Without a doubt, Michael Jackson has produced some of the most groundbreaking music videos, often referred to by him as “short films.”Among these, the visual masterpiece for “Smooth Criminal”remains one of the most distinguished and unforgettable in the annals of music history. This iconic piece didn’t just mark Jackson’s place among the greatest artists of all time; it solidified his reputation as the King of Pop, showcasing memorable elements like his signature white suit, fedora, and the revolutionary anti-gravity lean.
However, “Smooth Criminal”transcends the boundaries of a conventional music video or even a cinematic short film as Jackson labeled it. This visual narrative is woven into a larger storyline that Jackson constructed in 1988, promoting his 1987 album, Bad, which followed the phenomenal success of Thriller.
“Smooth Criminal”Takes Place In Michael Jackson’s 1988 Movie Moonwalker
A Segment of a Broader Vision
“Smooth Criminal”is intricately tied to the narrative of Jackson’s 1988 film, Moonwalker. This cinematic venture serves as a tribute to Jackson’s illustrious career up to that moment, while also telling a fictional tale centered around the character he portrays in “Smooth Criminal.”Although Jackson embodies himself in this role, he adopts a more action-oriented lifestyle that reflects the essence of the song.
The structure of Moonwalker is segmented into various parts. The initial portion serves as a nostalgic recap of Jackson’s musical journey, celebrating his discography to that point. Following this, the film presents several music videos Jackson produced for his Bad album, including original content such as the kid-friendly parody “Badder,”the whimsical escape sequence “Speed Demon,”and the Grammy-winning visual for “Leave Me Alone.”
The film transitions into its final act, which is anchored by “Smooth Criminal.”This segment features notable actors such as Joe Pesci, Sean Ono Lennon, Kellie Parker, and Brandon Quintin Adams, presenting the full context of the events occurring in Club 30s during the “Smooth Criminal”short film.
Jackson Is Protecting Orphans From A Drug-Dealing Mobster
The “Smooth Criminal”Isn’t a Criminal in the Traditional Sense
The segment featuring “Smooth Criminal”begins with a serene scene of Jackson and a group of children playing in a field. Nonetheless, their innocence is disrupted when they discover the sinister hideout of Joe Pesci’s character, Frankie “Mr. Big”Lideo. This character’s name cleverly references Jackson’s manager at the time, Frank DiLeo. Mr. Big, a drug lord, harbors a nefarious plan to ensnare children globally into addiction for profit.
Once Mr. Big uncovers their presence, Jackson takes on the role of protector. Before the events of “Smooth Criminal,”he narrowly escapes Mr. Big’s henchmen while exiting a shop. He instructs the children to gather at Club 30s, setting the stage for the action-packed sequence to follow. In this context, Jackson might be perceived as the so-called criminal, though only from Mr. Big’s perspective.
What Happens To Jackson & The Kids After “Smooth Criminal”?
Defeating the Forces of Evil
The narrative takes a surreal turn post-“Smooth Criminal.”Mr. Big captures Kellie Parker’s character, Katie, prompting Jackson to confront him in a bid to save her. In a climactic moment where Mr. Big threatens Katie with a syringe, Jackson wishes upon a shooting star and miraculously transforms into a giant robot, using this newfound power to rescue her and overcome Mr. Big’s henchmen. In an even more fantastical twist, he transforms into a spaceship to vanquish Mr. Big and guarantees the children that they will meet again.
True to his promise, the children later attend a concert headlined by Jackson, where he delivers an electrifying rendition of The Beatles’ “Come Together,”with his youthful companions cheering him on from backstage. This moment encapsulates a delightful ending for this band of improbable friends, reinforcing the nostalgic charm of many 1980s films, while mirroring Jackson’s own childlike wonder—a quality that persisted throughout his life despite his turbulent childhood.
Through this narrative, “Smooth Criminal”acquires a richer significance within the framework of Moonwalker. Rather than being merely a troubled figure, Jackson emerges as a hero fighting against corruption, protecting not just the children in his care but symbolically defending the innocence of all children. This portrayal aligns perfectly with Michael Jackson‘s legacy as a voice for the underprivileged and the voiceless.