View source for Rhythm Nation 1814 (film)

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{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2015|cs1-dates=y}}
{{Short description|1989 short film starring Janet Jackson}}
{{Infobox television
| image          = Rhythm Nation 1814 Film VHS.png
| caption        = VHS cover
| director       = [[Dominic Sena]]
| producer       =
| starring       = [[Janet Jackson]]
| company        = [[A&M Records]]
| network        = [[MTV]]
| released       = {{Start date|1989|09|16}}
| runtime        = 30 minutes
| country        = United States
| language       = English
| music          = Janet Jackson, [[Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis]]
}}
'''''Rhythm Nation 1814''''' is a 1989 American [[Musical film|musical]] short film based on [[Janet Jackson]]'s [[Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814|fourth studio album of the same name]]. Directed by [[Dominic Sena]], the film notably includes the '''music video for "[[Rhythm Nation]]"''', as well as the videos for "[[Miss You Much]]" and "The Knowledge". It was filmed at a power plant located in [[Pasadena, California]]. The video is notable for its "post-apocalyptic" warehouse setting, the unisex black military-style uniforms in which Jackson and her dancers were outfitted, and its choreography, considered to "set the template for hundreds of videos to come in the Nineties and aughts". The film premiered on [[MTV]] on September 16, 1989, coinciding with the release of the album, and was also later released on [[VHS]] and [[LaserDisc]] by [[A&M Records|A&M Video]].
It won multiple accolades, including [[MTV]]'s [[Video Vanguard Award]] for Jackson's impact on entertainment. Various actors and choreographers, including [[Wade Robson]] and [[Travis Payne]], have cited Jackson and the "Rhythm Nation" routine as a primary influence to their careers. ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' considered the video "legendary", and ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' included it in a list of 10 Favorite Dancing Musicians, calling Jackson "a brilliant dancer" who it said "arguably had a greater long-term impact on the choreography of contemporary music videos" even more so than her own brother [[Michael Jackson]] had had.<ref name="entweekly" /> The publication also titled it "the gold standard for [[dystopia]]n dance pop music videos", featuring "some of the most memorable choreography in pop video history".<ref name="bestapocalyptic" />
The long-form video won a [[Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video]] in 1990.<ref name="grammy.com">{{cite web|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/winners-nominees/184|title=2021 GRAMMY WINNERS : 64th Annual GRAMMY Awards|website=Grammy.com|access-date=2023-05-27|archive-date=2019-01-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126043416/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/winners-nominees/184|url-status=live}}</ref> The home video release has been certified two-times [[RIAA certification|platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for shipments of 200,000 units.<ref>{{cite web |title=JANET JACKSON RHYTHM NATION - Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Janet+Jackson&ti=Rhythm+Nation&format=Video+Longform&type=#search_section |website=RIAA |access-date=18 April 2024}}</ref>
== Music ==
The ''Rhythm Nation 1814'' film consists of the videos for "[[Miss You Much]]", "The Knowledge", and "Rhythm Nation", filmed simultaneously over a period of twenty days. The video premiered in full on September 16, 1989 on MTV to high ratings, and was aired several times the following week.<ref name="telemusical">{{cite web |date=1989-09-16 |title=TV Reviews : Fancy Footwork Rescues Pretentious Jackson Show |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1989-09-16-ca-285-story.html |access-date=January 4, 2014 |work=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=2014-01-09  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109000427/http://articles.latimes.com/1989-09-16/entertainment/ca-285_1_fancy-footwork |url-status=live }}</ref> Producer [[Jimmy Jam]] said "The concept for the half-hour, long-form video was already in the works when we recorded the album. Janet's [[choreographer]] was here, so we knew what the steps were going to be for the songs, how the story would be treated, and how the video was going to look. [...] We actually tried to make the album sound a little like the black-and-white images in the video, rather than adapting the video to the album. A lot of the music was treated almost as [[soundtrack]]."<ref>''[[Keyboard (magazine)|Keyboard]]'', May 1990. Pages 26-27</ref>
While filming "The Knowledge", Jackson collapsed from exhaustion after filming for over 25 consecutive hours, explaining "That's the one area where I must be careful. Sometimes I won't sleep, won't stop reviewing, won't stop searching for ways to improve the projects. The projects absorb me. When we were filming the long video, I actually collapsed."<ref name="ritz">Essence Magazine, March 1990. Page 116</ref> Describing the situation, journalist [[David Ritz]], who attended the video's filming, commented "Looking at "The Knowledge", it appears that Janet's physical breakdown came at the emotional climax of the video. "[[Prejudice]], no!" she cries, kicking and smashing windows with the anger of a soul possessed. "[[Ignorance]], no! [[Bigotry]], no! [[Illiteracy]], no!" she bemoans, before falling onto the ledge of the roof, dangerously positioned on the edge, ominous clouds of change racing overhead."<ref name="ritz" />
The [[black-and-white]], military-inspired "Rhythm Nation" video was directed by [[Dominic Sena]] in August 1989. It was the finale in the ''Rhythm Nation 1814'' film, following videos for "[[Miss You Much]]" and "The Knowledge", respectively. Known for its high-octane choreography in an abandoned factory, the video won an award for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Choreography|Best Choreography]] and was nominated for [[MTV Video Music Award for Best Dance Video|Best Dance Video]] at the [[MTV Video Music Awards]], where Jackson also received the [[MTV Video Vanguard Award]].<ref>{{citation|title=MTV Video Music Awards nominees|newspaper=[[Austin American-Statesman]]|date=1990-09-05 |page=5}}</ref><ref name="MTVMVA">{{citation|author=Francesca Chapman|title=Sinead Takes MTV's Top Video Award|newspaper=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|date=1990-09-07 |page=65}}</ref> "Rhythm Nation" ranked at thirty-seven on [[VH1]]'s "Greatest 100 Videos" and forty-four on [[MTV]]'s "100 Greatest Videos Ever Made". The video also stars a young [[Tyrin Turner]].
== Production ==
=== Development ===
''Rhythm Nation 1814'' was filmed over a period of twenty days at the [[Glenarm Power Plant]] in [[Pasadena, California]], and served as the finale in the series. Speaking to MTV, Jackson said, "I knew who I wanted to direct 'Rhythm Nation,' that was simple: Dominic Sena. After working with him on '[[Let's Wait Awhile]],' I absolutely fell in love with him. [...] Dominic understood story, and he could put onscreen, from front to back, the whole picture you had in your head." Deciphering the video's scenery, Jackson explained, "the foggy, smoky street and the dark, black-and-white tone, that was all intentional."<ref name="video">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zrBolXPYq40C&pg=RA4-PT179|title=I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution|publisher=Tannenbaum, Rob|page=179|date=2011-10-27 |isbn=978-1-101-52641-5|access-date=January 4, 2014}}</ref> The video was shot in black-and-white to locate everybody's skin tone within shades of grey, portraying the ''Rhythm Nation'''s slogan: ''"We are like-minded individuals, sharing a common vision, pushing toward a world rid of color-lines."''<ref>The Face Magazine, 1990. Page 77</ref> "There were so many races in that video, from Black to White and all the shades of gray in between. [[Black-and-white photography]] shows all those shades, and that's why we used it," said Jackson.<ref name="ebony">[[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]]'', February 1990. Page 50''</ref>
[[File:Rhythmnationvideo.png|thumb|250px|right|Jackson performing "Rhythm Nation" in the film, with dancers all outfitted in unisex black military-style uniforms.]]
"We're living in a very visual time right now," Jackson explains. "That's why videos are so important. Before, they really weren't. They play such an important part in the music business. The next is the live show. But the first they ever see of you is the video."<ref>[[British Vogue]], 1990. Page 578</ref> Describing Jackson on the set of the video, journalist [[David Ritz]] said "For hours she obliges the camera during a grueling photography session on a sun-soaked day at the [[Pasadena, California|Pasadena]] Power Plant, [...] a mysterious and metaphorical work dramatizing the concerns of ''Rhythm Nation''." Jackson's clothes were considered to reflect "a quiet sadness", being "cooperative to a fault, yet inwardly shy".<ref name=essence>Essence Magazine, March 1990. Page 54</ref>
Several label executives reportedly told Jackson the album and video wouldn't have "crossover" appeal. With Jackson's persistence, the video became "the most far-reaching single project the company has ever attempted".<ref name=ebony /> In a later interview, Jackson said "The concept basically was very industrial [[black and white]], not wanting any color brought to it" – "no color lines is was it was, so everyone is all somewhat of the same kind of tone." "Dominic Sena directed it, it was a twenty day shoot. A lot of work, long hours."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/213453/on-the-rhythm-nation-video.jhtml |title=Archived copy |website=[[MTV]] |access-date=2014-02-24  |archive-date=2014-01-16  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140116083607/http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/213453/on-the-rhythm-nation-video.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> Sena commented "She's always out there trying to give people something different and fresh, and exciting to look at. If it's been done before she doesn't want anything to do with it, it's like 'let's start over'.<ref>Making of "Rhythm Nation", Rhythm Nation 1814 Film release</ref>
=== Choreography ===
The choreography for the "Rhythm Nation" music video has been considered one of the most recognizable and imitated routines in pop culture. Janet Jackson discovered then-unknown choreographer Anthony Thomas and had him co-choreograph the video with her.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dancemagazine.com.au/2011/02/hip-hop-history-%E2%80%93-a-moment-with-anthony-thomas/ |title=Hip Hop History – A Moment with Anthony Thomas |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2011-02-01 |website=dancemagazine.com.au |access-date=2023-07-26 |archive-date=2023-07-26  |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726234227/https://dancemagazine.com.au/2011/02/hip-hop-history-%E2%80%93-a-moment-with-anthony-thomas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Anthony said, "she's not a trained dancer/ It comes from her soul. She's a natural. She's unbelievable."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1990-03-02-ca-1920-story.html|title=Jackson Dances--'It Comes From Her Soul'|work=Los Angeles Times|date=1990-03-02|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109001408/http://articles.latimes.com/1990-03-02/entertainment/ca-1920_1_jackson-dances|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' included the video in a list of "10 Favorite Dancing Musicians", calling Jackson "a brilliant dancer" who has "arguably had a greater long-term impact on the choreography of contemporary music videos" than [[Michael Jackson]], setting a format for "hundreds" of subsequent videos.<ref name=rollingstone>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/rolling-stone-readers-pick-their-10-favorite-dancing-musicians-20110714/8-janet-jackson-0596086|title=Rolling Stone Readers Pick Their 10 Favorite Dancing Musicians|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=2011-07-14|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-10-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011123351/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/rolling-stone-readers-pick-their-10-favorite-dancing-musicians-20110714/8-janet-jackson-0596086|url-status=live}}</ref>
The book ''Gender and Qualitative Methods'' suggested the routine represents "self-control and military discipline" – "they move in unison and in the same rhythm, dancing like roots, with stiff square arm movements," also exhibiting [[Asia]]n martial arts.<ref name=gender /> ''[[The Orlando Sentinel]]'' regarded Jackson to portray "Swiss-watch precision" in the routine.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1990/04/28/pop-concert-or-mime-show/|title=Pop Concert Or Mime Show?|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=1990-04-28|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109001635/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1990-04-28/lifestyle/9004276096_1_milli-vanilli-lip-synced-vocals|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Slant Magazine]] said the clip "anointed Janet the ambassador of intricately choreographed", being among "the most intricately and powerfully choreographed music videos of all time".<ref name=greatestvideos /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/janet-jackson-damita-jo|title=Janet Jackson: Damita Jo – Music Review|work=Slant Magazine|publisher=Cinquemani, Sal|date=2004-03-23|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124002900/http://www.slantmagazine.com/music/review/janet-jackson-damita-jo|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Guardian]]'' said the routine was "made famous by its memorably routine-infested video", and also described as "an aerobic goose step" by ''[[The New York Times]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/jul/28/artsfeatures|title=Pop review: Janet Jackson|work=The Guardian|publisher=Clarke, Betty|date=2001-07-27|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2017-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730014111/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/jul/28/artsfeatures|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="battle">{{cite web |date=2011-10-14 |title=TV VIEW; Have Women Surrendered In MTV's Battle of the Sexes? - Page 4 |url=http://www2.nytimes.com/1990/04/22/arts/tv-view-have-women-surrendered-in-mtv-s-battle-of-the-sexes.html?pagewanted=4&src=pm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109000337/http://www2.nytimes.com/1990/04/22/arts/tv-view-have-women-surrendered-in-mtv-s-battle-of-the-sexes.html?pagewanted=4&src=pm |archive-date=2014-01-09 |access-date=January 4, 2014 |work=The New York Times}}</ref>  [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]] ranked the video as having the "Best Dance Moves in a Music Video" in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bet.com/photo-gallery/63jc59/werk-best-dance-moves-in-a-music-video/5ttj31|title=Werk: Best Dance Moves in a Music Video – Music|work=BET|date=September 2013|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-03-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302035904/http://www.bet.com/music/photos/2013/09/werk-best-dance-moves-in-a-music-video.html#!090513-music-dance-moves-janet-jackson-rythm-nation|url-status=live}}</ref>
Another critique stated "most of the video consists of Jackson with background dancers performing a synchronized dance routine. Judging by the serious facial expressions and vigorous body movements of Jackson and her dancers, the men and women in "Rhythm Nation" are confident, courageous, and display unmatched conviction."<ref name=crossroads /> Jackson and her dancers were analyzed to "march toward the camera in a dominating manner" while simultaneously "performing moves that most humans couldn’t accomplish without a personal trainer and lots of free time on their hands."<ref name=lageose>{{cite web|url=http://lageose9.blogspot.com/2013/05/janet-jackson-rhythm-nation.html|title=Backup Dancers From Hell: Janet Jackson – "Rhythm Nation"|work=Blogspot|publisher=Lageose, Brian|date=2013-05-27|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109005129/http://lageose9.blogspot.com/2013/05/janet-jackson-rhythm-nation.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=crossroads />
=== Fashion ===
The outfit worn for the "Rhythm Nation" video and performances of the song is famous in popular culture. Jackson's appearance includes "a fearless red-lipped pout and long black [[ponytail]]", along with "a black baseball hat with a metal "1814" applique, a black military-style shirt jacket with silver buckles and faux leather straps and collar, black belted pants and chunky, strappy boots."<ref name="sb">{{cite web|url=http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2010/12/16_janet_jackson_barbie_dolls_that_wed_like_to_see.php|title=16 Janet Jackson Barbie Dolls That We'd Like To See|work=SoulBounce|date=2010-12-09 |access-date=January 4, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203070244/http://www.soulbounce.com/soul/2010/12/16_janet_jackson_barbie_dolls_that_wed_like_to_see.php|archive-date=December 3, 2013|df=mdy-all}}</ref> An additional anecdote from ''[[The New York Times]]'' noted "Ms. Jackson, done up in black military-inspired garb, was eager to rail against societal ills like racism and domestic abuse."<ref name="tempest">{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/04/arts/capitalizing-on-jackson-tempest.html?pagewanted=2|title=Capitalizing On Jackson Tempest – Page 2|work=The New York Times|date=2004-02-04|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2017-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730104545/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/04/arts/capitalizing-on-jackson-tempest.html?pagewanted=2|url-status=live}}</ref>
Jackson was often questioned for her black attire and uniforms,<ref name="ebony" /> "Wearing black shows that for once that you can represent something positive and not negative," she emphasized. Jackson recalled being hurt over the comments of an [[African-American]] critic who considered her black attire "drab", saying "I would hope that everyone will understand that for once black represents something good. That's why I decided the color scheme for ''Rhythm Nation'' – the costumes, the cover art, the overall feeling – would be positively, uncompromisingly Black."<ref name="ebony" /><ref name="essence" />
[[File:Janet jackson.png|thumb|Jackson performing "Rhythm Nation" on the [[Number Ones, Up Close and Personal]] tour, 2011.]]
Chris Ryan of [[MTV]] praised Jackson's look as trendsetting, saying "Janet took her place at the top of the trendsetting heap".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2010/04/02/janet-jacksons-look-the-good-the-bad-and-the-wtf/|title=Janet Jackson's Look: The Good, The Bad And The WTF!?|publisher=MTV|date=2010-04-02|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108235631/http://buzzworthy.mtv.com/2010/04/02/janet-jacksons-look-the-good-the-bad-and-the-wtf/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Julianne Escobedo Shepherd of [[MTV News|MTV Style]] spoke about its influence, recalling that "everyone wanted to dress like her" and dance classes would "dedicate hours" to the video's choreography.<ref name=style>{{cite web|url=http://style.mtv.com/2013/05/16/janet-jackson-style-icon/|title=Style Icon: Janet Jackson – MTV Style|publisher=MTV News|date=2013-05-16|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140912102254/http://style.mtv.com/2013/05/16/janet-jackson-style-icon/|url-status=dead}}</ref> An additional critique regarded the video's wardrobe "intimidating" and "uniform fetish", likened to "some type of dark-ops cadet corps".<ref name=lageose /> ''[[Essence (magazine)|Essence]]'' also praised Jackson as a trendsetter, commenting "she started her own movement with the hoop earrings with the solo key".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://photos.essence.com/galleries/essence-icon-janet-jackson?slide=24140|title=ESSENCE Icon: Janet Jackson|work=Essenceaccessdate=04-01-14|access-date=2014-02-24 |archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109002244/http://photos.essence.com/galleries/essence-icon-janet-jackson?slide=24140|url-status=live}}</ref> Retail outlet [[Karmaloop]] called Jackson's snapback hat "80s signature style", selling a hat based on Jackson's.<ref name=karma>{{cite web|url=http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Rhythm-Nation-Leather-Snapback/385818|title=This Is A Love Song Hat Rhythm Nation Snapback|work=Karmaloop|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227014124/http://www.karmaloop.com/product/The-Rhythm-Nation-Leather-Snapback/385818|url-status=live}}</ref> MTV credited the hat worn in the video as one of the reasons for the snapback hat's revival in popularity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://style.mtv.com/2013/01/15/rihanna-ciara-leather-snapback/|title=Get A Leather Snapback Like Rihanna, Kat Graham, Ciara And Brandy|publisher=MTV|date=2013-01-15|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109004723/http://style.mtv.com/2013/01/15/rihanna-ciara-leather-snapback/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2011, ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' included the outfit at number nineteen on a list of 50 Stars Who Rocked Fashion, commenting Jackson adopted a "crisp military look for the ladies—with epaulets, cadet caps, fierce tailoring."<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20309550_20536569_21066616,00.html|title=Janet Jackson – 50 Stars Who Rocked Fashion: Top 25|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=2011-10-14|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109002526/http://www.ew.com/ew/gallery/0,,20309550_20536569_21066616,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2013, ''[[Lucky (magazine)|Lucky Magazine]]'' ranked the video among "The 18 Most Stylishly Influential Music Videos of All Time".<ref name=lucky>{{cite web|url=http://www.luckymag.com/style/2013/11/most-stylish-music-videos_slideshow_item15_16|title=Janet Jackson, "Rhythm Nation" – The 18 Most Stylishly Influential Music Videos Of All Time|work=Lucky Magazine|date=November 2013|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109001648/http://www.luckymag.com/style/2013/11/most-stylish-music-videos_slideshow_item15_16|url-status=live}}</ref> The same year, ''[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]'' listed "Rhythm Nation" among the "10 Most Iconic Music Video Looks of the 80s".<ref name=cosmopolitan>{{cite web|url=http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/all-hail-acid-wash-denim|title=10 Most Iconic Music Video Looks of The 80s|work=Cosmopolitan|publisher=Manning, Charles|date=2013-11-06|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109002712/http://www.cosmopolitan.com/celebrity/news/all-hail-acid-wash-denim|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2013, Alexander Fury of ''[[The Independent]]'' called Jackson a "style icon", saying "the artwork created with Eighties illustrator [[Tony Viramontes]] for ''[[Control (Janet Jackson album)|Control]]'' stands the test of time, as does the video for 1989's "Rhythm Nation", adding he was "obsessed" with the video's "get-up of quasi-military uniform accessorised with a single key on a hoop earring."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/alexander-fury-ive-long-been-obsessed-with-rhythm-nation-8538095.html|title=Alexander Fury: I've long been obsessed with Rhythm Nation – Features – Fashion|work=The Independent|publisher=Fury, Alexander|date=2013-03-18|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2017-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107004845/https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/alexander-fury-ive-long-been-obsessed-with-rhythm-nation-8538095.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Themes ==
The themes of unity among the dancers and various ethnicities, as well as gender equality, has received praise from critics. [[Slant Magazine]] observed "The solidarity of Janet Jackson's multi-racial Rhythm Nation dancers is evoked with hyper-synchronized movements while their individuality is expressed via their separate, distinct dances."<ref name="greatestvideos" /> ''[[The New York Times]]'' praised Jackson as a feminist, describing it as "a far cry from the lascivious bodies in various states of undress that flood the channel".<ref name="battle" /> ''[[34th Street Magazine]]'' applauded the video's implication of gender neutrality.<ref name="partofme" /> The clip's theme of activism and leadership was also commended, writing "instead of using sexual elements to attract audiences, it portrays the strong bond between entertainers and social activists with a common goal", in an attempt to speaks "particularly to young people and encourages them to be the leaders of tomorrow. Jackson passes on the message of social activist Mahatma Gandhi who once said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world."<ref name="crossroads" />
The video features dancers of "[[African-American]], [[Caucasian race|Caucasian]], and Asian ancestry", aiding Jackson in becoming known for "breaking existing racial stereotypes specifically toward African-American women", depicting her as a "socially responsible citizen with dignity and grace".<ref name="crossroads" /> The backing dancers in the video were thought to represent "[[Activism|social activists]]", shrouded by "empty surroundings" deciphered as "the indifferent attitudes in society". Jackson and her dancers were considered "confident, courageous", and displaying "unmatched conviction".
The video's director was noted to construct Jackson as "a creative, intelligent professional, someone who aims at promoting the status of black people, especially women". Dressed in identical uniforms, Jackson and the dancers "move in unison and in the same rhythm, dancing like roots, with stiff square arm movements. ... Jackson is also dressed in a uniform and is performing asexually and almost anonymously in front of, but as one of the members of the group."<ref name=gender>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7f7nFXfmPBMC&pg=PA92|title=Gender and Qualitative Methods|publisher=Järviluoma, Helmi|date=2003-10-21 |isbn=978-0-7619-6585-5|access-date=January 4, 2014}}</ref> The video was also one of the only popular music videos considered suitable to be broadcast to [[US troops]] in [[Middle Eastern]] countries such as [[Saudi Arabia]] and the [[Persian Gulf]], due to religious restrictions on the portrayal of female sexuality.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,313333,00.html|title=Middle East Cover-Up|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Harris, Mark|date=1991-02-15|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109002333/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,313333,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Reception ==
The video received favorable reviews from critics and journalists, focusing on its theme of unity and choreography. Comparing [[Lady Gaga]] to Jackson, Kyle Anderson of [[MTV News]] described it as "the clip that sent Jackson into the stratosphere as an envelope-pushing pop star."<ref name=ryan>{{cite web|url=http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/06/02/lady-gaga-alejandro-video-preview/|title='Alejandro' Video Preview: Lady Gaga Tips Her Hat To Madonna And Janet Jackson|publisher=MTV|date=2010-06-02|access-date=January 4, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140108233429/http://newsroom.mtv.com/2010/06/02/lady-gaga-alejandro-video-preview/|archive-date=January 8, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref> It won a [[Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video]] in 1990.<ref name="grammy.com" />
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"Shot in stark black and white and set in a smokey, oppressive factory setting, Jackson leads what appears to be a hip paramilitary organization through some of the most memorable choreography in pop video history. The future may look bleak, but at least it's funky." – ''[[Rolling Stone]]''<ref name=bestapocalyptic />
"Janet's dance nation is a hard, angular, geometric battle plan, and as the title track's stunning, monochromatic video clip confirms, the schematic first calls for an almost [[Zen]]-like transcendence of self." – ''[[Slant Magazine]]''<ref name=slant>{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/best-singles-of-the-1980s/P4|title=The 100 Best Singles of the 1980s – Feature|work=Slant Magazine|date=2012-08-20|access-date=4 January 2014|archive-date=2014-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140124005908/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/best-singles-of-the-1980s/P4|url-status=live}}</ref>
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''Entertainment Weekly'' called the video "legendary",<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1999/12/07/latest-michael-and-janet-jacksons-new-albums/|title=Action Jacksons – Michael Jackson Remembered|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|publisher=Seymour, Craig|date=1999-12-07|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109002149/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20396305_84846,00.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' included it in a list of "10 Favorite Dancing Musicians", calling Jackson "a brilliant dancer" who has "arguably had a greater long-term impact on the choreography of contemporary music videos" than [[Michael Jackson]]. The publication added the video "set the template for hundreds of videos to come in the Nineties and aughts."<ref name=entweekly>{{cite magazine|url=http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/glee-season-5-episode-7-puppet-master/2/|title='Glee' recap: No Strings Attached|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=2013-11-29|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2013-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203092404/http://tvrecaps.ew.com/recap/glee-season-5-episode-7-puppet-master/2/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=rollingstone /> It was also included in a list of the "Ten Best [[Apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction|Apocalyptic]] Dance Music Videos" in 2011, heralded as "the gold standard for [[dystopia]]n [[Dance-pop|dance pop]] music videos" which features "some of the most memorable choreography in pop video history".<ref name=bestapocalyptic>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/ten-best-apocalyptic-dance-music-videos-20110406/janet-jackson-rhythm-nation-1989-0545021|title=Ten Best Apocalyptic Dance Music Videos|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=6 April 2011|access-date=2011-06-04|archive-date=2017-07-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729231804/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/ten-best-apocalyptic-dance-music-videos-20110406/janet-jackson-rhythm-nation-1989-0545021|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Sun Sentinel]]'' called it "dark, futuristic", and "unforgettable", adding "No one can witness the militaristic precision of Rhythm Nation, which gives the impression that a really angry pep squad has taken over the dance floor, and not see how Janet's style has been sampled, borrowed and stolen over and over ... and over."<ref name=sun>{{cite web|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-03-18/entertainment/0103160621_1_mtv-icon-janet-jackson-pop-culture|title=Welcome To Planet Janet: It's Our World|work=The Sun Sentinel|publisher=Winston, Sherri|date=2001-03-18|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140115181127/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2001-03-18/entertainment/0103160621_1_mtv-icon-janet-jackson-pop-culture|url-status=dead}}</ref>
In 2013, ''[[Cosmopolitan (magazine)|Cosmopolitan]]'' listed it among the "10 Most Iconic Music Video Looks of the 80s", saying "How do you step out from behind the shadow of the world’s biggest pop star? You strap on some black, wear a key as an earring and dance like you’re going to war."<ref name=cosmopolitan /> ''[[Slant Magazine]]'' ranked the video among the "100 Greatest Music Videos", calling the "stunning, monochromatic" video it "one of the most intricately and powerfully choreographed music videos of all time", saying "the solidarity of Janet Jackson's multi-racial Rhythm Nation dancers is evoked with hyper-synchronized movements while their individuality is expressed via their separate, distinct dances."<ref name=greatestvideos>{{cite web|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-music-videos/P2|title=100 Greatest Music Videos – Feature|work=Slant Magazine|publisher=Gonzalez, Ed|date=2003-06-29|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2013-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131207123112/http://www.slantmagazine.com/features/article/100-greatest-music-videos/P2|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional commentary said the clip "wasn’t the norm for most things in the 80s, let alone a pop music video."<ref name=afropunk>{{cite web|url=http://www.afropunk.com/profiles/blogs/are-you-a-part-of-the-rhythm-nation|title=Are You A Part of the Rhythm Nation|publisher=Afro-punk.com|date=2013-03-07|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109002107/http://www.afropunk.com/profiles/blogs/are-you-a-part-of-the-rhythm-nation|url-status=live}}</ref> Another review considered it "groundbreaking" and "famous for its dynamic choreography in an abandoned factory", exclaiming "Fast-paced and bold, viewers become hooked to the catchy tunes and soulful sounds of the groundbreaking dance video."<ref name=crossroads>{{cite web|url=http://christophertorrenueva.wordpress.com/tag/rhythm-nation/|title=Rhythm Nation – CROSSING CROSSROADS|work=Wordpress|publisher=Torrenueva, Christopher|date=2010-02-13|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109000549/http://christophertorrenueva.wordpress.com/tag/rhythm-nation/|url-status=live}}</ref>
Elena Gooray of ''[[34th Street Magazine]]'' praised the video's overall theme, concept, and wardrobe.<ref name=partofme>{{cite web|url=http://34st.com/2012/04/part-of-me/|title=We want no part of 'Part of Me'|work=34th Street Magazine|publisher=Gooray, Elena|date=2006-04-12|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2014-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108235902/http://34st.com/2012/04/part-of-me/|url-status=live}}</ref> Music journalist [[Richard Croft (tenor)|Richard Croft]] considered it "captivating", saying "It is incredible, one of the top five music videos ever made." Croft added, "I've never seen dancing like that in a video, and no matter how many times I see it, I can never look away. It's captivating. 'Rhythm Nation' is the most empowering, come-on-get-up song in the world."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegospelaccordingtorichardcroft.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/20-janet-jackson-rhythm-nation-1989/|title=20. Janet Jackson – 'Rhythm Nation' (1989)|work=Wordpress|publisher=Croft, Richard|date=2010-01-06 |access-date=January 4, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109000519/http://thegospelaccordingtorichardcroft.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/20-janet-jackson-rhythm-nation-1989/|archive-date=January 9, 2014|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
''[[Rolling Stone (magazine)|Rolling Stone]]'' described the full length piece as a "mini-musical" which "told the morality tale of two shoeshine boys who discover the Rhythm Nation".<ref name=greatestvideos /> ''[[The New York Times]]'' stated the plot "juxtaposes her dance routines with grim urban imagery and a plot line about drugs versus dreams".<ref name=adopts>{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/17/arts/recordings-janet-jackson-adopts-a-new-attitude-concern.html|title=RECORDINGS; Janet Jackson Adopts a New Attitude: Concern|work=The New York Times|date=1998-09-17|access-date=January 4, 2014|archive-date=2017-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730071359/http://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/17/arts/recordings-janet-jackson-adopts-a-new-attitude-concern.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Willman of ''[[The LA Times]]'' considered it "ambitious" and "fun", saying "The can-humans-really-do-that? choreography in the three dance numbers is on a par with, and may even top, the best of brother [[Michael Jackson|Michael]]'s hoof-happy videos". Willman added, "What connects these numbers is an anti-drug story, unfortunately bolstered by the glitziness-among-the-L.A.-ruins imagery of "''[[Blade Runner]]''." Director [[Dominic Sena]]'s "slick penchant for neato futuristic grime" was also praised, adding "the big-bass songs and the dazzling dancing say what the hokey script can't."<ref name=telemusical />
== Certifications ==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|title=Rhythm Nation 1814|artist=Janet Jackson|type=video|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=1989|certyear=1990|access-date=2024-04-18}}
{{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true}}
== References ==
{{reflist}}
== External links ==
* {{YouTube|OAwaNWGLM0c|"Rhythm Nation" music video}}
* {{IMDb title|tt0239142}}
{{Janet Jackson}}
{{Dominic Sena}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Music Film}}
[[Category:American black-and-white films]]
[[Category:Grammy Award for Best Long Form Music Video]]
[[Category:Janet Jackson]]
[[Category:Films directed by Dominic Sena]]
[[Category:1980s music videos]]
[[Category:1989 short films]]
[[Category:1980s English-language films]]
[[Category:Films based on albums]]
[[Category:Janet Jackson video albums]]
[[Category:A&M Records video albums]]
[[Category:Films shot in California]]