Critical Reception and Performance Metrics
The biographical film Michael, directed by Antoine Fuqua, has opened to a polarized reception, currently holding a 31 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes as of Tuesday. While critics like David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter praised Jaafar Jackson’s ability to capture the late singer’s soft-spoken cadence and stage presence, others have pointed to significant narrative shortcomings. Kevin Maher of The Times U.K. noted that while the musical sequences are "brilliant and thrilling," the film’s dramatic structure relies heavily on the singular conflict of Michael’s struggle against his father, Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo.
Family Dynamics and Production Context
The film’s release has been marked by notable absences within the Jackson family. While La Toya Jackson attended the premiere at the Dolby Theatre on Monday night, praising Jaafar’s performance as "flabbergasted," Michael’s daughter, Paris Jackson, did not attend. Paris has previously expressed public dissatisfaction with the project, citing a lack of involvement and concerns over the script's honesty. This internal friction highlights a broader challenge for the production, which aims to cover the singer's life from his childhood in Gary, Indiana, through his rise as the King of Pop until his death in 2009.
Technical Execution and Visual Choices
Visual presentation remains a point of contention among reviewers. Melissa Ruggieri of USA Today criticized the use of CGI for animals at the Encino, California compound, specifically citing the digital renderings of Bubbles the chimp and other wildlife as "cringeworthy." Conversely, the performance sequences, captured by cinematographer Dion Beebe, have received acclaim for their "visual electricity." The film features a large ensemble cast, including Miles Teller as John Branca, Kat Graham as Diana Ross, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, Laura Harrier as Suzanne de Passe, and Kendrick Sampson as Quincy Jones.
Historical Context of the Jackson Legacy
The film arrives years after the 2019 documentary Leaving Neverland sparked intense public debate regarding the singer's personal life. Despite historical controversies, the commercial viability of the Jackson brand remains resilient; industry data indicates that Jackson’s music sales saw a 10 percent increase during the period of the Leaving Neverland controversy. The current production, which includes a planned sequel, attempts to navigate these complex public perceptions by focusing on the artist's musical evolution, though critics remain divided on whether the film succeeds in providing a balanced portrait or merely a sanitized celebration.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
