The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, titled Michael, has been met with widespread critical disapproval, with many reviewers accusing it of presenting a sanitised and incomplete portrayal of the King of Pop. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film stars Jackson's nephew, Jaafar Jackson, in the lead role and traces the singer's journey from his early days with the Jackson 5 to his rise as a global music icon.
Critical Reception
Currently holding a 31 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the film has been heavily criticised for glossing over the more controversial aspects of Jackson's life. While Jaafar Jackson's performance and the musical sequences have garnered some praise, the overall narrative has been deemed shallow and evasive.
Omissions and Critiques
Reviewers have pointed out that the biopic notably omits difficult subjects, including Jackson's struggle with painkiller addiction and the child sexual abuse allegations that surrounded him. The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey described the film as 'ghoulish', particularly highlighting the numerous scenes where Jackson visits sick children in hospitals. The Guardian's Peter Bradshaw called the biopic 'frustratingly shallow', while Rolling Stone's David Fear wrote that the film was 'depressing' and questioned whether it could truly be considered a biopic.
Performance and Musical Elements
Despite the overall negative reception, some aspects of the film have been acknowledged positively. Jaafar Jackson's portrayal of his uncle has been noted for its authenticity and energy, and the musical numbers have been described as vibrant and engaging. However, these elements have not been enough to salvage the film's reputation among critics.
Conclusion
In summary, Michael has been widely panned as a sanitised and commercially driven project that fails to address the complexities of Jackson's life. As one review put it, the biopic is a 'ghoulish, soulless cash grab' that prioritises nostalgia over honesty.
