The long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, is in theaters today—with a major asterisk. It hits all the obligatory notes from the pop star's early career, from the Jackson 5 belting "I'll Be There" to the "Beat It" video. But one problem is overshadowing the entire film: Michael makes no mention of the allegations of child sexual abuse that defined Jackson's later life. In his review of Michael, music critic Alan Light writes that "while Michael Jackson was certainly a victim who channeled his pain into glorious work, ignoring the tougher, destructive results of that pain is ultimately deceitful." The rest of Light's review is a must-read—whether or not you're buying a ticket to Michael this weekend.
—Brady Langmann, entertainment editor
|
|
|
|
The allegations that defined the final decades of Michael Jackson’s life are nowhere to be found. How you feel about the movie is to come down to that absence.
|
What do we want from biopics about pop stars? Are we looking for a thorough and thoughtful retelling of the life of an important historical figure? A psychological examination of a creative force? Or do we just crave a celebration of music that we love and an opportunity to revel in songs that may have changed our lives?
Which brings us to the curious case of Michael, the long-awaited Michael Jackson biopic opening this week—a project which represents the apotheosis of biopic-as-marketing device. Jackson was, of course, not just one of the greatest performers of all time, he was also one of the most complicated figures in American culture. He was driven and disciplined, obsessed by fame and success, a child star who never had a childhood, a Rorschach test for issues around race and sexuality, a talent beyond compare. He was also repeatedly accused of sexually abusing children and committing unforgivable crimes.
Michael does not mention that final point. The allegations and trials that defined the final decades of Jackson’s life, and for many remain an inextricable piece of his legacy, are nowhere to be found. And how you feel about the movie—and about the purpose of biopics in general—is likely to come down to that absence.
|
|
|
|
I have a waxed jacket problem. In polite company, I like to refer to my collection as an archive. I’m a curated collector. In reality, it’s a compulsion.
Of all the waxed jackets out there, Barbour remains the elder statesman, and for good reason. This magazine endorses the Beaufort, but the Bedale and newish, cropped Spey are solid buys. As much as I love a C.S. Lewis quote and a lukewarm pint, I’ve been itching for a good, home-grown American alternative to Barbour. That’s where Tom Beckbe comes in.
The brand’s flagship jacket, the Tensaw, is cut and sewn in the USA with an interior liner reflecting the color of Alabama’s red clay. It’s a good jacket—heavy enough for the field, handsome enough to wear over a sports coat. The Tensaw is packed with functionality inspired by Menge’s hours hunting and fishing the land around the Tombigbee: hearty 8oz waxed cotton, set-in sleeves, gusseted underarms, a bi-swing back, all mean this is a jacket you can move and fish and hunt in. The pocket placement is intuitive, the silhouette is burly, but flattering. Like I said, it's a great jacket, and I’ve worn mine for over a year. I didn’t think it could be improved on, until menswear writer and Esquire contributor David Coggins stepped in.
|
|
|
|
I spend a lot of my time testing and writing about wireless, Bluetooth, and noise-cancelling headphones. They are incredible, and at this point in time cheaper than they’ve ever been. But if I’m being honest, and with all due respect to the brands and products I love and use, I don’t think the average person cares enough to spend a few hundred bucks on headphones. The easiest and cheapest solution for anything always wins out. It’s why wired earbuds will never die.
Let me make one thing clear; I’m not talking about the kind of wired headphones audiophiles are buying because they “sound better than Bluetooth.” I’m talking average person. If that’s you, this is the signature of approval from a tech tester. Apple EarPods are all you need for throwing on a playlist or podcast.
|
|
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment