“Icons & Instincts”
Vincent Paterson
(Rare Bird Books, 2022)
Of all the books in a library, I usually try to diversify my reading, but I know that in the end I will always have a preference for autobiographies. Reading a first-person account allows for a more accurate deciphering of the key player’s account. Thus, I have the feeling that their memories are better transmitted by their own lines, giving the reader the best experience of a work summarizing an artist’s life.
“Icons & Instincts” is an effective title because it sums up Vincent Paterson’s account. That of a dancer/choreographer who has been at the service of the stars while remaining in the shadows, and what is instinct if not a choreographer’s most beautiful weapon in order to immortalize in gestures what sprouts from his mind? This definition of instinct could be illustrated by Vincent Paterson’s will and self-sacrifice to pursue his dreams, and it is one of the most beautiful lessons of this book. The artist had been trained in the field of theater and it is rather late that he professionally turned to dance at the age of 24, encouraged by aptitudes discovered at a very young age with his grandmother. Many would have been discouraged by the skepticism that this type of artistic change can provoke, and the author reveals a path full of pitfalls but through which he was able to follow his dreams. The image of the man getting to Hollywood with a backpack and no money and no network, is a scenario that seems familiar and regularly pictured in movies or musicals. That’s why “Icons & Instincts” might seem like a beautiful novel, and yet it is a purely authentic story. Of course, the author takes the time to introduce himself and explain what brought him from his Pennsylvania home to California, including some sacrifices and other trials that shaped both the man and the artist. Starting with his modest origins, coming from families that had emigrated from Poland and England, but also his parents’ divorce when he was very young and his complicated relationship with his father – all these torments that also allow us to decipher his journey. His father also named Vincent Paterson transmitted to him the passion of the dance, but his violent behavior would remain a childhood wound. Still, Vincent felt the desire to renew ties with his father when he became an adult and we can perceive some kind of a relief. However, things were not so simple since their relationship remained complicated as the father lived by proxy the fame of his son. This is one of the subjects that is close to the author’s heart, so much so that it regularly comes up throughout the book. Let’s admit that it is one of the attractions of this account: the dancer/choreographer does not indulge in the ease of taking shelter behind the strass and the glitter which accompanied him in his career. He is not afraid to evoke his personal wounds, without making a tongue in cheek, which legitimizes this book.
Therefore it was time for the artist to reveal himself, he who had remained in the shadows, at the service of these famous icons to better make them shine under the spotlight. His numerous collaborations with Madonna that have stayed engraved in people’s memory are proof of this. I don’t consider myself a Madonna specialist, but I enjoyed her music in the 80s and 90s, so that I am able to get mental images of the many projects narrated by the author in the company of Miss Ciccone. All this allows the reader to measure how much Vincent Paterson has contributed to show business over the last 40 years, as the list of his collaborations is impressive. This is not about gossiping, but rather learning about these stars behind the scenes and the way they approach their work, because that’s what it’s all about. A realistic behind-the-scenes look, without any magnifying or demystifying, in order to transmit as best as possible how the result that the general public knows was obtained. Sometimes the man succeeds and gets a triumph; sometimes he makes mistakes, but the author tells about each situation with humility. In these collaborations, he sometimes had to convince his interlocutor that he was the right man for the job and that he would be able to magnify it. That was some sort of eternal struggle to stand out in the face of tough competition, and this example could be an inspiration to any young person entering the job market. I liked his sincerity in not sparing himself, because I know that the successes he tells about are not distorted. This is evidenced by his experience related to the film “Dancer In The Dark” by Lars Von Trier with Björk and Catherine Deneuve. I have never seen this feature film and I realize it’s about time to do so. However, I was captivated by this chapter when I couldn’t put images in my mind, unlike with those related to the stars I know. I loved the fact that Vincent the dancer turned a choreographer and developed his talents in directing. It’s a lesson in life not to stay in your comfort zone. In any professional career, one is meant to evolve over time, with the will to perfect oneself in various fields. Whatever one’s field of predilection, here are some lines from which one can draw inspiration. This is an opportunity to say that you should not be interested in this book only to immerse yourself in the Paterson/Jackson collaboration, because you would miss all these elements. However, it is fair to recognize how important this relationship between the two men is, and that it remains a central element of this book.
It is true that the King of Pop is mentioned many times, in several chapters, as if the author wanted his readers to understand, even if unconsciously, that Michael Jackson remained in his mind when he worked with other artists, as he was waiting for their next collaboration. Nothing is toned down when it comes to write about Michael, to the point of evoking the ultimate meeting between the two men that would lead to nothing but sadness and melancholy for the author. The artistic choice to begin the book with this not very joyful end is revealing – it was not about censoring himself on the less brilliant memories but rather about evoking them as soon as possible to turn to more joyful ones over the pages. This is evidenced by his role in the “Beat It” video as a gang leader opposite his mentor, choreographer Michael Peters, who also left too soon. We feel all of Vincent’s admiration, respect and gratitude towards Peters on their common collaboration in the Jackson world. It wouldn’t stop there since the tandem would also be taking part in the “Thriller” short-film when Michael Peters signed a new choreography which would remain forever engraved in people’s memories. After the tidal wave of the Thrillermania, Michael Jackson’s career had reached another dimension. The tensions and rivalries in the business could be high to collaborate on his new projects related to the release of the “Bad” album. That’s why Michael Peters could resent Vincent Paterson for being MJ’s new choreographer at the time. It was Michael Jackson’s choice and when you watch the videos of “The Way You Make Me Feel” (directed by Joe Pytka, another important character in the story) and “Smooth Criminal”, you can’t prove him wrong. I had the image of Michael Jackson mastering all the aspects of his art by himself for such a long time that I am now happy to put faces to the names who worked in his world. I can mention the “Black Or White” video which brings a visual that totally sublimates the song, allowing to appreciate it more. Anyone can watch MJ’s performances at the MTV’s 10th anniversary ceremony, or at the 1988 Grammy Awards performance or at the Superbowl halftime show, and it will easily replace all the superlatives I would use in these lines. However, I want to greet Vincent Paterson’s willingness to move Michael Jackson from his comfort zone and push him into things he had never done before. I could also mention the “Blood On The Dance Floor” video which surprised me, in a good way, at the time – a virile performance of a tandem dance with MJ not hiding a beard under the makeup. This was their last collaboration and it comes as a nice conclusion. Of course, I won’t go into too much detail, as it will be more interesting for the reader to discover all this through the eye of the main key player.
In his writing process, the author tells us that it is possible to make a career and believe in one’s dreams. However, he remains clear-headed about the pitfalls of fame, warning the reader that everything can suddenly end, since the hardest part might be becoming an anonymous again while your new best friend may as well hire somebody else for his next project. To all of this, in detailing my thoughts about this book, I would like add another element that one would not suspect at first glance and yet is crucial: Vincent Paterson denounces the fact that a choreographer does not have any copyright on his or her creations as a filmmaker, a musician or a writer does. He rightly cites his lean in “Smooth Criminal” used in video games without him getting any credit. It is against this injustice that he wishes to take up the cause so that things might evolve in the right direction. So this is not only about show business in Hollywood but it is also the book of a committed artist and for that reason alone, it deserves to be read. It is about a man, with values and convictions, who deserves all our respect when reading his message.
This is an opportunity to greet someone who has been working behind the scenes, and it would be unfair to ignore the person who has had that role during the making of this book. Journalist Amy Tofte has put down on paper Vincent Paterson’s thoughts and views on his life and career. This is not an easy task and I can’t imagine the amount of hours of conversations that went into the making of this book, but I can attest to the closeness between these two people after having completed this project. Amy and Vincent had wanted to know my experience and my feelings about self-publishing and I had been delighted to talk to them in a video call. Still I did not expect to find my name in the list of acknowlegments in the English edition. So it is my turn to thank Vincent Paterson for his generosity and kindness. I think that this book sums up very well his journey but also his humanity. I can only advise you to soak it up by reading this autobiography. It ended with a smile and I must admit I did the same.
