Who was Annie in Smooth Criminal?
The 1987 song "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson is one of the most iconic and enduring hits of all time. The song’s music video, which tells the story of a mysterious woman named Annie, has become a staple of MTV and a testament to Jackson’s innovative music videos. But who was Annie, and what was her significance in the song and video?
The Mystery of Annie
Annie, played by actress Kellie Parker, is a central figure in the music video for "Smooth Criminal". She is a seductive and enigmatic woman who is at the center of a murder mystery that unfolds throughout the video. But despite her prominent role, Annie’s character remains shrouded in mystery.
The Video’s Plot
The music video for "Smooth Criminal" is a narrative-driven video that tells the story of a group of people who are murdered one by one by a mysterious killer. The video is shot in a film noir style, with a black-and-white aesthetic and a focus on atmospheric lighting and camera angles. Annie is the first victim of the killer, and her murder sets off a chain of events that drives the plot of the video.
Annie’s Character
Annie is a complex and multifaceted character, and her personality and motivations are not fully explored in the video. However, it is clear that she is a seductive and alluring woman who is able to draw people in and manipulate them to her advantage. Her character is often seen as a symbol of femininity and sexuality, and her murder serves as a commentary on the objectification of women.
The Significance of Annie
Annie’s character is significant in the video for several reasons. Firstly, she is the central figure around which the plot revolves. Her murder sets off a chain of events that drives the plot of the video, and her character is the focal point of the video’s narrative. Secondly, Annie’s character serves as a symbol of femininity and sexuality, and her murder serves as a commentary on the objectification of women. Finally, Annie’s character adds a layer of complexity and depth to the video, and her enigmatic personality and motivations make her a fascinating and intriguing figure.
Behind the Scenes
The making of the "Smooth Criminal" video was a complex and challenging process. The video was directed by Jim Blashfield, and it was shot on a budget of $2 million. The video features a number of innovative special effects, including a memorable dance sequence in which Jackson appears to defy gravity. The video also features a number of memorable images, including a shot of Jackson dancing on the ceiling and a shot of Annie’s corpse being carried away by the killer.
Table: Key Facts About Annie
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Played by | Kellie Parker |
| Role | Victim of the killer |
| Personality | Seductive and enigmatic |
| Motivations | Not fully explored in the video |
| Symbolism | Femininity and sexuality |
| Murder | Sets off a chain of events in the video |
Conclusion
Annie is a central figure in the music video for "Smooth Criminal", and her character serves as a symbol of femininity and sexuality. Her murder sets off a chain of events that drives the plot of the video, and her enigmatic personality and motivations make her a fascinating and intriguing figure. Despite her prominent role, Annie’s character remains shrouded in mystery, and her significance in the video is open to interpretation.
