Smooth Criminal- Bob Fosse

Song: "Smooth Criminal"
Artist: Michael Jackson
Films: The Affairs of Dobie Gillis, All That Jazz, Bells Are Ringing, Cabaret, Chicago, Damn Yankees, Fosse: The Broadway Musical, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Kiss Me Kate, The Little Prince, My Sister Eileen,The Pajama Game, Sweet Charity

I first started working on this video a short time after Michael Jackson passed away and I'm so glad it's finally come together. Stupid me for choosing this video to learn FinalCut on! Anyway, this video is my tribute to the incredible dancer/choreographer Bob Fosse. I've included in this tribute: films Fosse choreographed, ones he appeared in himself, and, also, the film versions of some of the Broadway shows he choreographed (which is why films like "Chicago" and "Bells Are Ringing" are on here). All of them show the hallmarks of Fosse's iconic style (as did Michael Jackson's original "Smooth Criminal" video, actually). So, tilt your hat to the side, relax and enjoy Michael Jackson "Fosse-style"! ;)

P.S. If you like this one, you may, also, like to check out my Buffy/Angel Thriller video currently on Vimeo: http://www.vimeo.com/6131951

Category:

Film & Animation

Tags:

• Bob
• Fosse
• Smooth
• Criminal
• Michael
• Jackson

[cardona89]

What is the name of the movie at 0:36? thanks

[xHeavyMetalPapillonx]

@cardona89 No problem! Since 0:36 is right at a transition, I'm not entirely positive which clip you're curious about so I'll tell you both, just in case. The one with the men & ladies in work attire (most likely the one you're talking about) is from "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying". The one right after that, with the women behind bars in front of a red background is from "Chicago". :)

[lexiconlover]

Great Job. Here is an mini-interview:

1. Is there any proof that Micheal Jackson was influenced/copied Fosse?

2. How LONG did it take you to make this video? (did you have the clips before you started?)

3. What is the name of the movie with the man in black dancing int he desert?

4. Which Fosse dance, from the ones you featured here, is your favorite?

[xHeavyMetalPapillonx]

@lexiconlover Here are my answers to your mini-interview! :D

1. I don't know if there's any specific "proof" of Fosse's influence on Michael other than what you see in the dances/costumes themselves (I would never call it copying). But, he was, clearly, influenced by Fosse & the other great dancers that came before him. His "Smooth Criminal" music video, in particular, features some classic Fosse moves but, is, also, a deliberate homage to Fred Astaire's Girl Hunt Ballet.

*to be continued...*

[xHeavyMetalPapillonx]

@xHeavyMetalPapillonx *... continuing*

2. Once I figured out how Final Cut worked, this video took about 3 months to make. Most of that time was spent finding the movies I needed. I owned 3 of them before I started & had to track down the rest.

3. That is a scene from The Little Prince & the man in black is Bob Fosse, himself. ;)

4. Probably, the "competition dance" from My Sister Eileen. Just two dancers & pure talent. Plus, anytime you get to see Fosse dance his own choreography is awesome!

[northstar9able]

OMG.., What a Talent You Are!! Do you edit dance professionally?



[xHeavyMetalPapillonx]

@northstar9able No, I don't edit dance professionally. I wish I did! Thank you very much for the wonderful compliment, though! I'm flattered. :)

[oldgypsytap]

Finally!!!!!! A perfectly edited dance video. This is one great piece of work!!!!

[therealstevegray]

stunning, just pure brillaince you are fantastic



[cardona89]

@hardballget thank you so much!! I remember that dance scene since the first time I saw it, over 50 years ago!! unforgettable. tks

[hardballget]

Great tribute to a great human being. :D Great job

[hardballget]

Kiss Me Kate, brilliant movie and the birth of Bob as a choreographer. The dance scene in question is probably the greatest ever.@cardona89

[cardona89]

@xHeavyMetalPapillonx I meant "How to succeed..." Thank you so much!

[Jokerlund646]

Lots of Michael Jackson's dances are inspired by Bob Fosse's dances.