Editor’s Take: Michael, A Legend Too Complex for a Soap Opera

Filmfare’s Editor-in-Chief Jitesh Pillaai reviews Michael, a visually grand musical experience elevated by powerful performances and spellbinding choreography, but one that misses the opportunity to explore the complex greys of the King of Pop’s life.

Michael Jackson was possibly the most controversial musician of his time, despite also being the world’s greatest artiste and a music wizard. So, when I heard that a biopic was being made, my heart swelled with expectations. Unlike many filmmakers who lean toward hagiography, Hollywood generally knows how to handle the genre. They examine the ‘grey’; they don’t paint their heroes with halos. 

They call them out and look for the reasons that make someone a tortured soul whose art often saves them – be it Ray, Bohemian Rhapsody, Capote or The Aviator. 

But Michael is dismal; at best, it can be seen as a concert video – a montage of his best music and choreographed moves. It’s so whitewashed. 

Even as his legend grew, the controversies continued to swirl; the whispers eventually became full-blown attacks. He was called a narcissistic megalomaniac addicted to painkillers and was accused of being predatory toward children.  His personal life came under a cloud. MJ’s insistence on various camouflages, including his skin whitening (a cover-up for his vitiligo), his gender fluid persona, and, of course, the charges of child abuse at his Neverland ranch, continue to dog him years after his death. 

Was MJ more sinned against than sinning? What were the conspiracy theories? Did he make inappropriate advances toward minors? Although many, including Macaulay Culkin, testified against the charges and gave him a clean chit, the whisper campaign continues unabated. Alas, the film doesn’t shine a light on any of these topics. It’s told like a dull, listless soap opera, which comes alive during the dance picturisations. MJ gave us Thriller, Beat It, The Way You Make Me Feel, and scores of chartbusters that were bona fide hits before social media and algorithms took over.

The actor playing his abusive father is excellent. As is Jaafar Jackson, the debutant who channels the spirit of Michael. He’s astounding good, able to convey the pathos along with his nimble body language. Even the kid playing the young MJ is on point.