Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, was known not only for his incredible music but also for his artistic vision, which led him to collaborate with some of the most unique and creative minds of his time. One of his most surprising partnerships came in 1991, when he teamed up with visionary filmmaker David Lynch to create a promo for his Dangerous album. This partnership between two artistic titans was unexpected but unforgettable, revealing Michael’s admiration for Lynch’s work and his fascination with the story of The Elephant Man.
In his book Room to Dream, Lynch recalls the surprise phone call that set this collaboration in motion. Lynch was in his L.A. home when the phone rang, and to his amazement, it was Michael Jackson. Jackson wanted Lynch to create a cinematic trailer for Dangerous, an album that marked a new era in Jackson’s career with its blend of pop, rock, and R&B. Although Lynch initially hesitated, saying he wasn’t sure he had ideas for it, inspiration struck almost immediately after the call ended.
The resulting promo was pure Lynchian surrealism. It featured haunting visuals that matched the dark, complex themes of Dangerous, with Jackson’s music underscoring the trailer’s eerie, dreamlike quality. Lynch’s style was a perfect fit for the album’s exploration of personal and societal struggles, capturing the edginess and introspective energy of Dangerous. Jackson’s decision to enlist Lynch for this project showed his openness to experimental, avant-garde approaches and his dedication to pushing artistic boundaries.
But Jackson’s admiration for Lynch went beyond his filmmaking style. During their time working together, Jackson opened up about his fascination with Lynch’s 1980 film The Elephant Man, a moving story about Joseph Merrick, a man with severe deformities who endured both public fascination and cruelty. The film tells the story of Merrick’s humanity and dignity, despite the way society mistreated him. Jackson felt a personal connection to Merrick’s story; he understood what it meant to be in the public eye while feeling misunderstood and judged based on appearances. In fact, Jackson was so captivated by Merrick’s life that he reportedly attempted to purchase Merrick’s remains, although he later clarified that this was more of a symbolic gesture than a real plan.
Lynch later recalled how, when they finally met in person, Jackson was eager to discuss The Elephant Man. “He came out, and all he wanted to do was talk about Merrick,” Lynch remembered. Jackson’s deep empathy for Merrick was apparent as he spoke passionately about the man’s life and struggles. “He asked me questions about it and was a really nice guy,” Lynch said. The two spent time discussing Merrick’s experiences, and it was clear that Jackson found a kindred spirit in Lynch, whose film had so movingly brought Merrick’s story to life.
After their brief but meaningful collaboration, Lynch shot the promo, capturing Jackson’s vision with striking visuals that perfectly encapsulated the mystique and complexity of Dangerous. In true Jackson fashion, the commercial was not just an ad but a work of art—a bold, stylish statement that reflected the themes of resilience and transformation that were close to his heart.
Michael Jackson’s collaboration with David Lynch shows just how deeply he cared about his art and the messages he wanted to share with the world. By teaming up with Lynch, Jackson took his vision for Dangerous into powerful new territory, creating a promo that fans and film enthusiasts alike continue to remember. This collaboration was a testament to Jackson’s artistic curiosity and his belief in using art to bridge worlds and connect with others on a deeper level.
