The Michael Jackson biopic has made history by surpassing Sir Christopher Nolan's Oscar-winning Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing biopic of all time. The film has raked in $977.4million after its release in Japan, and it is likely to become the first billion-dollar biopic.
The biopic's success is a testament to the enduring popularity of the King of Pop, who remains a cultural touchstone. However, the film's triumph is not necessarily a victory for stellar filmmaking, as its critics' score of 38% on Rotten Tomatoes suggests. The movie's box office success is not a guarantee of quality, and fans should not be swayed by its financial success.
Biopics often rely on the fanbase of their star, and the Michael Jackson biopic is no exception. The film's focus on Jackson's rise to fame and his relationship with his father is a more sanitized version of the singer's life, omitting any mention of the child molestation allegations against him. The film's portrayal of Jackson's life is a far cry from the real story, which is complex and multifaceted.
The biopic's success will likely lead to a surge in biopics about other famous figures, including Madonna, whose life story was recently announced as being in development. The prospect of more biopics is a concerning one, as they often rely on the fanbase of their star and are lazy in their approach to storytelling.
Biopics also often smooth over the rough edges of their subject's life, sanitizing less appealing aspects of their story. The Michael Jackson biopic is no exception, with the film's portrayal of Jackson's life focusing on his rise to fame and omitting any mention of the child molestation allegations against him.
The biopic's success is a stark contrast to other films that push boundaries and take risks in their storytelling. Original vampire film Sinners and Josh Safdie's frenetic Marty Supreme, starring Timothée Chalamet, are examples of films that have received critical acclaim and are not reliant on the fanbase of a famous star. These films show that there is still room for original and innovative storytelling in the film industry.
The Michael Jackson biopic is available to rent on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Sky Store. However, fans should not be swayed by its financial success and should look for films that push boundaries and take risks in their storytelling.
The success of the Michael Jackson biopic will likely lead to a surge in biopics about other famous figures, including Madonna. However, fans should be critical of these films and look for original and innovative storytelling. The film industry needs to move beyond biopics and focus on creating new and exciting stories that push boundaries and take risks.
A sequel to the Michael Jackson biopic has already been confirmed, with Lionsgate's motion picture chair Adam Fogelson stating that there is already 25-30% of a second movie shot from the prior production activity. The prospect of a sequel is a concerning one, as it will likely rely on the fanbase of Jackson's music and avoid any controversy or complexity in his life story.
The film industry needs to move beyond biopics and focus on creating new and exciting stories that push boundaries and take risks. The success of the Michael Jackson biopic is a reminder that there is still room for original and innovative storytelling in the film industry, and fans should be critical of films that rely on the fanbase of a famous star.
