The Michael Jackson biopic – Michael – has overcome both criticism for omissions and some very weak reviews to storm the box office. It is a genuine financial success.
The movie ends in 1988, which was around 5 years before Michael Jackson found himself on the receiving end of some allegations.
The movie, therefore, never gets around to addressing these. It was also famously reworked and restructured. The reports say the opening was changed, and the third act completely reengineered. Both sections had ties to the allegations.
It is these omissions that have been at the heart of the critical reception to the movie.
Now, filmmaker Spike Lee has defended the omissions.
In an interview with CNN, Lee said he has watched the movie twice and is a big fan. He claims the criticism is not fair:
“First of all, if you’re a movie critic, and you’re complaining about the stuff— all this other stuff— but the movie ends at ‘88. The stuff you’re talking about, accusations, happen [later].
So you’re critiquing the film on something that you want in, but it doesn’t work in the timeline of the film. But people showed up. Worldwide, people showed their love.
I miss Mike. I miss Prince. I mean, these are my brothers. I worked with both of them. Both beautiful, beautiful people.”
There is talk of a sequel that would specifically address these allegations, but it is thought the Jackson estate and his family are likely to be resistant.
Michael is at $431 million t the box office after this weekend.
