Not many people would go to the movie theater at 9:45 pm on a Tuesday, but on May 19th, I was one of them. The lights were dimmed, and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” by Michael Jackson came on over the speakers as the room quieted down and the panel lit up. One singular word stretched across the screen: “Michael.”
“Michael” was released on April 24 and directed by Antoine Fuqua. The biopic follows the life of the superstar Michael Jackson and his rise to fame. The movie focuses on the balance between family and independence, but omits important parts of Michael’s life. While the film was certainly enjoyable, these omissions weakened the production.
The movie begins with Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo) making his sons practice their singing in the living room. From the start, it’s clear Joe is not a good father. He is a perfectionist and is violent toward the boys when they make mistakes. The family, known as the “Jackson 5,” refers to him as “Joseph” rather than “father,” highlighting Joseph’s managing position. Throughout the movie, it is visible that the Jackson 5 feel controlled by their father and stuck in his money-grabbing schemes. Unfortunately, this is the only part of Michael’s personal life we see. Sometimes, the movie reflects on Michael’s oddities through his mannerisms and actions, but without any significant exploration or resolution.
Aside from the family dynamics and Michael’s struggle for independence, the film simply chronicles the Jacksons’ rise to fame. This makes the movie feel a bit stagnant and underdeveloped despite its 2 hour and 10 minute runtime. Many of Michael Jackson’s controversies, such as the Neverland Ranch, are alluded to but never actually addressed, although a sequel is being produced, which could explore these aspects of Michael Jackson’s life. The movie also excludes important people in Michael Jackson’s story, like his youngest sister, Janet Jackson and close friend Diana Ross. These omissions made it feel like the film was missing something. It didn’t delve into any of Michael’s personal life, and that’s what most people want to see when watching a biopic: the inner workings of a public person who we don’t truly know much about.
Still, the actors in the production definitely deserve recognition. Jafaar Jackson, who plays Michael, his real-life uncle, captures Michael down to the voice. On the big screen, it almost feels like you are watching Michael Jackson himself.
The movie also uses Michael Jackson’s music as transitions flawlessly. In the first part of the movie, young Michael (Juliano Valdi) begins by singing in the music studio. The music gets louder, and the scenes begin a montage of the Jackson 5’s success. Everything seems to flow seamlessly. The costumes and set design are equally impressive. Every outfit and look caters to the style of the time period. Michael Jackson’s outfits are replicated almost exactly. The sets also look incredibly realistic, though if you look closely, you can see that the huge crowds are animated.
Overall, “Michael” is a fun and exciting film, whose energy is reminiscent of the worldwide superstar. Although the film may not have captured Michael Jackson’s full story, it is definitely still worth your time —especially if you enjoy the Jacksons’ music.
