The beginning of Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” uses sharp lighting contrasts and rugged costuming to depict an obscure and potentially dangerous situation and sets the tone for the rebellious, “bad boy” atmosphere that emanates throughout the rest of the video. The production opens with several gang members gathering to what later appears to be a fight. Some men come from the sewer, others from alleyways, and yet others from a diner. During this scramble, the camera focuses on two of the gang members climbing from out of the sewer. Elements of the one of the gang members’ attire, such as the blue do-rag and dark coat, emphasize the rough background shared by the men involved in the altercation. The lyrics of “Beat It” advocate courage, and convey this message by depicting a rough background in which being tough and courageous is the only way to survive. This beginning scene immediately instills that atmosphere. At the same time, the vintage sunglasses and headband of the other gang member highlight the punk rock theme of the song itself. As the two climb out of the sewer, the lighting of the scene creates somewhat of a spotlight in an otherwise dark background; what lies outside of this spotlight is too dark to see. This stark contrast in lighting emphasizes the rugged backgrounds these gang members come from. The spotlight also symbolizes a transition from fear, represented by darkness, to courage, represented by the spotlight, creating a juxtaposition that highlights the message Jackson aimed to convey through the lyrics and style of the song.
I really enjoyed your detailed description on how the costuming choices represents the gang member's all come from different walks of life. You wrote of how the "vintage sunglasses and headbands highlighted the punk rock theme of the song" and I completely agree. I also think the the vintage glasses and headbands create a contrast of what the older generation gang members looked like to what Michael Jackson's crew members are dressed in. Perhaps MJ and his gang member represent the new generation of rebel and "bad boys".
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Piero Chiappina
8/29/2014 02:25:42 am
I agree. The purpose of the gang member backstory to the music video "Beat It" is to accompany not only the punk rock feel of the music but the lyrics of the song itself that convey courage.
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Drew Wallace
8/29/2014 01:38:32 am
I very much enjoyed your interpretation of Michael Jackson "Beat it" and agree with you on both the "Bad Boy" atmosphere and effect that the lighting has on the video. However I would like to hear your thoughts on why Michael Jackson is dressed in red, while the rest of the cast is wearing black!
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Piero Chiappina
8/29/2014 02:21:21 am
Jackson's red attire also highlights the aspect of courage and confidence conveyed in his lyrics. Additionally, Jackson was revolutionizing the music and music video industry at the time of this music video's release, almost as if he had a "bigger than life" image. The contrast between the cast's black and Jackson's red highlights this image.
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Srishti Gupta
8/29/2014 02:51:54 am
I really like how you have analyzed the lyrics of the song as well. This is extremely crucial while analyzing a music video and I just realized I completely forgot to do that in mine!
Your blog post made me understand how important the attire was throughout the video!
Also, did you notice how the camera pans for one subject to the other (sometimes without a break)? I think that it added to the continuity and the intensity of the characters in the video.
What do you think?
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Yichen Ju
8/29/2014 02:01:06 pm
Your analysis about the difference of places people came from at the beginning is something i missed in my discussion. And I really appreciate your idea about the effect of the song itself on the opening scene. It seems that my analysis focused too much on actions so that I missed other elements in the scene. Now I understand it better.
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