Spoiler Warning
“Michael” is the long-anticipated biopic of the King of Pop that provides an estate-approved hagiography of the late superstar.
The film left lots on the cutting room floor. “The Wiz” was missing along with Diana Ross. The film does show Michael Jackson’s softer side with scenes of him helping children, visiting kids in the hospital and wanting to bring peace. One scene that is notably missing is the recording of “We Are the World,” which was one of Michael Jackson’s big projects in the 80s.
Jaafar Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew, delivered an excellent performance; the decision to cast him was one of the film’s major strengths. The supporting cast includes Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, and Miles Teller as John Branca, Michael Jackson’s lawyer. Domingo’s performance as the cartoonishly evil patriarch of the Jackson family is toned down from real life, to maintain the film’s PG-13 rating. Joe Jackson makes Fritz Von Erich’s disturbing performance in “The Iron Claw” look tame in comparison. Joe Jackson’s abuse of his children in the film will make viewers wince during certain scenes.
The cinematography and editing are by far the film’s greatest weaknesses. Cut by the same editors as “Bohemian Rhapsody,” the editing at times makes the film look like the work of a freshman film student. A scene with questionable editing that stood out among many was Billie Jean at Motown 25 with zooms, cuts, and there being a lot of shots of the audience. Dion Bebe’s cinematography also appeared amateur at times, with unnecessary camera movement, strange uses of zooms and unnecessary Computer-generated imagery.
During the Jacksons’ performance at Dodger Stadium, the tracking shot is obviously CGI, as is the audience on the balcony levels of the stadium. CGI should not replace practical work, extras and environments, only to supplement it.
“Michael” is a satisfactory film but could have been much better — the King of Pop deserves more. The past few years of mediocre biopics have led many to believe that they are something forgettable, but that should not be the case. Fans of Michael Jackson will enjoy the film, but they could have done better. The sequel that follows in the future will hopefully provide a deeper look into the late star’s troubled legacy.
