The film begins with Michael Jackson about to take the stage at Wembley Stadium in 1988 to perform BAD, then cuts to Gary, Indiana, where it all began. It takes us through the hard times of Joseph Jackson working at the steel mill and coming home to demand that the boys rehearse until late into the night.
We get to see the climb to success and the move to California. We get a close-up look into Michael Jackson’s loneliness and dependency on animals and fairytales in place of true friendships. We smile and bob our heads at the creation of the songs that we sang loudly to on our radios and stereos and danced to in the clubs. The film helps us remember where we were when we heard a song or were lucky enough to get a concert ticket. I was quite privileged to be in radio at the time and was able to see Michael Jackson every time he came through Chicago.
We are given a close-up look into Michael Jackson’s home life, his relationships with his family, and his growth as a businessman, yet unable to break Joseph’s hold. John Logan’s script gives us a true sense of what Michael Jackson’s real life may have been like. I can only imagine how hard it was to tell the story as truthfully as possible, especially with some aspects that couldn’t be included. Janet isn’t mentioned or seen in the film at all. She was asked but declined to be in or support the film. She does support her nephew Jaafar and is happy for him.
(Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lionsgate)
John’s script also didn’t go into the scandals in Michael’s life or his death. I really didn’t expect him to, as this film isn’t about the end of Michael, but remembering the powerful entertainer he was and what he did for the music industry.
The story would not have been told successfully without the casting by Victoria Thomas, CSA. Juliano Valdi was cast as young Michael, and he is outstanding. He shines not only in his dancing ability but in his interpretation of Michael at that age. He isn’t a one-level actor. Michael’s nephew, Jafaar Jackson, was the perfect choice to play his uncle. For not having acted before, he put his heart and soul into the role. He worked for two years with choreographers Rich + Tone Talauega, who toured with Michael, to get the moves down pat, and he does. You would swear they imposed Michael doing the moves, but they didn’t; it’s all Jafaar. He smoothly captures the ups and downs of Michael’s moods, his love for his mother, Katherine, and, finally, his becoming his own man and taking control of his life.
Nia Long as Katherine gives us a sense of a woman whose expressions and body language reveal the timidity of being Joseph’s wife, a woman who loves her children and is trying to keep her family together. As time goes on, we see her growth and power as she finally stands up for herself and her family.
premiere of “Michael” in Gary, Indiana.
Colman Domingo IS Joseph Jackson. It would be easy to just focus on the mean and abusive Joseph, but Colman gives us peeks into the desperate man who wants more for his family. He patterned himself after his very strict and domineering father. He never finished high school but thought he would make it as a boxer. He could only see his way out through his son’s success, but didn’t know how to express his love.
I won’t mention all the characters, but one that stuck out with me was KeiLyn Durrel Jones as Michael’s security, Bill Bray. He doesn’t say much, but he portrayed the love, respect, support, and somewhat father figure that Michael had in a strong, silent way.
Antoine Fuqua brings his natural directing style to the film, which makes it believable, and I’m sure it allowed the actors to find the spirit of the characters while guiding them to the soul of the film.
“MICHAEL,” the film, is more enjoyable than I thought it would be. For those of us who lived through the time, it brought back so many memories and feelings, and I have to admit I had a hard time not singing out loud. I even danced a little in my seat. I am glad the film stopped with Michael stepping on stage and performing BAD. I left the theatre smiling, reminiscing, and singing loudly.
I give “MICHAEL” 4 out of 5 winks of the EYE!
Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!