Music Video Analysis

Smooth Criminal - Michael Jackson

     This music video is a narrative performace since Michael is clearly danicing while he is being a smooth criminal and protecting the women.  The video acts fits the lyrics to the song not exactly, but Michael is representing the smooth criminal in his actions in the video.  The video is consistent with the lighting that fits the scene and tone of a mobster bar.  It stays mostly dark with lighting coming from obvious sources such as th windows and lamps.  The video is also consistent with editing on the beat in which everyone's dancing syncs with the song that is upbeat.  One of the key moments is in the begining when Michael flicks the coin into the jukebox which was shown in slow motion for affect.  All of the other key moments are when Michael is fighting the other men, especially when they guy with the knife comes up behind him and Michael shoots him without even looking.  The guy was literally blown away, through a wall which was done with special effects for emphasis.  The camera does a lot of pulling in and out and a lot of pans to follow the action.