The film's success highlights the enduring popularity of Michael Jackson's music, even as it faces scrutiny from reviewers.
Category: Arts & Culture
Ever wonder how a film can soar to the top of the box office charts, even when critics are less than impressed? The newly released biopic Michael, which chronicles the life of pop icon Michael Jackson, has done just that. Opening with a staggering $97 million domestically and $217 million worldwide, the film has set a new record for biopics, capturing the attention of audiences and igniting conversations about the legacy of its subject. As seen in a trending post on r/boxoffice, the film received over 15,000 upvotes and sparked intense discussion among viewers.
The question at the heart of this phenomenon is simple: what drives such a disparity between audience enthusiasm and critic skepticism? The answer lies in the unique relationship between fans and the music biopic genre, particularly when it comes to Jackson's extensive catalog of hits.
Directed by Antoine Fuqua and produced by Lionsgate and Universal, Michael has achieved a remarkable feat in the film industry. It set the opening weekend record for any biopic in history and claimed the top spot in 64 of the 83 global markets where it was released. This record-breaking performance eclipsed the previous global record held by Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which opened to $174 million in July 2023, and Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, which had a domestic opening of $90.1 million in January 2015.
Yet, the film's success did not come without its challenges. The production faced a tumultuous path, including costly reshoots mandated by the Jackson estate. These changes were necessary after the estate discovered a settlement clause forbidding any mention of Jackson's 1993 sexual abuse accuser, leading to the removal of scenes that would have addressed this sensitive topic.
At its core, the success of Michael can be attributed to a simple formula: play the hits. The film’s inclusion of Jackson's iconic songs, with the estate's approval, engaged audiences and spurred social media excitement, resulting in viral videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube where fans sang and danced along during screenings. This phenomenon highlights a broader trend in music biopics—the key to success often lies in the nostalgic power of the artist's music.
“The key to success with audiences when making a music biopic is simple: play the hits,” said Dr. Helena Moro, a cultural studies expert at UCL. “Fans want to connect emotionally with the music they love, and seeing it performed on screen can create an unparalleled experience.”
Interestingly, the divide between critics and audiences has been a recurring theme in the reception of music biopics. Critics have largely panned Michael for its lack of depth and failure to explore Jackson's complex persona. For example, WBUR’s Sean Burns remarked, “Most movies about musicians follow an artist’s rise, fall and eventual redemption. Michael is all rise—the ascension of a holy being to the top of the universe.”
In stark opposition to these critiques, audiences have responded with enthusiasm, awarding the film an A- on CinemaScore, a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, and a 90% score on PostTrak surveys. This dichotomy reflects a broader cultural phenomenon where audiences often prioritize entertainment value and emotional connection over analytical depth.
As Michael continues to draw audiences, it faces imminent competition from other films, including the much-anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2. Nevertheless, the recent successes of films like The Super Mario Galaxy Movie and Project Hail Mary suggest that the market may be increasingly capable of supporting multiple hits simultaneously.
Looking ahead, Lionsgate is reportedly considering a sequel to Michael, potentially incorporating some of the scrapped footage from the original production. This could pave the way for a franchise that explores more facets of Jackson's life and career, a move that could resonate well with his dedicated fanbase.
The divide between critics and audiences in the case of Michael raises questions about the nature of storytelling in biopics. As audiences seek to celebrate their musical heroes through shared experiences—whether in theaters or online—filmmakers may need to strike a balance between artistic integrity and the commercial demands of fan expectations.
The takeaway: The success of Michael demonstrates the enduring appeal of Michael Jackson's music and highlights the complex relationship between audience engagement and critic evaluation in the biopic genre. As the film continues to break records, it invites a broader conversation about how we celebrate the legacies of iconic artists in modern cinema.