Michael Jackson Biopic 'Michael' Criticized for Lack of Depth and Controversy

The new Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, has left critics underwhelmed, with many describing it as a dull and sanitized retelling of the pop legend's life. The film, which aims to capture the essence of Jackson's career and personal struggles, instead delivers a bland and uninspired narrative that avoids even the slightest hint of controversy or depth.

Critics argue that the movie plays like a Wikipedia entry with a soundtrack, stripping away the complexity and intrigue that defined Jackson's life. Unlike most biographies, which include a section on controversies, this film smooths over Jackson's path to stardom, presenting a sanitized version of events that lacks perspective or insight. The result is a movie as bland as hospital food, leaving viewers longing for a more honest portrayal of one of history's most fascinating entertainers.

Jackson's Relationship with His Father: A Missed Opportunity

One of the few conflicts explored in the film is Jackson's relationship with his father, Joseph Jackson. The movie briefly touches on the singer's difficult and overbearing relationship with his father, who allegedly berated him as a child and sought to control him as an adult. However, the film barely scratches the surface of the alleged abuse and strangeness surrounding their dynamic. The subplot feels underdeveloped and fails to capture the depth of Jackson's complex feelings toward his father.

Legal Restrictions Shape the Film's Narrative

The movie's production was fraught with challenges that likely contributed to its lack of depth. The Jackson estate was involved in the production, which may have led to the softening of the family's traumas. Additionally, the film underwent a major overhaul after legal restrictions prevented the inclusion of a key storyline.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the original script included the final third of the movie, which dealt with a 1993 lawsuit filed on behalf of a 13-year-old boy who alleged that Jackson had molested him. Jackson denied the allegations, and the case was settled out of court. However, the settlement agreement prohibited any commercial use of the allegations, meaning the filmmakers could not include this pivotal moment in Jackson's life. As a result, the movie was revised to focus more heavily on Jackson's relationship with his father.

Even this revised narrative feels sanitized, with the conflict between Jackson and his father reduced to a mere footnote in his life story. The film misses the opportunity to delve into the complexities of Jackson's personal struggles, leaving viewers with a hollow and unfulfilling experience.

Music Takes Center Stage, But Is It Enough?

Despite its flaws, the film does shine a spotlight on Jackson's music, particularly his early 1980s megahits that catapulted him to superstardom. Jackson's solo records from this era, including the iconic Thriller, are widely regarded as some of the greatest pop records of all time. Produced by the legendary Quincy Jones, Thriller is a sonic masterpiece, featuring interlocking rhythms and an unlimited budget that captured the peak of the analog era.

The film could have been an opportunity to showcase these tracks in their full glory, allowing audiences to experience the album's sonic brilliance. However, Michael buries the music under modernized surround-sound mixes, masking key musical moments with unnecessary dialogue. While the audio may sound better than a basic pair of earbuds, it fails to do justice to the original recordings. For true fans, hearing classics like Beat It on high-quality speakers remains the best way to experience Jackson's music.