DistantNews
🇰🇷 South Korea /Culture & Society

Critics Give 'Michael' Failing Marks, Fans Award Perfect Score Amid Polarized Reception

From Hankyoreh · (34m ago) Korean Mixed tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • The film "Michael," about Michael Jackson, has received polarized reviews, with critics giving it low scores while audiences rate it highly.
  • Despite critical reception, the film achieved a strong opening weekend box office and has boosted Michael Jackson's music streams and chart performance.
  • The movie covers Jackson's rise to stardom, focusing on his struggles with his father and his journey to becoming a solo artist, but critics argue it simplifies his life and avoids controversial aspects.

The film "Michael" has ignited a cultural debate, starkly dividing critics and audiences. While the New York Times and BBC have panned the biopic as "flat" and "lifeless," failing to capture the nuances of Jackson's life and artistry, the public has embraced it as a vibrant celebration of his music and performance. This stark contrast is evident in the Rotten Tomatoes scores, with critics giving it a mere 39% while audiences have awarded it a near-perfect 97%.

This Michael is flat and doesn't feel human.

— New York TimesCriticism of the film's portrayal of Michael Jackson.

Despite the critical backlash, "Michael" has proven to be a box office success, debuting with $217.4 million globally and surpassing the opening weekend records of biopics like "Bohemian Rhapsody." The film's release has also revitalized interest in Jackson's music, with streaming numbers surging by 95% and his iconic songs like "Billie Jean" re-entering the Billboard charts. This resurgence underscores the enduring power of Jackson's legacy, resonating deeply with fans who connect with his artistry on an emotional level.

The dialogue is as nuanced as a road sign, and even the recreation of Jackson's performance is boring.

— BBCCriticism of the film's dialogue and performance recreation.

Directed by Antoine Fuqua, the film chronicles Jackson's journey from his early days in the Jackson 5 to his global superstardom. However, critics argue that the narrative, while touching on his difficult relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, fails to delve deeply into how these experiences shaped his inner life and music. The film's portrayal of his struggles with family, independence, and the isolation of fame is seen as superficial, with dramatic moments often presented as mere plot points rather than fully explored emotional arcs.

Amazing story and acting. I look forward to the next part.

— Audience memberPositive audience reaction to the film.

Furthermore, the film's narrative limitations are partly attributed to legal challenges and reshoots. The production reportedly had to discard significant portions of the film, including scenes addressing child molestation allegations, due to a prior agreement that prohibited the depiction of such sensitive issues in Jackson-related films. This necessity to rework the script has resulted in a more sanitized version of his life story, focusing primarily on his rise to fame and omitting the more controversial aspects that have long been part of his public narrative.

The music was amazing, and the actor who played Michael was great.

— Audience memberPositive audience reaction to the film's music and acting.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog