Director of “Beat It,” Speaks Out About Michael Jackson
By Kat Ahn on June 26, 2009
When I was a sophomore at NYU, I decided to intern for a production company headed up by Bob Giraldi, a renowned director who most famously directed Michael Jackson’s “Beat It,” before going on to make his directing talent known in the world of film, TV, and Advertising. I caught up with him recently after news of Michael’s passing and asked him if he could give his thoughts on working with the one and only King of Pop. Here’s what he wrote:
“In the 80s, my first video ever–’Beat It’– Michael talking me into hiring two real-live LA gangs; the Crips and the Bloods– mortal enemies– to appear in the video– on stage next to each other playing themselves alongside dancers over-dressed as gang bangers– silly, clearly a difference– cops wanting to shut it down, Crips and Bloods pushing each other, taunting, nothing to do with movie-making– I asked for one take to dance, hoping the music blasting through playback would settle everything down– ‘just one take,’ the cops demanding– Michael agreeing– ready to dance– real gangstahs standing on the sidelines, Michael, bopping down the cardboard boxes, taking the actor gangstahs and dancing– everything stops, everyone mesmerized, stunned, the Crips and Bloods, eyes fixated, mouths open, realizing they’re witnessing something more macho than all their wars, crimes, vendettas– dancing by their brothers, most of whom were gay– and, most of whom have never have raised a hand against another human being in their lives. Michael, at his best, creating peace wherever he went.”
wow that’s pretty amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Jess. Bob Giraldi was a pretty cool guy to work for, and would always sit down with me whenever I needed advice. Pretty cool story about MJ.
thats legit
And because of that quote… I started to bawl for the first time since I heard the news on June 25th.
That really hit the spot. And it has finally hit me that MJ is gone.
To bad this dudes ignorance set in motion the death of MJ.