The King of Pop Returns, Now on the Big Screen
- Liam Gatcliffe
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
by Liam Gatcliffe
In the past decade, movie directors have started focusing on a type of film that has recently become very popular around the world: the musical biopic. Starting with the film that followed Queen’s rise to fame, Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), successful biopics have appeared in theaters everywhere.
Elvis was released in 2022, and excited movie fans were looking forward to seeing the story of another star. Little did they know that one of the most famous and important artists of all time, Michael Jackson, would be the next artist featured.
Antoine Fuqua's Michael offers a look at the artist’s life, along with insight from a Columbus teacher who knows a lot about this subject.
What To Expect
The movie starts in the 1960s in Gary, Indiana, as a young Michael Jackson practices with his brothers, forming the band known as the Jackson 5. The movie gives details about how he was raised from a young age.
As he grows into his teenage years and his 20s, the film covers all of Jackson's big hits before 1990. Viewers see his rise to fame as a solo artist, starting with his 1979 album Off the Wall.
Fans of Michael see how he grows emotionally and musically from a small boy into an independent adult.
This change stands out as one of the film’s main takeaways. In this portrayal, Fuqua shows Michael’s father, Joseph Jackson, as a harsh, strict, and sometimes abusive father who pushes his sons to be perfect.
Joseph keeps a tight hold on Michael, which becomes a problem as Michael starts to grow into his own person and his new fame helps shape him into an independent artist. The conflict and tension between them is very clear in the later parts of the movie.
Michael’s level of fame during this time is striking, especially since the internet didn’t exist during the Thriller era. A scene in the middle of the movie shows a New York City street filled with fans surrounding Jackson, highlighting just how famous he was.
It makes sense when considering how creative and smart Michael was. Even though he could be unusual at times (like having exotic pets such as chimps and giraffes), his musical talent cannot be denied.
The film also recreates the music videos for hits like “Beat It” and “Thriller,” and the resemblance between Jaafar Jackson (Michael's nephew, who plays him in the film) and Michael is very strong.
Even though he faced many personal and outside challenges (like the Pepsi commercial where his hair caught fire and sent him to the hospital), Michael Jackson's journey up to his 30s was incredible.
A confirmed sequel is being made, which will talk about the pop star’s more controversial later years. The film earns a rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
Interview with CCHS’s own band teacher, Mr. Cooper
CCHS band teacher Mr. Cooper shared his thoughts on Michael’s work. Although he has not seen the film yet, he offered a lot of insight on the “King of Pop,” his creativity, his music, and his influence.
“He was iconic. His songs were just so catchy, from a young age…His music was amazing. When I was a kid, I grew up in the 80s, I remember seeing kids have that red jacket he wore. And the moonwalk, it was the coolest thing in the world. Everyone was trying to moonwalk.”
He was also asked to explain what part of Michael's music and performance style remains most important for young musicians.
“Michael Jackson was the whole package. He looked cool, he danced, he sang, he had big shows, he had great outfits, he was the guy… If you want to be someone iconic and do amazing things, he did everything… He had it all.”
Based on the film and Mr. Cooper's thoughts, it is clear that Michael's wide range of skills and his iconic image helped him become famous. His legacy is still alive: for example, every Halloween, his hit song “Thriller” shows up on playlists across the country and around the world.
It is amazing that his influence is still strong and will continue to matter for years to come.
No matter what critics say, fans of all ages have been going to theaters in large numbers over the past few weeks, excited to see how their favorite late music artist is shown on the big screen.
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