A record.. a strong start for the movie “Michael” in theaters | art

The movie “Michael”, about the life of pop star Michael Jackson, exceeded expectations and had a strong start in its first week, breaking the record for biographical films about musicians.

According to estimates, the film grossed about $217.4 million, including $97 million in theaters in the United States and Canada.

Weeks ago, it was estimated that the film might earn about $50 million in its first week. Estimates increased after it was released in theaters, but the film exceeded expectations by a large margin.

According to these numbers, the film broke the revenue record for films that narrate the careers of musicians or bands, such as the 2015 film “Straight Outta Compton” about the rap group NWA, which achieved $60.2 million in its first showing week, as well as the film “Bohemian Rhapsody” in 2018, about the “Queen” team, which achieved $51 million. $ in the first week of its showing in cinemas.

Criticism and stumbling

The broad success of the movie “Michael” came in the first week of its premiere, despite the criticism directed at the film by members of the late singer’s family, such as his daughter, Paris, and his sister, Janet, who were avoided mentioning during the events of the film, in addition to what surrounded its production, as large parts of the film were deleted because they dealt with the character of a child whom Jackson was accused of sexually assaulting, and the case ended with a settlement in 1994, according to which the singer paid $23 million. The settlement stipulated that the child would not be mentioned in any film, which forced the film makers to rewrite the film and film other parts, causing additional costs of about $50 million, bringing the total cost of its production to about $200 million.

Lionsgate, which produced the film, sold the worldwide distribution rights to Universal, and work is also underway to prepare a second part of the film.

Jafar Jackson, Michael’s nephew, plays his uncle in the film, which was directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by John Logan.

The film focuses on Michael’s relationship with his father, Joe Jackson, played by Colman Domingo, as a strict character who pushes his children towards success with force and discipline.

The film traces the path of the Jackson 5 and Michael’s early rise, but it shortens many historical details and quickly passes through turning points in his career. With the transition to the stage of stardom, he focuses on prominent successes, but he presents them as separate paintings rather than as part of an integrated dramatic development.