- Not Rate
- 1h 33m
- Directed by
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- Spike Lee
- Writer
- Premiered
- February 06, 2016
- Language
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- English
- Status
- Released
- Country
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- United States of America
Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall
- Production
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- 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks
Spoiler
Spike Lee's "Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall" is a compelling documentary that delves into the formative years of a global icon, meticulously charting his evolution from a prodigious child star to the architect of groundbreaking pop music. Premiering at Sundance and subsequently airing on Showtime on February 5, 2016, this film serves as an admirable effort to recontextualize and celebrate the artistic legacy of Michael Jackson, a genius whose later years were unfortunately overshadowed by relentless tabloid scrutiny.
The documentary opens with the indelible opening bars of "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," a sound so iconic it instantly transports viewers back to the first time they encountered its infectious funk. Lee masterfully uses this moment to set the stage for a journey that explores the artistic apotheosis Jackson achieved in the decade following his departure from Motown to CBS Records. This film acts as a potent companion piece to Lee's 2012 documentary, "Bad 25," further solidifying the director's commitment to preserving and illuminating Jackson's monumental contributions.
Beyond a mere appreciation of his musical output, Lee's exploration underscores Jackson's profound significance within Black culture. The film highlights his role as a bridge, dismantling barriers that continued to segregate many Black artists from mainstream acceptance. It's a stark reminder of the music industry's tacit segregation during that era, where despite "Off the Wall" selling an astonishing six million copies in its initial year, Jackson's accolades were largely confined to R&B categories.
"Michael Jackson's Journey from Motown to Off the Wall" boasts impressive access, featuring interviews with a constellation of artists, producers, songwriters, engineers, and arrangers. Crucially, it includes insights from select Jackson family members, including his parents and two brothers, as well as Motown founder Berry Gordy. These conversations offer illuminating perspectives on the intricate process of crafting a hit song. Notable commentary comes from luminaries like Questlove, Mark Ronson, and the Philadelphia hitmaking duo Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Contemporary artists also weigh in, acknowledging their profound debt to Jackson. Pharrell Williams candidly states, "My music would not be here without that record," while The Weeknd confesses, "I found my falsetto because of Off the Wall."
While many contributors share deeply personal anecdotes, recounting how Jackson's music served as the soundtrack to their youth, some of this nostalgic reflection occasionally verges on the repetitive. The inclusion of Lee Daniels' personal reflections, for instance, while heartfelt, can feel somewhat protracted.
The core of the documentary is dedicated to a track-by-track analysis of the "Off the Wall" album. While less impactful tracks like the Paul McCartney cover, "Girlfriend," are briefly touched upon, the film dedicates more substantial time to the album's standout songs. This includes the three tracks penned by Jackson himself – "Don't Stop," "Working Day and Night," and "Get on the Floor" – as well as Rod Temperton's indelible contributions, "Rock With You" and the title track. The infectious energy of these upbeat hits prompts Mark Ronson to aptly describe the album as "a DJ's dream."
For the slower, more introspective grooves, Stevie Wonder discusses Jackson's successful foray into the "boudoir demographic" with the song "I Can't Help It." Songwriter Tom Bahler praises the genuine emotion Jackson infused into "She's Out of My Life," a poignant moment that is humorously juxtaposed with Eddie Murphy's classic comedic riff on Michael's sensitivity: "Tito, get me some tissues."
What truly elevates the documentary is Lee's meticulous attention to historical context. The film begins with vintage footage of Jackson recounting how his musical journey with his brothers started as a spontaneous act of goofing around when the television broke. This sets the stage for a captivating exploration of his early years, enriched by fabulous archival material that showcases the brothers' unforgettable fashion sense. A particularly touching element is the depiction of Jackson with his natural skin tone and pre-surgery features, serving as a poignant reminder of the evolving realities that marked his later life.
Lee wisely sidesteps the more contentious aspects of Jackson's upbringing, opting not to delve into the extent of Joe Jackson's influence on his children's professional success. Instead, the focus remains squarely on Michael's singular drive and ambition, encapsulated in his early declaration that he would not live in poverty. Gordy and others speak to the adolescent Jackson's insatiable curiosity, detailing how he diligently observed and learned from the senior artists within the Motown family, ultimately becoming the perfectionist he was defined as.
The closest the film comes to exploring familial friction is through a 1980 interview excerpt where Jackson candidly expresses his lack of guilt over pursuing a solo career, leaving his brothers behind. He offers no apologies for his creative hunger that compelled him to forge his own path, a decision that few could dispute given how his individual artistry and talent far surpassed that of the group.
The documentary pinpoints Jackson's 1973 Oscars performance of "Ben" as his first significant step towards a solo career. His departure from Motown to Epic Records, a subsidiary of CBS, in 1975 is portrayed as a difficult but essential separation. Walter Yetnikoff, then president of Epic, admits he initially considered passing on the deal, only to be persuaded by his A&R team.
At this juncture, The Jacksons, as they were known after Gordy retained the "Jackson 5" name, were still striving to shed the saccharine image associated with their cartoon series. However, Gamble and Huff produced two transitional albums that were instrumental in honing a more mature sound for the group. This evolution is vividly illustrated in a remarkable American Bandstand clip of The Jacksons performing "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," clad in distinctive powder-blue satin jumpsuits.
This performance also highlights the burgeoning development of Michael's unique dance vocabulary. Lee traces elements of this distinctive style to legendary performers such as the Nicholas Brothers, James Brown, Jackie Wilson, and Fred Astaire. Archival interviews with Sammy Davis Jr. and Gene Kelly reveal their flattered recognition of their own dance influences in Jackson's movements. Misty Copeland speaks to his incredible footwork, while Kobe Bryant admits that watching Jackson dance inspired his on-court maneuvers.
A pivotal stepping stone towards the creation of "Off the Wall" was Jackson's role in Sidney Lumet's 1978 film "The Wiz." Despite its critical reception, the movie was a significant cultural event for Black America. The film facilitated Jackson's crucial collaboration with his most important musical partner, Quincy Jones. While the jazz maestro might have seemed an unconventional choice to produce a disco, funk, and R&B album, his sophisticated rhythmic sensibilities were instrumental in shaping Jackson's defining legacy, which culminated in the monumental success of "Off the Wall," "Thriller," and "Bad" over an eight-year period. Having explored the first and last of these landmark albums, one can only hope Lee will next dedicate a comprehensive salute to the 1982 masterpiece that sits at the heart of this extraordinary run.
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