The Film MICHAEL Tells HIStory!

Bonnie DeShong

The film begins with Michael about to enter the stage at Wembley Stadium in 1988 to perform BAD, and then transcends 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, demanding 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 at Michael’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 ticket to a concert. I was quite privileged to be in radio at the time and was able to see Michael every time he came through Chicago.

We are given a close-up look into Michael’s home life, relationships with his family, and his growth as a businessman, yet not able to break the hold of Joseph. John Logan’s script gives us a true sense of what Michael’s real life may have been like. I can only imagine how hard it was to get the story told as truthfully as possible, especially with some aspects not being able to 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.

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 is all Jafaar.  He smoothly creates the ups and downs of Michael’s moods, as well as the love he has for his mother, Katherine, and finally, when he becomes his own man and takes control of his life.

Nia Long as Katherine gives us a sense of a woman whose expressions and body language allow us to see the timidness 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.

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 style of directing to the film, which makes it believable, and I’m sure 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!