Making a Biopic of one of the greatest artists ever is a tall order to fulfill, but Antoine Fuqua and the rest of the creative team of “Michael” passed with flying colors. Michael Jackson is the biggest artist of all time, as seen in his record sales and cultural impact, and the Jackson fever is felt in this film. Throughout the film, I continuously felt MJ’s magical spirit in his nephew Jafarr Jackson, who shines in the portrayal of his Uncle Michael. As a creative striving for the same status of mastery of my craft as MJ, I felt this film was a beautiful inside look into his creative process.
The film begins with the ground level of that process, with Michael and the Jackson 5. Michael’s father, Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, was a frightening figure in the film, disciplining Michael to horrific levels. This discipline made Michael strive for perfection, but also cursed him with lifelong traumas. Seeing this in theaters was hard to watch. I felt so deeply for Michael and his brothers. Looking at the big picture in the story, I see why the Jackson 5 were able to look perfect on stage. One line that stood out to me the most was a line that Michael’s mom, Kathrine Jackson, said: “Jehovah said to let your light shine bright, Michael, so let it shine.” The line is so beautiful, and it felt so relevant to hear for myself, too as a performer. Michael was working at this for roughly 20 years with his brothers.
I loved the insider look the audience was given into Michael’s struggle for independence, and his creative vision away from the Jackson 5 after playing with them for 20 years in his adolescent and adult life. It shows how sensitive he was as a person and how deeply passionate he was about his craft. That level of care is so soul-stirring, and I strive to reach the same level. The care allowed him to carve his own path.
While working on the best-selling album of all time, “Thriller”, you can see how MJ is always working on ideas and coming up with them. During a scene in the film, while the rest of the Jacksons are playing around in the pool, Michael is soaking in the sun. When his brothers ask him what he is doing, Michael says that he’s being prepared for the creator to give him an idea before it gets to Prince. That level of dedication is super cool to see, and it motivates me to work harder and to always be receptive to new creative ideas. Thriller is an example of the ideas that Michael has absorbed.
The film shows the most personal portrayal of MJ we may ever get. Seeing the scenes of Michael visiting hospitals to make kids’ days brighter was so heartwarming, and shows that his success wasn’t all about him, it was also sharing the love to the ones who need it most. That sentiment inspires me to do the same thing in my life, helping the less fortunate to make them feel just as fortunate. Michael in the film and in real life was a thoughtful, kind and loving person, making me want to change the world for the better while leaving the theater. Seeing the global impact this movie made, I think this movie will inspire the world to be a kinder place.
