Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.
A documentary celebrating 40 years of Thriller, featuring archival footage and interviews that offer genuine insight into the making of a pop landmark. The 'plot' is largely retrospective and celebratory rather than dramatically structured, and 'acting' is not applicable in a traditional sense — participants are largely talking heads and archival subjects. Cinematography relies heavily on existing footage rather than original visual craft. Novelty is moderate: the subject is iconic but music documentaries of this type are a familiar format, and the anniversary framing is well-worn; it earns points for rare archival material. The ending wraps up the legacy tribute competently but without a distinctive payoff. Overall a solid fan-service documentary bolstered by its extraordinary subject matter.