The Michael Jackson biopic, despite a cool reception from critics, has proven a box office hit, earning $217 million globally in its opening weekend. Audience polling in US cinemas awarded the film an A- grade, while on Rotten Tomatoes, the professional critic score stands at a 'rotten' 40 per cent, contrasted with a 'fresh' 96 per cent from audience ratings. This stark divide underscores the enduring popularity of the King of Pop among the public.
The film, titled simply 'Michael', deliberately avoids the controversies of Jackson's later life, concluding in 1988 at the peak of his career. It portrays him as a saintly figure, highlighting his childhood, difficult relationship with his father Joe, and his rise to superstardom, including the making of the 'Thriller' video and his Wembley performances. All references to child sex abuse allegations, his marriages, or his changing appearance are omitted, setting the stage for a potential sequel.
Documentary filmmaker Dan Reed, director of 'Leaving Neverland', which detailed allegations against Jackson, remarked that 'people don’t care that he was a child molester'. He suggested that short of video evidence, nothing would change the minds of Jackson's fans. The Jackson estate has also taken legal steps to suppress 'Leaving Neverland', using a non-disparagement clause to remove it from streaming platforms in the US.
The film's success indicates that Jackson's musical genius and iconic performances overshadow his darker personal life. Time has also worked in his favour, as younger generations may not recall the scandals of the 1990s and 2000s, such as the Martin Bashir interview where Jackson admitted sharing his bed with young boys. Jackson's nephew Taj has dismissed the allegations as a media fabrication, echoing a strategy of denial reminiscent of modern political tactics.
