It is a literal impossibility that an adult can hear the name Michael Jackson and not have a response in some way. The range on responses is limitless. Personally, my mind immediately goes to the musical genius, the dance moves, and the short films disguised as music videos. The video for Thriller remains one of the greatest things ever filmed and I will not be taking any questions.
Similar to that experience, Michael is emotional and beautiful despite some horrors it presents. From a small house in Gary, Indiana to the biggest star (arguably) of all time. The narrative gets started right before the emergence of The Jackson 5 and follows his career right up to the point that he became strictly a solo performer.
There is a thread hidden below the surface of Michael in which “born for this” can be stamped beside multiple of the artists involved. Rather than start at the obvious, the captain of this ship shows some of his history framing music videos to engage the audience. It made a lot of shots feel rooted to the time of the film’s world. Fuqua’s ability to capture human emotion in any scale is still on full display. This is particularly apparent in scenes where Colman Domingo’s intensity rivals even some of the best in Training Day.
Speaking of Colman Domingo, I firmly believe he just cemented himself as the favorite for every Best Supporting Actor to come for this year. We already knew he was great, but the way he disappeared into this role is both impressive and terrifying. More than a few scenes give me a twitch of mild PTSD, but that is the point. Someone as skilled as Domingo was the only way to make the Joseph and Michael Jackson this profound. Taking a relatively straightforward monster and giving the character layers demanding an emotional response.
A skilled actor can use their tools to fit a role, but Jaafar Jackson was not just born for the role of his most famous uncle, he completely embodies him. For someone without prior experience, he is mesmerizing. Sure, he has had a lifetime of character study, but to translate it in such a heartfelt and effective manner is captivating. It is a raw and passionate performance worthy of the King of Pop.
If it were just the direction and performances, Michael would already be an interesting event, but similar to my feelings about Colman Domingo, the hair and makeup department should be putting this at the very top of any resume going forward. It is no small task trying to make performers look and function as very public figures, but even I had a times where I forgot I was watching actors due to the skill and construction that made these celebs of the past emerge in the film. In the most positive way it can be meant, it was staggering.
There may be some statements made about Michael being sanitized and avoiding bigger stories, but I would like to remind anyone that this is just the beginning and focuses on Jackson’s rise to individual stardom. Embrace the music, the heart, and the experience. I cannot wait to see Michael again in IMAX on April 24th.