The Big Picture ‘Michael’ Wants to Start Something It Can’t Finish. Plus: ‘Mother Mary’ With David Lowery!
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Apr 24, 2026 
David Lowery, writer-director known for The Green Knight-era projects, discusses making the gothic fantasia Mother Mary and actor-driven storytelling. Yasi Salek, music biopic correspondent, breaks down the new Michael musical biopic’s dazzling recreations and its troubling omissions. They debate casting, staging stadium shows, reshoots, and why recreation can feel special yet hollow.
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Music Performances Outshine Psychological Depth
- Michael Jackson's music recreations in Michael are electrifying but the film fails to explore the deeper psychology behind the artist.
- The performances (especially Jafar Jackson) and staged music evoke genuine chills, yet the movie stays on surface impressions without digging below public persona.
Legal Cuts Turn Michael Into A Prequel
- The film tries to both canonize Michael and psychologize him, but legal constraints and estate involvement forced the removal of a third act that engaged allegations.
- That cut turns Michael into a two-hour prequel that sidesteps his later controversies, making the movie incomplete and legally constrained.
Supporting Figures Are Underexplored
- The film flattens supporting figures (Joe Jackson, Quincy Jones, Janet) into cardboard roles, which prevents meaningful context for Michael's development.
- Key collaborators and family are sidelined or caricatured, limiting the film's ability to explain forces behind his choices.