Like many biopics Michael too has a curated feel with the cherry-picking of major incidents. Part one of Michael is centered around the rise of the legendary popstar and a significant cultural figure. Director Antoine Fuqua is successful in recreating the aura of Michael Jackson. The dance choreography in particular is enthralling. Jaafar Jackson does an excellent job in portraying the different shades. He is a big reason for the viewers to stay invested.

Director: Antoine Fuqua

Starcast: Jaafar Jackson, Colmon Domingo, Nia Long, Juliano Krue Valdi and others

Genre: Biography

Writer: John Logon

Music: Lion Rosner

Cinematography: Dion Bebee

Producers: Graham King, John Branca and John Mc Clain

Production Companies: Liongate Films, GK Films and Optimum Productions

Running time: 2 hours and 7 minutes

Biopics in general follow a certain template. The dark areas are either sanitized or completely avoided. The likes of Sanju and Azhar are solid examples of this. They mostly play out as a highlights package focusing primarily on the protagonist wins. Michael based on the legendary Michael Jackson is no different at least part one of this saga. The critical reviews of Michael particularly from the west have been rather scathing. The harsh critical reviews are somewhat understandable having said that Michael is definitely a big screen watch. Whether you are a fan or not Michael does give an adrenaline rush. His famous dance steps have been wonderfully recreated. Also, the family dynamics especially the undertones of tension has a distinct desi touch.

In brief the plot begins from the early life of Michael Jackson and how he turned into a visionary artist. Parrel to this is the father and son subplot. Colmon Domingo as Joseph Jackson is authoritative father living off on his son’s success. Joseph is also the manager of Michael. Michael is vexed with his father’s authoritarian ways wanting to create his own path independent of the family’s brand. At one point he even sends a firing letter to his own father. This is the story in a nutshell.

The biggest strength of Michael is the technical department. The portions of Jaafar Jackson’s dance performances in particular deserves a special mention. The famous moonwalk in particular will drive the diehard fans into a frenzy. The way it has been choreographed coupled with the dance of Jaafar Jackson alone makes for a big screen viewing. Cinematographer Dion Rebbe does an excellent job in capturing Michael Jackson’s larger than life aura as well as the 80’s setting. The production design is also solid successfully transporting the viewers to that era.

The music of Lion Rosner is also bang on. The tunes especially the portions of stage performance makes for a fantastic viewing and also a good listen. Apart from the technical department the father and son subplot also deserves a special mention. The bossy and patriarchal attitude of Joseph Jackson is shown in an unfiltered manner. This is one area where the film doesn’t gloss over.

Michael quest for creative freedom while staying connected to the family has a distinct desi touch. Most Indian families will definitely relate to the protagonist inner dilemmas. Colmon Domingo plays the authoritative father in a strong manner. Mention must also be made of Nia Long as the helpless mother eventually finding spine. A special mention must be made of her act in the portion when she finally gives it back to the husband. The brothers and sisters though get a raw deal. Michael’s equation with the siblings is touched upon in a superficial manner. In fact, Michael’s sequences with a pet chimpanzee Bubbles is much better written.

Also, the movie doesn’t give an explanation on how Michael turned out to be special. Whether he had any influences or it was just a case of him being a natural is never dealt with. You just get the simplistic explanation of him being differently created.

In the titular role Jaffar Jackson does an excellent job in capturing the different nuances. He imbibes the spirit of his late uncle in a wonderful manner. The swag is spot on but more importantly he is also very effective in the vulnerable moments.

Final word: Michael is a treat for Michael Jackson diehard fans. As a movie though it could have been more effective with a less sanitized approach. Here’s hoping that the second part deals with Michael’s dark chapters in a more honest manner.