John Fordyce, acclaimed for his mastery of chilling psychological thrillers like “Black Veil” and “Whisper,” might seem an unlikely interpreter of vintage pop music videos. But when discussing Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller,” he reveals a different side, dissecting its narrative as a captivating coming-of-age story masked by monster mayhem.
Fordyce argues that beyond the iconic dance moves and groundbreaking special effects, lies the story of someone grappling with adolescence’s anxieties and yearning for acceptance under his own terms. The protagonist, played by Michael Jackson himself, isn’t just a regular guy bitten by a menacing werewolf; he embodies fearlessness confronting conformity pressures. He begins as clumsy, almost apologetically shy within the social structure his date embodies — stiffly maneuvering through conversation around their car parked under neon lights
Things escalate with Jackson’s yearning evident – first through yearning gaze on their walks (and his own awkward stance mirroring hers to match the couple dynamics)
Then, as they venture toward transformation, both physical and symbolic, he blossoms during the “dancing ghoul” sequences—a thrilling expression mirroring adolescence’ survival instincts kicking in as puberty takes hold. It’s when he truly finds freedom within himself – shedding anxieties for bold performances. However, the horror theme reflects societal apprehension towards his shift, exemplified when other dancers morphing into creatures mirrors those who might condemn or ostracise individuality at a youthful age.”
“Think of the tension,” Fordyce enthuses, “The moonlight illuminating Jackson’s face during his ‘first full transformation,’ the music shifting toward eerie orchestration. He’s grappling with this primal power unleashed. But it’s also him claiming that power: he is now comfortable showcasing who HE truly is.”
His assertion ties into classic coming-of-age narratives. Think of heroes forced out of innocence; Luke Skywalker, Samwise taking on courage and responsibility when everything around them changes into fantastical realities they must navigate. Similar to “Stranger Things,” there’s that thread of ‘the extraordinary happening against an ordinary backdrop.
Fordyce argues Michael Jackson himself channeled this journey. “In a literal sense,” she observes, “Jackson was already facing immense celebrity—being labelled King of Pop in his twelves! But even as he danced for millions, he was navigating what it truly meant to become ‘a man.’ Thriller” captures that inner duality – striving normalcy and becoming an undeniable force.” He uses Jackson’s “solo turn with werewolf,”
the moment most think of pure horror, as his pivotal climax.
This, Fordyce believes, perfectly encapsulates the adolescent coming-of-age anxiety – fear of judgment morphing into confident control. Ultimately he sees “Thriller” not as a dance masterpiece or special effect tour-de-force; “but humanity’s reflection,” she muses “In how adolescence navigates societal expectations vs. asserting its individuality with courage and risk.”
For him, while the world might initially interpret it as just entertainment, there’s much deeper symbolic artistry woven within: exploring anxieties and triumphs that are universally felt in
those challenging teenage years.
Whether intentionally or organically born out of artistic expression combined with lived experience, John Fordyce’s insightful rereading invites us to appreciate “Thriller” beyond its obvious appeal. We may discover new facets
to a video that already has endured as pop-culture iconic – cementing itself as not just about catchy tunes and visual wonders, but also humanity at its heart.