You’ve been hit by, you’ve been struck by, an average biopic writes Carter Smith
It’s time for this year’s attempt at a musical biopic to release. If Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Robbie Williams and Elvis weren’t enough, we have one more to throw into the mix before the gargantuan four Beatles film release.
It’s a big one. It may be the biggest one possible. It is none other than the King of pop himself.
Antoine Fuqua’s Michael has been the source of controversy and discourse since its announcement — much like Jackson was himself. It’s understandable, the Jackson brand has been under murky waters since his death and the release of the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland — accounts of two boys who allegedly were sexually abused by Jackson when they were kids — did no favours.
His influence and passionate fanbase hasn’t diminished, but there is a certain black mark on his iconic status he gained for himself.
All the uncertainty towards his name and legal battles makes creating a film about his life quite the challenge. The wrestle between what you include and don’t must have been quite the headache.
So what do they focus on? Well they delve into his struggles, namely with his father Joe Jackson played by a menacing Coleman Domingo, and the longing for a childhood which had been stripped away from him.
More so than I thought. I expected the exploitation between Joseph and Michael, but they really hone in on the quiet tragedy of Michael’s life. Hidden between his discography which demands at least a tap of the feet, is a saddening story of a boy who just wanted to be just that, a boy.
Not so much to bog down the story, but I did appreciate their attempt at showcasing the less flashy parts of his persona. I found myself wanting more of that.
Ultimately, they know that they aren’t going to get bums in seats. Fans of the late great are not going to be travelling to the cinema for a deep dive into his troubling and complex psychology.
What fans will turn up for in their billions, is for the chance to relive his greatness one last time, and this film gives them that in abundance.
Jafaar Jackson almost looks like he has been possessed by his Uncle at moments, embodying his spirit and greatness in ways no one else could have. The dance moves are on point, vocals are inch perfect and overall demeanour is captured perfectly.
Jackson was undeniably a god given talent. He created music, dance moves and music videos which will stand the test of time, and this film shows these very things in abundance. You will leave the cinema humming to the beat of one of his songs, and resisting every urge you have to embarrass yourself by moonwalking out.
So in that sense, this is a success. But I can’t help but feel there is a missed opportunity to really delve into the mind of one of the most complex characters to grace the planet.
Which is where the issue with a biopic comes. There are no second chances. You get one chance to get it right and you better hope that you do. When it works out, it is glorious. When it doesn’t, it’s a bitter disappointment.
So where does that leave Michael? Somewhere in the middle. It will appease the fans, but its refusal to stop playing it safe stops it from ever reaching the heights of other musical biopics such as Rocketman.
It is a solid Jackson 3/5 star rating.
- Michael is available to buy on various streaming services
