Throwback/ When Martin Scorsese collaborated with 'King of Pop' Michael Jackson

Martin Scorsese, whose film The Killer Of The Flower Moon released on October 20 worldwide, is known for many iconic films such as The Aviator, Taxi Driver, and Gangs of New York among others. For his films over the years, the director has collaborated with several well-known actors like Leonardo Di Caprio, Robert De Niro, and Cate Blanchett among others. But, did you know the Silence filmmaker once also collaborated with the 'King Of Pop' Michael Jackson?

When did Martin Scorsese and Michael Jackson collaborate?

Back in 1986, when Michael Jackson wanted to make a comeback after his 1982 album Thriller, the singer's producer approached Martin Scorsese to film Michael's new music video. Between 82 to 86, Michael had gone through many changes. In 1984, when Michael, separated from his family, was shooting for a Pepsi commercial in a studio, a pyrotechnic feature malfunctioned setting fire to his hair, causing second and third-degree burns and leaving much of his face permanently scarred.

According to Farout Magazine, after the incident, Jackson was prescribed a number of different painkillers and sedatives to recover from the injuries. However, the medication reportedly began to serve as a relief from his emotional pain as well, making him an addict. Once known as a 'youthful sex symbol', Jackson had become the centre of criticism and jokes.

What was the result of the Martin-Jackson collaboration?

It is reported that after a meeting with his close competitor Prince, the singer decided to make his music comeback and complete his album Bad. While this album would have been a make-or-break deal for the singer, his music company approached Martin Scorsese, who by then was known for his masterpieces like  Raging Bull (1980), Taxi Driver (1976), Mean Streets (1973), and The King of Comedy (1982). Eventually, Bad, released in 1987, became one of the most prominent music videos of the pop singer's career with many claiming that it communicated the realism of New York.

Michael Jackson's Bad also saw actor Wesley Snipes in one of his earliest screen acting roles in a stand-out performance as Mini Max, which paved his way to stardom.