Film Director · Screenwriter
John Landis
b. 1950
Connection to Michael Jackson
John Landis turned Michael Jackson's music videos into cinema. A Hollywood director known for horror and comedy, he brought film-scale storytelling to the 1983 'Thriller' short film, a roughly fourteen-minute mini-movie complete with werewolves, dancing zombies, and a twist ending. It changed what a music video could be and helped push Jackson deeper into pop culture. The two reunited nearly a decade later for 'Black or White' in 1991, famous for its groundbreaking face-morphing sequence and its message about racial unity. Landis treated Jackson as a leading man, not just a singer, and gave him narrative and character to play. Their collaborations remain landmarks in the marriage of pop music and the moving image.
Contributions
Directed the 'Thriller' short film (1983). Directed 'Black or White' (1991) with its pioneering morphing sequence. Helped elevate the music video into a cinematic form.
Interesting Facts
Directed the roughly 13-14 minute 'Thriller' short film in 1983.
Directed the 'Black or White' video in 1991, known for its morphing sequence.
Was already an established Hollywood film director before working with Jackson.