A new biopic titled Michael features Jaafar Jackson, the nephew of the late pop icon, portraying his uncle’s rise to fame. The film has received mixed to negative reviews from critics, with many describing it as a “whitewash” that presents a sanitized version of Michael Jackson’s life and career.
Critics’ Reactions
Several reviewers have pointed out that the film fails to address the serious allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson. According to reports, references to these allegations were removed due to a historic non-disclosure agreement (NDA) that prevented any mention of the accuser, Jordan Chandler. The film instead focuses on Jackson’s early career with the Jackson 5 and his successful solo endeavors.
The Hollywood Reporter noted that the film “delivers for lifelong fans who cherish the music,” while the Telegraph criticized it for “refusing to address the elephant in the room.” In a two-star review, Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian described the film as “frustratingly shallow” and filled with clichés, stating it plays “like a 127-minute trailer montage.”
Clarisse Loughrey from the Independent awarded the film only one star, calling it a “ghoulish, soulless cash grab.” She remarked that the film merely recreates famous visuals from Jackson’s career without delving into his humanity. Kevin Maher of the Times echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the film would be remembered as a “watershed moment” for the music biopic genre, albeit for negative reasons.
Production and Direction
The biopic is directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for films such as Training Day and The Equalizer. Critics have highlighted the absence of any acknowledgment of the allegations against Jackson, which were originally included in the film’s third act. However, due to legal constraints, this footage was scrapped, and the film was restructured to conclude in the late 1980s, prior to the first allegations.
Despite the critical backlash, some reviewers found merit in the film’s musical performances. The film features Jackson’s original vocals, and Jaafar Jackson’s portrayal has been praised for its authenticity. The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a “warm rush of transporting pleasure” for nostalgic fans, while Variety noted its engrossing nature.
Other notable cast members include Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as entertainment lawyer John Branca. Jaafar Jackson’s performance has been highlighted as a strong point, with several critics noting his uncanny resemblance to his uncle.
While the film aims to celebrate Michael Jackson’s legacy, the lack of engagement with the controversies surrounding his life has led to significant criticism. As the film continues to be discussed, it remains to be seen how audiences will respond to its portrayal of the King of Pop.
Source: Original report