MUSIC FROM SPACE: Michael Jackson - GHOSTS

Given the endless media coverage of Michael Jackson's death, I can't blame you if you are sick to your back teeth of the late King of Pop. But trust me, the Ghosts video is so weird that it's worth your time.

In 1996, Jackson attempted to recapture some of his old Thriller glory with a whole new long-form, pop music horror show. He devised a story with Stephen King and signed special effects maestro Stan Winston to direct. The result is a fascinating failure, shining a presumably unintended spotlight into Jackson's twisted psychology. He casts himself as a prankster demon beloved by little boys, includes a few truly monstrous caricatures of his own ruined face, and at one point literally snarls "freak" at himself as he stares into a mirror. It's not really scary in the horror movie sense, but it will still give you the squirms in a big way.



(I couldn't figure out how to embed this as one continuous clip, so when this first clip ends just click the "part 2" link that pops up. There are 4 parts in all. This thing is way too long, but once you watch part 1 you're in it 'til the bitter end.)

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