Michael Jackson, famously dubbed the King of Pop, finally sees a film that pays tribute to his extraordinary life and illustrious career for diehard fans the world over. Our JP gives his take on “Michael.”
“Michael”
Lionsgate Films
- Directed by Antoine Fuqua
- Written by John Logan
- Produced by Graham King, John Branca, John McClain
- Starring Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Jessica Sula, Mike Myers, Miles Teller, Colman Domingo
Studio Synopsis:
MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.
J.P.’s Take:
“Michael,” a 2-hour fairytale wrapped in a biopic spanning four decades, vividly captures his rocket ship rise and transformation in music and culture. Rather than recounting who he is, I’ll focus on how the story illustrates his journey, emphasizing how 1984 and his pivotal album, “Thriller,” marked a turning point—solidifying Jackson’s impact through record-breaking achievements. Despite competition, Jackson’s reign as a solo artist remains unrivaled, and the film highlights not just his fame but the personal evolution that defined him.
To set the stage (so to speak), we travel back to 1966, where we find Michael (Juliano Krue Valdi as young Michael and Jafaar Jackson as adult Michael) and his brothers, Tito, Marlon, Jackie, and Jermaine rehearsing in their living room under the stern direction of their father, Joseph Jackson (Coleman Domingo). In this crucial moment, we witness his passion for life and freedom, sparking his momentous music career … and also his agony. Michael obviously stood out, even among his siblings, with an angelic voice, perfect pitch, and the ability to embody the music he sang.
The family dynamics the Jacksons have shown over the years are evident in how they interact with their parents and each other. We’ve often heard of the verbal and oftentimes, physical abuse inflicted upon the Jackson kids, especially Michael, and here in the film, the sentiment is felt. And yet young Michael often drifts off into his favorite story, “Peter Pan,” for comfort, placing himself as the main character, while dreaming of one day being free of his father’s tyranny. The story subtly hints at how the next scene will unfold through its recurring themes. These elements weave together, creating a sense of anticipation for what’s to come.
The MJ story centers on how his dreams and ambitions shaped not only his career but his evolution as a person. Through fleeting moments, the film reveals how Jackson’s drive to rise above industry and familial expectations forged his identity, showing the challenges he faced and the triumphs he achieved. These flashcard-like scenes underscore the film’s argument: Michael’s journey was not just toward fame but toward becoming the person he aspired to be. Over time, MJ garnered the help of many mentors, sidekicks, and companions, who have all served as his army of do-gooders, further pushing his vision forward in a positive light, particularly the love and support from his mother Catherine Jackson (Nia Long). There’s a striking contrast between his challenging family life and the unexpected warmth he receives from strangers.
Near the end, when he finally achieves success, we feel a sense of relief from the struggles he faced throughout his youth; the weight of his past torment lifts, allowing us to savor those shining moments. The experience is enhanced by the uncanny reenactment of Michael Jackson’s performance at “The Motown 25th Anniversary” concert, which feels slightly surreal.
Jafaar Jackson, Michael’s nephew through his brother Jermaine, strikingly resembles his uncle, mimicking his mannerisms, vocal style, and dance moves. The chronological showcase of two major concerts, along with reenactments of the making of the legendary music videos for “Thriller” and Billie Jean,” adds depth to the timeline. Even the infamous moment Michael’s hair caught fire, while filming a Pepsi commercial with The Jackson 5, was depicted in horrifying detail and heartbreaking truth, as this nearly ended his life and livelihood.
The cast of the “Michael” features a strong ensemble, led by Long as matriarch Katherine Jackson, Domingo as Joseph Jackson, and Miles Teller as attorney John Branca. The production depicts Michael’s professional inner circle through KeiLyn Durrel Jones as bodyguard Bill Bray, Laura Harrier as creative assistant Suzanne de Passe, Kendrick Sampson as legendary producer Quincy Jones, and Larenz Tate as Motown founder Berry Gordy. The Jackson family is rounded out by Jessica Sula as La Toya, Jamal R. Henderson (and Jayden Harville as young) as Jermaine, Tre Horton (and Jaylen Lyndon Hunter) as Marlon, Rhyan Hill (and Judah Edwards) as Tito, and Joseph David-Jones (and Nathaniel Logan McIntyre) as Jackie. Additionally, the film includes notable industry figures and peers played by Mike Myers as Walter Yetnikoff, Liv Symone as Gladys Knight, Deon Cole as Don King, and Asia Fuqua as Michael’s “Thriller” co-star Ola Ray.
When it was all said and done, many situations conveniently fell into place, while others were allowed to breathe. And they happened so fast that when the end came, we were left with a cliffhanger just as Michael was experiencing the highs of stardom. I guess that they’ll save the scandal and the comeback era for the sequel, which is what fans are speculating.
Speaking of fans, I felt this lighthearted, if slightly diluted fable, would do the trick, so long as you remove yourself from the harsh times he’s experienced and just revel in his glow. As I sift through my memories of my first encounter with Michael Jackson’s mega pop persona, I recall the joyous simplicity of my childhood during that era. His music was a soundtrack to carefree days filled with laughter and wonder.
The biopic, “Michael,” promises to capture that spirit, allowing viewers to appreciate his artistry while momentarily stepping away from the complexities of his life. It’s a nostalgic journey that reminds us how his influence shaped our youthful experiences and emotions.
Official Site: Michael
