Dr Ramandeep Mahal reviews Michael

Don’t we all love a biopic, especially when it is about a famous entertainer? Even more so when the biopic is about the “King of Pop.” Let’s not anticipate any messy explorations of the truth, as this movie remains fairly clean in its portrayal. Michael stars Michael Jackson’s nephew, Jaafar Jackson—the son of Michael’s older brother Jermaine Jackson—in his debut role. This Antoine Fuqua-directed film (known for Training Day, Tears of the Sun, and King Arthur) is now running in theatres. It is produced by Graham King, who also produced films such as Bohemian Rhapsody. Another producer is John Branca, the former manager and co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate. His character is played by Miles Teller (known for Rabbit Hole, Fantastic Four, and Divergent).

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As a film, Michael is completely devoted to gilding his legacy as one of the most successful and influential artists of all time. Back in 2009, we were all shocked by Michael Jackson’s sudden death. The story begins in 1966 in Indiana, with a young Michael Jackson rehearsing endlessly under the strict and abusive supervision of his father, Joe Jackson (played by Colman Domingo). Alongside him is Michael’s mother, Katherine (played by Nia Long), who appears mostly worried on screen but continues to support him throughout.

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Juliano Valdi, who plays the ten-year-old Michael Jackson, is far cuter and more impressive than any other member of the band. When not rehearsing, he gazes out of the window, unable to play with the other children. At night, lying in bed, he retreats into his own world with a copy of Peter Pan. The mythology of Neverland comes to define his later life. However, the movie rushes through several periods without deeply exploring certain emotional retrospectives, such as the impact of the characters’ experiences or the significance of their childhoods in shaping their futures.

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For the first half of the film, Michael simply races through the years. From 1968 to 1971, The Jackson Five book their first gig, travel extensively, get discovered, and move into a bigger house. We gain some psychological insight into Michael’s personality when he begins collecting animals such as giraffes, llamas, snakes, and chimpanzees, insisting they are his friends. There are also scenes devoted to Michael’s discomfort with his appearance, including the size of his nose and his vitiligo. However, the movie does not dwell on these issues.

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Most major events in his life are at least given a dedicated scene. For instance, there is a sequence in which he invites gang members from the rival groups Bloods and Crips to watch him create the song Beat It. Then there is the recreation of the shooting of Thriller. Longtime collaborator Quincy Jones (played by Kendrick Sampson) enters the story around 1978, marking a major turning point in Michael’s life.

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Jaafar Jackson has done an impressive job physically embodying his uncle. He delivers an extremely well-rehearsed performance that few others could pull off. He has completely nailed his uncle’s moves, which is no small feat. Viewers have especially appreciated the concert performances and choreography, particularly the Motown 25 performance and Thriller. Michael seems determined to include every popular song Michael Jackson performed, from his Jackson Five days to his Bad era. Much of the storytelling is conveyed through montages set to Jackson’s music, though this approach occasionally feels narratively unsatisfying.

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Aside from Jaafar Jackson and Colman Domingo, the rest of the performances are solid, though many characters are not given enough screen time. KeiLyn Durrel Jones, as Bill Bray, portrays Michael’s longtime bodyguard and receives some sympathetic moments as Michael’s only confidant. Most of the scenes presented are more or less objective depictions of documented events rather than subjective interpretations of Jackson’s later life.

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The film is well shot, well directed, energetic, and competently acted, but it lacks real depth and insight into Michael’s life. A sequel is hinted at throughout the 127-minute film. The movie leaves unanswered the question hinted at by Joe Jackson: could Michael survive in a world run by sycophants without the support of his family?

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Cinematographer Dion Beebe pays excellent attention to the details of the eighties era. I would rate this movie 8 out of 10, largely because of Jaafar Jackson’s uncannily accurate performance as his uncle. Go for it if you are a big fan of the “King of Pop.”