Janet Jackson, whose biggest feat in recent years was a dance single with the lyric, "I'm heavy like a first-day period," just upped the ante: She landed a deal with Lionsgate to develop and produce a film: Exciting! Especially since Ms. Jackson's music video oeuvre has enough cinematic flair to inspire her film if need be. Let's look back at Janet's music videos and pick the five that deserve silver screen adaptations. Don your golden nosechain and come along!
"Rhythm Nation"
The most "socially conscious" of Janet videos -- the one where all the races dance together like angry marionettes -- is also the most cunningly dystopian. We could use a post-apocalyptic musical, if you ask me. And I don't mean Glee!
"Alright"
Janet was always at her best when she embraced throwback appeal and let her vaudeville chops shine. This tribute to old Hollywood musicals, Cab Calloway, zoot suits, and the dance opportunities that benches provide is electric and fun. Look, there's Cyd Charisse! She can be played in the movie by a Good Times veteran.
"Runaway"
Globetrotting is inherently cinematic, and Janet's '95 video for "Runaway" takes us to every photogenic locale on Earth: Paris, Beijing, Sydney, Cairo, and other places that resemble screensavers. Janet's inspiring theatrics -- which include leaping off of landmarks -- could be perfect metaphors in a carpe diem-style romcom. I give you Eat, Pray, Launch!
Janet Jackson - Runaway by hushhush112
"Scream"
Speaking of post-apocalyptic: The world is due for its first sci-fi/cyberpunk family drama, and this metallic, Jumbotron-laden paradise is an ideal setting. Yes, her duet partner is unavailable to reprise his role, but the sheer glamor of all the expensive accoutrement is worth reexamination. I could see Zoe Saldana copping the disheveled Tina Turner 'do.
(P.S. Remember when Michael Jackson looked exactly like Janeane Garofalo for about 16 months?)
"Son of a Gun (I Betcha Think This Song is About You)"
Yes, I just got through slamming this in Bad Movies We Love, but there's an undeniable charm to Janet's revenge fantasy set to the rumbling opening motif from Carly Simon's "You're So Vain." We'd buy Janet as a jilted lover. She's obsessed with seeming defiant, and an adaptation of this All for You clip would put some verve and charisma behind Janet's perpetual "defiance face."
ยท Janet Jackson signs film production deal [Rolling Stone]