The biopic on the King of Pop arrives on the silver screen. Michael, written by John Logan and directed by Antoine Fuqua, has the titular role played by Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson.
The film begins in the late Sixties, when the domineering Joseph Jackson (Colman Domingo) forged The Jackson 5 and pushed little Michael and his siblings to stardom. The mother figure, played by Nia Long, is nurturing and oppressed, as she watches her sons enter the realm of show business.
Michael shows a coming of age journey of an artist who gradually breaks free from an overbearing stage dad. The film ends with his solo Bad Tour, where he has finally enfranchised himself from his family chains. Besides the Jackson relatives, we witness how other encounters eventually formed a parallel family for the artist in need of support and protection. They will be crucial in allowing Michael Jackson to pave his own path. These include entertainment manager John Branca (Miles Teller), Quincy Jones (Kendrick Sampson) Michael’s bodyguard Bill Bray (KeiLyn Durrel Jones), and producer Suzanne de Passe (Laura Harrier).
While watching the biopic, we get acquainted with the frailty of Michael, as he grows with music, yet remains entrapped in a childhood he was never able to fully express. The young boy, who dreamt of resembling Peter Pan in form (as attested by his various plastic surgeries) and in spirit, finds refugee in his fairytale dimension of compassion. He rescues animals and creates a sanctuary populated by giraffes, lamas, monkeys and snakes. As an adult he will try to spread kindness away from the limelight. Whereas his performances on stage dazzled audiences, through his unique voice and otherworldly dance moves.
Fans will go wild listening to hits such as Thriller, Human Nature, Billie Jean, Bad, Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough and admire how impeccably Jaafar Jackson moves in the exact same way as Michael, with the moon walk, toe stand, crotch grab, robot poses, rapid spins and pelvic thrusts. The film is also a celebration of Michael Jackson’s famous outfits, that contributed to build the whimsical look of the most important musical figures of the 20th century.
For those who may wonder if the film includes the child sexual abuse, accusations against Michael Jackson, the screenplay initially planned to include the content, but they were ultimately removed. Screenwriter John Logan — nominated for three Academy Awards, three British Academy Film Awards and winner of a Tony Award — has gone a traditional route following the chronology of Michael Jackson’s pursuit of the American Dream. Michael’s daughter, Paris, said she had no involvement in the film and described an early script as sugar-coated; whereas Colman Domingo, who played the patriarch of the family Joe Jackson, expressed hope that the film would honour Paris’ father.
There has been debate and speculations as to why Janet Jackson, Michael’s sister, did not appear in the film, nor in the film’s promotion. She has not released any statement on the matter. On the other hand, relatives who supported the film include Michael’s two sons, 29-year-old Prince and 24-year-old Bigi, who posed on the red carpet of the premiere, with their cousin Jaafar, as well as their uncles and several other family members, such as Jackie, Jermaine, and Marlon Jackson, Jermaine’s son Jermajesty and Randy’s son, Randy Jackson Jr.
The style of film director Antoine Fuqua — who habitually combines the glitz of music videos with strong narratives and multifaceted characters — finds its best expression in this cinematic portrayal of the music legend. Thereby, Michael is a delicate tribute to a colossal artist who marked the history of pop music, and at the same time a gentle portrait of a dreamer who was discreetly dedicated to philanthropy, spreading messages of unity and peace. The picture is the full embodiment of what Michael Jackson once said: “In a world filled with hate, we must still dare to hope. In a world filled with anger, we must still dare to comfort. In a world filled with despair, we must still dare to dream. And in a world filled with distrust, we must still dare to believe.”
Final Grade: B+
Photos credits: Courtesy of Lionsgate