Textual Analysis of 'Smooth Criminal' by both Michael Jackson and Alien Ant Farm

To address the need of looking at intertextuality and elements such as homage, I was asked to conduct a textual analysis of the song Smooth Criminal by both Michael Jackson, who sung the original version, and Alien Ant Farm, who did a cover of the song in 2001. I also looked at the balance between narrative and performance, as well as how the tempo suited the audience needs.

Here are some brief notes on what I found: -

Michael Jackson

Jackson with a 'Tommy Gun'

Balance between narrative and performance
- Narrative intertwined with performance throughout.

Intertextual References
- Reference to the Crime film genre in general, particularly with the appearance of ‘Tommy Guns’.

Homage
- Arguably, to speakeasy’s. Whole production takes place in one.

Tempo – audience needs

Jackson heading up one big display

- Similar to Jackson’s previous videos with a big theatrical production and high levels of choreography, therefore appealing to his fans.

Alien Ant Farm

The lead singer sitting on a sparkly glove-
shaped chair, with a monkey on his lap

Balance between narrative and performance
- A performance video throughout.

Intertextual References
- Child dancing like Jackson; also has doctor’s mask over face.
- Performers appear to lean just like Jackson.
- Lady seen in mask similar to werewolf from Jackson’s Thriller video.
- Singer is seen sitting on a glittery glove chair with monkey on lap.
- Lighted flooring, as in Jackson’s Beat It video.
- Car explosion, as at the end of another Jackson video.
- Four men seen re-enacting Thriller moves and posing with one arm in the air like Jackson.
- Singer pulls up his trousers during performance so that he has the same lower half appearance as Jackson was renowned for.
- Final shot is a mimic of the Thriller video final shot.
- Large numbers of people in the production like many of Jackson’s.


Homage

- Video is more of a parody.

Alien Ant Farm performing in a back yard

Tempo – audience needs

- Target audience is teens who feel rebellious due to being under age for many things. This is shown through the location of the performance – the back yard of an American’s house, most probably parents.