Anti-Gravity Lean

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Lore & Background

The origins of this impossible-looking pose trace back to the "Smooth Criminal" music video, co-directed by Michael Jackson and Colin Chilvers. Shot in late 1986 and early 1987 at Culver City and Universal Studios Hollywood, the video features a 1930s gangster aesthetic paying tribute to Fred Astaire's "Girl Hunt Ballet." In this setting, Jackson and dancers executed the lean using cables and a harness to achieve the visual effect. The narrative of the song, inspired by real-life events and Resusci Anne CPR dummies, added dramatic weight to the performance. Over time, fans speculated about wires or editing tricks in live shows, but the truth lay in innovation: Jackson's team filed for a patent in 1992 for a method allowing performers to hook specially designed shoes into rising stage pegs. Even with this technology, executing the move demanded significant core strength.

In Their Own Story

The scene unfolds in a dimly lit 1930s club, where Jackson, clad in a white suit and fedora, commands attention. As the music swells, he crouches low, eyes locked forward, preparing for the impossible. With a sharp exhale, he tilts past the point of no return, his body defying gravity at a 45-degree angle. The audience gasps as time seems to suspend him mid-lean before he snaps back upright with effortless precision. This moment, captured in the "Smooth Criminal" video and replicated on tour using patented footwear, became synonymous with Jackson's artistry. The move required synchronization between performers and stage technicians, ensuring each peg rose at the exact right moment. Even decades later, this iconic pose remains a testament to Jackson's blend of showmanship and technical ingenuity.

Reader's Guide

Replicating the Anti-Gravity Lean safely demands specialized equipment and rigorous training. The key lies in custom footwear featuring heel slots designed to lock onto pegs embedded in the stage floor. Before attempting the move, performers must align their positions precisely so the shoes engage with the fixtures before leaning forward. Once secured, the body can tilt beyond its natural center of gravity without falling. It is critical not to attempt this on standard flooring or without proper locking mechanisms, as the risk of injury to ankles and spine is high. Professional setups include technicians verifying stage peg security before every show. The illusion works best when paired with sharp choreography that distracts from the feet until the reveal moment. Even with the patented shoes, core strength remains essential for maintaining balance and control throughout the maneuver.

Did You Know?

• The phrase "Annie, are you OK?" was inspired by Resusci Anne, a CPR training dummy.
• In 1992, Jackson's team filed a patent for performing the lean in concerts using specially designed shoes that hook into rising stage pegs.
• The original mix of "Smooth Criminal" features Jackson's heartbeats and breathing traveling from left to right using Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics system.
• Kim Kardashian purchased Jackson's fedora from the "Smooth Criminal" video in 2019 for her daughter, North West.

Origins and Musical Composition

"Smooth Criminal" evolved from an earlier song by Jackson titled "Al Capone," released on the 2012 reissue *Bad 25*. The track is in A minor, with Jackson's vocals spanning G3 to C6. Lyrics depict a narrator discovering a bloodstained carpet and an unconscious body. The chorus refrain, "Annie, are you OK?," was inspired by Resusci Anne, a dummy used in CPR training. The original mix includes the sound of Jackson's fast-thumping heart and heavy breathing, traveling left to right via Hugo Zuccarelli's Holophonics system.

The Anti-Gravity Lean Illusion

The "Smooth Criminal" music video, directed by Colin Chilvers and co-choreographed by Jackson, Vincent Paterson, and Jeffrey Daniel, introduced the anti-gravity lean. In the video, cables and a harness achieved the illusion. For live performances, Jackson's team secured a patent in October 1993 for a method using specially designed shoes that hook into rising stage pegs. Despite this innovation, executing the move still requires strong core muscles to maintain stability while leaning at a 45-degree angle.

Chart Success and Commercial Legacy

"Smooth Criminal" was released as a single on October 13, 1988, becoming the sixth top-10 hit from *Bad*. It peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number two on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart. Certified double platinum in the US and UK, it topped charts in Belgium, Iceland, the Netherlands, and Spain. In 2006, it was re-released as part of *Visionary: The Video Singles*. An Alien Ant Farm cover version became an international hit in 2001.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

"Smooth Criminal" is hailed as a standout track on *Bad*, with Rolling Stone calling it "his best blend of R&B groove and rock edginess." The video won Best Music Video at the 1989 Brit Awards, received the Critic's Choice "Best Video" award, and earned the People's Choice Award for "Favorite Music Video." In 2019, Kim Kardashian purchased Jackson's fedora from the video. On October 23, 2024, the YouTube video surpassed 1 billion views, marking it as the fifth of Jackson's videos to reach this milestone.