Upon hearing of the passing of the legendary Michael Jackson, my thoughts immediately raced to scenes from my fave Michael Jackson video, "In the Closet," one of his many hit singles from his 1991 album, Dangerous (Sony) . Shot on location at the Salton Sea, the sepia-hued clip was directed by the legendary Herb Ritts, and featuring the even more legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell.
I promptly reached out to Ms. Campbell for comment and she graciously and swiftly responded:
"I grew up with Michael Jackson, he was a good friend and the most exciting and innovative entertainer to have lived.
No artist has connected to their audience like Michael and no one will ever be able to match what he has achieved. He gave back to people through his charity work and was an amazing father and human being.
Michael touched people of every race, nationality, age and was the first truly global superstar. He is one of the all time greats and his role in popular culture will never be surpassed and never ever be forgotten."
The video is smoldering in its simplicity, and is devoid of the special effects and super-embellished wardrobe that had become his trademark, showcasing a new confidence in Michael, his hair pulled off his face in a simple straight ponytail.
This confidence to be able to simplify and step away from what people expected from him struck a particular chord with me, at the time a young man growing up in London, and it is something I hold true to to this day.
Thank you, Michael.
5 Highlights:
0:51 Naomi's glass shattering gaze.
2:21 Michael body rolling in silhouette. Naomi's fingers holding a delicate, but firm pose.
3:07 Michael singing and dancing on a horse drawn well, while Naomi's stares him down, her hips keeping the rhythm
4:26/4:35 Naomi rolling that lengthy weave in the dirt
4:54 Michael opening the doors and going off until the video ends!
(Bonus: The whoosing sound at 5:05 that accompanies the shot panning up Ms. Campbell's leg.)
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