Authorized music biopics criticized as bland propaganda
A recent piece in The Guardian takes a critical look at the growing trend of estate-approved music biopics, pointing out that they often simplify the lives of artists for profit. The upcoming film 'Michael,' directed by Antoine Fuqua and supported by Sony and the Jackson estate, avoids the serious child abuse allegations against Michael Jackson, presenting a sanitized version of his life. This revival of biopics began with 2018's 'Bohemian Rhapsody,' which earned $911 million and won four Oscars. The article compares successful films like 'Rocketman' with less successful ones, such as 'Back to Black,' which was overly influenced by Amy Winehouse's father. Despite expectations of $150 million in its opening weekend, 'Michael' is criticized for failing to capture Jackson's complex character.
Key facts
- 'Michael' biopic directed by Antoine Fuqua, licensed by Sony and Jackson estate
- Film avoids child abuse allegations from 1993 and Leaving Neverland (2019)
- Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) revived genre, earned $911m and four Oscars
- Other biopics: Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse, Bob Marley, Robbie Williams, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen
- 'Back to Black' criticized for sympathetic portrayal of Mitch Winehouse, who owns her estate
- 'A Complete Unknown' praised for focusing on Bob Dylan's folk music beginnings
- 'Rocketman' used magical realist fantasy; 'Better Man' cast Robbie Williams as a monkey
- 'Michael' projected to make $150m on opening weekend
- Article argues estate-approved biopics obscure complexity and serve as propaganda
Entities
Artists
- Michael Jackson
- Jaafar Jackson
- Quincy Jones
- Antoine Fuqua
- Elton John
- Aretha Franklin
- Elvis Presley
- Whitney Houston
- Amy Winehouse
- Bob Marley
- Robbie Williams
- Bob Dylan
- Bruce Springsteen
- Freddie Mercury
- Sam Taylor-Johnson
- Mitch Winehouse
- Asif Kapadia
- Jeremy Strong
- Jeremy Allen White
- Eddie Marsan
- Marisa Abela
- Michael Gracey
Institutions
- Sony
- Jackson estate
- Queen
- HBO
- Deadline
- 20th Century Studios
- Landmark Media
- Alamy
- The Guardian
Locations
- United States