The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, "Michael," has finally made its way to the big screen, sparking immediate conversation. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan, the film delivers a portrayal as engrossing, complicated, and enigmatic as the King of Pop himself, chronicling his historic ascent to pop supremacy.
One pivotal scene captures Michael Jackson's unfathomable fame and fragile psyche: Joe Jackson, portrayed by Colman Domingo, receives a termination letter from his son. This moment vividly harks back to the Jacksons' humble beginnings in Gary, Indiana, underscoring the shift in power from the "iron-fisted patriarch" to a "Thriller-bound, sensitive 21-year-old."
As Michael moves on, mentored by Quincy Jones, his multiplatinum success with "Off The Wall" signals a new era. Yet, despite his burgeoning solo career and personal menagerie of exotic pets, the trauma of childhood superstardom is evident, leaving him to find solace primarily in animals rather than human connection.
The film delves into Jackson's unprecedented global acclaim, describing a "ride-or-die supernova from becoming bigger than U.S. Steel." Jackson, who tragically passed in 2009, cemented his status as one of the best-selling music acts ever, arguably the most famous person in modern history.
The Biopic Challenge: Retelling a Known Legend
The core challenge for "Michael" lies in its subject's universal recognition. Everyone knows the world-beating songs, the iconic "moonwalk" from Motown 25, and the memorable "Beat It" video. This deep-seated familiarity presents an "insurmountable hurdle" for any filmmaker aiming to keep the narrative fresh and engaging.
Despite this, early projections suggest "Michael" is on pace for a robust box office opening, potentially surpassing other music biopics like "Straight Outta Compton" and "Bohemian Rhapsody." Michael Jackson remains a formidable business entity, ensuring strong commercial appeal.
The question then becomes: how do you make a universally known figure, as recognizable as Mickey Mouse, not boring? Historically, films like Spike Lee's "Malcolm X," Taylor Hackford's "Ray," and Baz Luhrmann's "Elvis" succeeded by taking narrative chances, humanizing their subjects with fearless ferocity or experimental styles.
In contrast, "Michael" is criticized for playing it safe, likened to "a daredevil walk a tightrope while wearing a harness." While it avoids the "atrocious depths" of notorious biographical film failures like "Nina" or "Back to Black," it struggles to truly fill its iconic subject's "black Florsheim Como Imperial penny loafers."
Standout Performances and Key Omissions
The film's undisputed highlight is the "HOLY SHIT!!!" performance by Jaafar Jackson, Michael's nephew. Jaafar effortlessly channels his uncle's speaking voice, dance moves, mannerisms, and childlike wonder, making it difficult to distinguish his vocals from MJ's originals. Juliano Valdi, playing the 10-year-old J5-era Mike, also delivers a commendable performance.
Nia Long shines as the Jackson matriarch Katherine, bringing much-needed emotional weight to an otherwise "cliché-riddled script." However, Colman Domingo's portrayal of Joe Jackson has drawn criticism for being "cartoonishly abhorrent," lacking the nuanced complexity seen in past portrayals like the Emmy-winning "The Jacksons: An American Dream" miniseries.
The biopic primarily spans from the Jackson 5's "bubble gum soul ascension" to the triumphant "Bad" era. Notably, key figures like Janet Jackson, Diana Ross, and Randy Jackson are either absent or minimized, with Janet reportedly declining to be included and scenes featuring Ross ultimately nixed.
Perhaps the most significant omission is the deliberate avoidance of the "early '90s child sexual abuse allegations and the 2005 molestation trial." The filmmakers suggest this "heavy, dark period" is better suited for a documentary, prompting comparisons to "Elvis" which also "skates over" controversial aspects of its subject's life.
A Missed Opportunity for Deeper Industry Insight
Despite its box office draw, "Michael" represents a missed opportunity to truly analyze Michael Jackson's groundbreaking impact beyond the hits. The film briefly touches upon a riveting scene where a young Michael defiantly tells CBS Records executives he "will not be sent 'to the back of the bus'," referencing Jim Crow segregation.
This moment hints at a deeper narrative: Jackson's uncharted journey as a Black artist who conquered a "racially rigged music business." Imagine a biopic that thoroughly explores how he challenged and transformed an industry that historically elevated white patron saints like Frank Sinatra, Elvis, and The Beatles. The current film, while entertaining for dedicated fans, opts for a safer, more celebratory approach, perhaps influenced by the "heavy-handed Jackson estate," rather than delving into the full "gangster" extent of his cultural and industrial defiance.
Dedicated MJ fans, who know that "Remember The Time" is better than "Bad," will likely find the film a "View-Master 'remember this???' highlight career achievement," serving as an earnest, PG-13 sing-along experience.
