as being forced to do his disastrous brand deal with Pepsi, despite the fact he hated the product, and even refused to hold it. “Thriller 40” is a great and engaging chronicle of a truly outstanding music album. It will prove to be a delight for Michael Jackson fans and music buffs alike.
Now airing on Showtime and streaming on Paramount Plus.