Almost 17 years after the passing of the “King of Pop,” Michael Jackson is regaining popularity through his new biopic, “Michael.” Released on April 24th, the film explores the story of one of the most famous artists of all time, covering both his music career and his behind-the-scenes controversies.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the movie stars Jaafar Jackson as his uncle, Michael Jackson. The casting drew significant attention to the film since the release of the trailer when many fans noticed the uncanny resemblance Jaafar had to his uncle. Early trailers had shown Jaafar’s performances of notable hits such as “Thriller” and the unforgettable moonwalk, exciting fans months before the movie had even hit theaters.
“When I first watched the trailer, I almost thought Michael Jackson came back from the dead,” Steven Abadia (9), Michael Jackson fan, said. “I was really excited for the movie after I watched the trailer, because Jaafar’s singing voice was almost identical to Michael’s, and I felt that the film would be an accurate representation of Michael Jackson’s career and legacy.”
“Michael” followed the life and career of Jackson, starting from when he was a young boy performing with his family band Jackson 5 under the strict management of his father. The movie explored the creation of Jackson’s greatest hits, from his solo albums to his collaborations with various global superstars.
However, the film addressed more than the high points of his career, mentioning the constant media scrutiny and personal struggles he faced also touched upon sensitive subjects such as Michael’s relationship with Joe Jackson, his talent manager and father, which was exacerbated due to Joe’s constant pressure on him during his childhood.
“It was great that the movie covered all aspects of Michael Jackson’s life and career,” Justin Yu (10), aspiring film student, said. “Michael Jackson’s life was complicated due to his various internal conflicts and excessive media coverage, so it was nice of the producers to inform the audience that his life wasn’t as perfect as it seems.”
By showing both the highs and lows of Jackson’s glamorous life as a global star, the movie provoked a deeper understanding of him as an individual, extending beyond his impact on pop culture.
