"Michael" - Remembering the Time

 While it offers little new understanding, it stands as a visually impressive celebration of arguably the world’s greatest music entertainer. The film’s narrative follows a 10-year-old prodigy’s journey from boy band stardom to solo superstardom, highlighting his struggle for independence from a controlling father.

Movies are designed to entertain, transporting audiences into worlds of awe and escapism through immersive audio-visual experiences. Many people connect treasured memories to films. But should movies offer more than a temporary escape from reality? Must they always deliver a deeper purpose, and do they fail if they do not? The film Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson, prompts these questions. While it offers little new understanding, it stands as a visually impressive celebration of arguably the world’s greatest music entertainer. The film’s narrative follows a 10-year-old prodigy’s journey from boy band stardom to solo superstardom, highlighting his struggle for independence from a controlling father. Ultimately, the main argument is that Michael succeeds as cinematic entertainment, regardless of whether it delivers on deeper significance.

Michael stars Jaafar Jackson and Nina Long, along with Colman Domingo as the patriarch, Joe Jackson. It chronicles the period from 1966 to 1988. As a timid child soldiering in The Jackson 5, led by an authoritative father, Jackson’s only outlets are the bright lights and adoration of the stage, in the arms of his compassionate and nurturing mother, or surrounded by his pets, whom he regards as friends. Raising the question, would he have been as great as he was if not for the relentless drive of his father that served as the catalyst for his pursuit of greatness and perfection that launched his solo career?

If the mission is fact-finding and unmasking the man behind the sparkling glove and hypnotic dance moves, then watch The Jacksons: An American Family, which premiered in the 1990s. The film’s captivation lies in the performances of both Jackson and Domingo. A performance so sound that you swear you are watching Michael himself, while the other delivers an Oscar-worthy performance by one of the quintessential actors of our time.

Jackson dedicated two years to preparing for this role, and the result is nothing short of captivating. His precise moves in the Thriller video, pausing just so the camera catches every angle, leave viewers wondering if they are watching lost footage from the 1980s. That authenticity carries through as he glides into the Motown 25 Years celebration, electrifying the stage with the first live performance of “Billie Jean.” Every gesture, every inflection, transforms Jackson into his uncle for two spellbinding hours. Meanwhile, Domingo channels the fierce, complex spirit of Joseph Walter Jackson with remarkable intensity.

Is Colman Domingo the next Sidney Poitier, or Denzel Washington? Or maybe the comparison is unfair. He should not or does not need to be the next anything, because being Coleman Domingo certainly seems to be more than enough. From his performances as Ali in the HBO Max hit series Euphoria to his Oscar-nominated role as activist Bayard Rustin in Rustin, his talent is unmistakable. Now add his profound, flawless portrayal of the elder Jackson to his list of outstanding performances, cementing his unparalleled genius.

This discussion leads us to wonder: Is this truly a biopic? The film certainly dramatizes Michael Jackson's life, showcasing his triumphs, struggles, and personal journey. Yes, but. Some say that when an answer is followed by 'but,' it erases everything that came before. That is not the case here. Devoted fans will still crave more. The letdown comes from the absence of Dianna Ross, omitted due to legal complications, and the strange void left by Janet, Michael’s supposedly closest sibling, who chose not to participate. The movie does succeed in portraying Jackson’s isolation and his strategic use of business ties to shape his world. It suggests that in show business, bending the truth is just another tool for winning hearts. Perhaps a sequel will dare to tackle these and other controversies from his later years. Yet, if every Jackson family member must agree, that sequel may remain a distant dream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zOLzsbOleM