Watch Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon

Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon is a documentary film released in 2011. Directed by Andrew Eastel and produced by David Gest, the movie is an emotional and nostalgic journey that brings to light the life and legacy of the King of Pop. The film is 149 minutes long and features interviews with Jackson's family members, closest friends, and musical collaborators. The main focus of the documentary is to present a picture of Michael Jackson's humanity, beyond his superstar status, and to tell the story of his life through those who knew him best.

The movie begins with the stories of Katherine Jackson and Michael's siblings, who provide an insight into the early years of the Jackson family and Michael's upbringing. The family talks about how music was always a part of their lives, and how Michael showed an early interest in singing and dancing. The documentary also provides some rare footage of Michael and his siblings performing as The Jackson 5.

As the movie progresses, the focus shifts to Michael's career as a solo artist. We hear from his musical collaborators, like producer Quincy Jones and songwriter Siedah Garrett, who explain how Michael's creativity and perfectionism made him a musical genius. We also hear from some of his friends, like actress Elizabeth Taylor and comedian Chris Tucker, who talk about the man behind the music and the infectious personality that made Michael so beloved by millions of fans.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the documentary is its honesty. The film paints a picture of Michael Jackson that is devoid of tabloid sensationalism and instead focuses on the love and respect that those closest to him had for him. We hear about Michael's love of animals, his devotion to his children, and his dedication to his craft.

The documentary also doesn't shy away from the controversies that surrounded Michael Jackson's life, including his changing physical appearance, his legal battles, and the allegations of child molestation. However, the movie is careful not to dwell on these issues and instead presents a balanced view of Michael, acknowledging both his strengths and weaknesses.

Overall, Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon is a moving tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time. The movie provides a glimpse into the real Michael Jackson and the people who knew him best, and it affirms his place in music history. Fans of the King of Pop will be satisfied with the documentary, and those who are less familiar with his life and work will gain a newfound appreciation for his immense talent and the impact he had on music and popular culture.

Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 2 hours and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.