The King of Pop's Documentaries: A Comparative Look at Spike Lee's and Nelson George's Approaches
Michael Jackson's legacy is a treasure trove for music documentarians. Spike Lee's "From Motown to Off The Wall" and "Bad 25" are exemplary works that delve into the King of Pop's musical journey. Meanwhile, Nelson George's "Thriller 40" documentary offers a fresh perspective on Jackson's most iconic album. However, when comparing these documentaries, certain aspects make Lee's work stand out more prominently.
Spike Lee's documentaries are known for their meticulous attention to detail. In "From Motown to Off The Wall," Lee explores the transformation of a young Michael from the lead of The Jackson 5 to a solo superstar. Similarly, "Bad 25" celebrates the 25th anniversary of the "Bad" album, breaking down each song and the stories behind them. Lee's approach is thorough; he dissects each track, giving viewers a comprehensive understanding of Michael's creative process and the cultural impact of his music.
In contrast, Nelson George's "Thriller 40" seems to miss some opportunities to dive deeper into the album's creation. While it shines with high-quality footage from the Victory tour and previously unseen clips of Michael Jackson in the studio with Paul McCartney, it falls short in other areas. Notably, the documentary overlooks significant tracks like "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" and "The Lady in My Life," failing to explore the creativity that went into each song on the album. Additionally, the absence of mentioning the significance of Vincent Price, whose voiceover is synonymous with the "Thriller" track, is a glaring omission.
Fans have expressed their desire for more content on making the "Thriller" album cover and insights into how Michael balanced working on the album with the Triumph tour. The lack of participation from the Jacksons in the documentary is also a missed opportunity for deeper insights, especially considering their involvement in the Triumph tour before "Thriller" was released.
The storytelling in "Thriller 40" lacks continuity, with some songs skipping and lacking depth. Viewers are left yearning for more unseen footage and a more cohesive narrative. This disjointedness contrasts sharply with the rhythm and flow of Lee's documentaries, where Michael's evolution is told with passion and precision.
The sentiment among many fans is clear: Spike Lee should have directed the "Thriller 40" documentary. Having established a strong relationship with Michael Jackson's work through his previous documentaries, Lee's absence in "Thriller 40" feels like a misstep. His proven track record of capturing the essence of Michael's albums and the stories behind them suggests that he would have brought the same level of detail and care to "Thriller 40."
In conclusion, while "Thriller 40" offers some valuable content, it ultimately doesn't meet the standard set by Spike Lee's documentaries. The pace, story, and breakdown of each song in "From Motown to Off The Wall" and "Bad 25" are superior, providing a more complete and engaging experience. It's a reminder of the importance of choosing the right storyteller to honor the legacy of a legend like Michael Jackson. Spike Lee's absence in "Thriller 40" is felt, and one can only imagine what could have been if he had been at the helm.
