The newly released biopic about the King of Pop, titled *Michael*, has sparked a wave of criticism, with many reviewers branding it a “whitewash” of the singer’s complex life. While the film’s lead, Jaafar Jackson—Michael’s nephew—has garnered praise for his portrayal, the broader narrative has been condemned for sidestepping critical issues, particularly the sexual abuse allegations that have long overshadowed Jackson’s legacy.
A Sanitised Retelling of a Complicated Life
*Michael* chronicles the journey of the iconic musician from his childhood in the Jackson 5 to his monumental solo career. However, critics are quick to note that the film presents a diluted version of events, glossing over the darker aspects of Jackson’s life. The Hollywood Reporter described the biopic as something that “delivers for lifelong fans who cherish the music,” yet the Telegraph was less forgiving, stating it “refuses to address the elephant in the room.”
The film’s financial backing comes from Jackson’s estate, and it prominently features his original vocal recordings, which are central to the musical experience. Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, has been largely commended for his performance, capturing the essence of his uncle’s artistry. Nevertheless, the film itself has faced a barrage of negative reviews.
‘Ghoulish’ and ‘Soulless’: The Critics Weigh In
In a particularly scathing two-star review, Peter Bradshaw of the Guardian lamented the film’s reliance on clichés, characterising it as a “127-minute trailer montage.” He lamented its inability to confront the trauma Jackson faced as a child, stating, “This is a frustratingly shallow, inert picture, a kind of cruise-ship entertainment.”
The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey was even harsher, deeming the film a “ghoulish, soulless cash grab.” She articulated a growing concern that in today’s cinematic landscape, the line between art and mere merchandise is becoming increasingly blurred. “Why bother to depict a human being when you can simply turn them into a product?” she asked, highlighting the film’s failure to capture Jackson’s complicated humanity.
Kevin Maher from the Times echoed this sentiment, positing that *Michael* might be remembered as a “watershed moment” for music biopics—not for its artistic merit, but for its disconnection from reality.
The Scrapped Allegations: A Major Flaw
One of the most contentious aspects of *Michael* is its conspicuous omission of the sexual abuse allegations that dogged Jackson throughout his life. Initially, the film had intended to include references to these allegations, particularly the case involving Jordan Chandler, who accused Jackson of abuse when he was just 13. However, due to a rediscovered non-disclosure agreement (NDA) linked to the Chandler case, these references were cut, forcing a significant rewrite of the film’s latter portions.
As a result, critics like the Telegraph’s Robbie Collin have condemned this decision as a “borderline-fatal problem,” arguing that it undermines the film’s credibility. “It is simply not credible for a film to claim to be about Michael Jackson without addressing the accusations, controversies, and sadness that dogged his later life,” he stated. IndieWire’s Kate Erbland further lamented that by avoiding these topics, the film has been stripped of its humanity, rendering it “glossy, sanitised, and surprisingly dull.”
Mixed Reactions: A Divide Among Critics
Despite the overwhelmingly negative reception, some critics have found merit in the film, particularly in its musical sequences. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney noted that nostalgic fans might find *Michael* a “warm rush of transporting pleasure.” He acknowledged the film’s potential to generate backlash from those unwilling to separate the artist from his art.
Conversely, Variety’s Owen Gleiberman praised the film’s engrossing nature, while acknowledging it lacked depth. However, he lauded Jaafar Jackson’s performance, which many have described as “uncanny” in its resemblance to the late pop icon.
The film’s release comes in the wake of a trend in Hollywood to produce biopics about legendary musicians, from Elton John to Whitney Houston. Yet, with *Michael*, the question remains: at what cost does nostalgia come?
Why it Matters
The release of *Michael* underscores a significant tension in the portrayal of controversial figures in popular culture. As audiences grapple with the complexities of legacy, the film’s failure to address critical issues surrounding Jackson’s life raises uncomfortable questions about the ethics of biographical storytelling. The omission of the allegations not only diminishes the narrative but also reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry—one that prioritises commercial success over nuanced and honest storytelling. As fans celebrate the music, the film risks leaving behind the very context that shaped the artist, inviting a reckoning about what it means to honour a legacy while confronting its darker truths.
