The Real Michael Jackson

The Real Michael Jackson is a documentary series delving into the life of the infamous pop icon Michael Jackson, produced by Jacques Peretti. The series aims to reexamine the life and legacy of this larger-than-life figure by peeling away the layers of his public persona to reveal the complex and often contradictory character that lay beneath. Born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, Michael Jackson's early life was marked by a strong connection to music. His father, Joseph Jackson, recognized his children's potential as a musical group and began teaching them how to sing and dance. The Jackson 5's first appearance on the professional music scene was in 1962, but it was their 1970 hit song 'ABC' that catapulted them to national fame. As the Jackson 5's popularity soared, their father exerted immense control over their lives, dictating their performances, music, and even their appearance. Michael, only 11 years old at the time, shouldered a large portion of the responsibility for the group's success, which would later have significant consequences for his mental and physical well-being. Jacques Peretti's exploration of Michael's early life sets the stage for his journey, shedding light on the pressures and traumas that would contribute to Michael's complex adult persona. As the series progresses, we see Michael's rise to superstardom with his breakthrough album 'Off the Wall' in 1979. The album, which included hits like 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough' and 'Rock with You,' marked a shift in Michael's music style from the bubblegum pop of the Jackson 5 to a more mature sound. His subsequent album 'Thriller,' released in 1982, solidified his position as a global superstar, cementing his reputation as the 'King of Pop.' However, behind the scenes, a darker narrative begins to unfold. Michael's struggles with his appearance, particularly his skin, led to a series of surgeries he undertook to alleviate his vitiligo symptoms. His increasing reliance on painkillers and medication to manage the physical pain from his procedures exacerbated his addiction issues. This toxic cycle of dependence would ultimately contribute to his untimely death on June 25, 2009. The series also delves into the controversies that plagued Michael's adult life, including his marriage to Lisa Marie Presley and his subsequent relationship with Deborah Rowe, which produced two of his three children. Michael's reputation as a child molester was a subject of much speculation, particularly after the allegations leveled against him by Wade Robson and James Safechuck in the documentary 'Leaving Neverland.' While these accusations continue to divide opinion, Peretti's documentary remains impartial, preferring to concentrate on the complexities of Michael's character rather than sensationalizing the allegations. Jacques Peretti's narrative also highlights Michael's deep connection to his childhood as the basis of his artistic expression. As he grew older, Michael drew inspiration from his memories as a member of the Jackson 5, incorporating elements of his youth into his music, videos, and live performances. His desire to recapture the innocence of his childhood, coupled with his growing isolation, contributed to the creation of his infamous 'Neverland Ranch,' a sprawling estate in California that became a symbol of the darker aspects of his personality. Throughout 'The Real Michael Jackson,' Peretti's masterful storytelling and insightful analysis allow viewers to see beyond the façade of Michael's glittering career and public image. We witness the gradual disintegration of a creative genius, a tragic case of a man whose insatiable ambition and deep-seated insecurities destroyed the very person he was trying to protect. Ultimately, the documentary series leaves viewers with a nuanced understanding of a complicated, enigmatic figure who continues to fascinate and intrigue audiences worldwide.