When Michael Jackson first tossed a coin into a jukebox and leaned into the opening notes of "Smooth Criminal," he didn't just release a music video—he redefined what a short film could be. Decades later, the in HD remains a masterclass in style, storytelling, and revolutionary choreography. The Origins of a Masterpiece
Defying Gravity: The Timeless Cool of Michael Jackson’s "Smooth Criminal" When Michael Jackson first tossed a coin into
Jackson’s white pinstripe suit and matching fedora weren't just fashion choices; they were a direct tribute to his idol, , specifically the "Girl Hunt Ballet" sequence from the 1953 musical The Band Wagon . Choreography and the "Anti-Gravity Lean" " which premiered in
The "Shortened Version" focuses on what many fans consider the greatest choreography of Jackson's career. Collaborating with choreographers and Jeffrey Daniel , Jackson developed a percussive dance style that emphasized sharp isolations and synchronized power. Moonwalker . Directed by Colin Chilvers
The video’s crown jewel is the , a move that sees Jackson and his dancers tilt forward at a 45-degree angle while keeping their feet flat on the floor. Interview With Director/Choreographer Vincent Paterson
The video for "Smooth Criminal," which premiered in , served as the centerpiece of Jackson’s feature-length film, Moonwalker . Directed by Colin Chilvers , the project was a departure from the suburban horror of Thriller , opting instead for a gritty, noir-inspired 1930s gangster aesthetic.