Stylish Films: Michael

If ever a film seemed to totally polarise opinion, it is the Michael Jackson biopic ‘Michael‘. Critics seem to absolutely hate it, citing the people who are not involved (sister Janet, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor) and sensitive issues which are not discussed. However, talk to filmgoers and you get a totally different view. Before I went to judge for myself I asked friends who had seen the film and they all agreed it was very good, with great performances from the leads, and that the music, going back to those early Jackson 5 songs, absolutely stands the test of time. So, who to believe?

Well, I can’t answer that, you really need to make up your own mind, but, personally. I absolutely loved it. The film covers the time frame from the mid 60s to 1988, when Jackson performed at Wembley Stadium as part of his Bad tour, after finally breaking free from the grips of his abusive and controlling father Joe. I think this is a clever move as it epitomises the peak years of the Michael Jackson phenomenon- Off the Wall, Thriller,  Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, and, of course, the Jackson 5.

The later controversies may be covered in a second film as is teased at the end of Michael, but in this film we do get the harrowing abuse and bullying that young Michael received at the hands of Joe. We see his escape from loneliness via animals, Hollywood classic films and fairy stories like the symbolic Peter Pan. Michael is portrayed as shy, gentle and as someone never allowed a real childhood, and yet never really allowed to grow up either. It is a sad story but with elements of great highs, of sparkle and shine, and the sheer magic of the brilliance of Michael Jackson as a performer who brought black and white America together.

The Cast

I was absolutely blown away with Michael’s nephew Jafaar Jackson as Michael. He is simply incredible, portraying the gentleness of Michael, but also absolutely nailing the performance/dance scenes. The filming of the iconic video for Thriller, and his performance of Billie Jean are sensational, Jafaar does not put a foot wrong.

The performance of Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson is also very good. He is chilling in his portrayal of a bully who used his children as meal tickets, a way out of Gary, Indianna, and wouldn’t hesitate to reach for his belt if they didn’t tow the line.  Nia Long, as mother Katherine, gives a very understated performance which is a great contrast to Joe, and her scenes watching the Three Stooges with Michael are sweet and tender.

Juliano Valdi is a brilliant young talent as the younger Michael, he steals your heart in his live performances and breaks it in the shocking beating scenes.

In terms of the other brothers, if I had to criticise the film it would be that we dont really find out too much about them, we never see who Micharl was closest to, although, with an emphasis on how lonely his childhood was, that might just be deliberate.

The songs, of course, are perfect and timeless, with Michael’s true vocals meshed with Jaafar’s to great effect.  It’s still unbelievable that Michael was just 20 when Off the Wall came out, what a masterpiece it is, now and then.

You need to make up your own mind about Michael, but I’m firmly in the admirers camp. For me, this is a very good film that does justice to the genius of the man.

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