Michael's box office record doesn't thrill me, biopics are lazy wins

In a crowded industry where streaming has altered the way people consume cinema, biopics have emerged as a cash cow for studios, churning out lucrative films that often lack substance. The latest example is the Michael Jackson biopic, which has now surpassed Sir Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer to become the highest-grossing biopic of all time, raking in $977.4million (£740.9m) after its release in Japan.

The Michael Jackson biopic's success may seem impressive, but it's essential to examine the numbers behind its box office triumph. The film's miserable 38% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes paints a stark contrast to its commercial success. This disparity raises questions about what drives box office success and whether it's an accurate measure of a film's quality. For Lionsgate, the film's success is undoubtedly a boon, but it's crucial to consider the broader implications of this trend.

Biopics have become a staple of modern cinema, often capitalizing on the public's fascination with real-life stories. However, this trend has also led to a proliferation of formulaic, uninspired films that rely on the audience's nostalgia for the subject rather than genuine artistic merit. Michael's triumph is a prime example of this phenomenon, with its critics' score and box office success seemingly disconnected from its artistic value.

The term 'lazy win' may seem harsh, but it's a fitting description of the biopic genre's tendency to rely on familiar tropes and the audience's pre-existing knowledge of the subject. This approach can result in films that feel like daytime TV specials rather than genuine cinematic experiences. In contrast, films like Sir Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer and the ill-fated Robbie Williams movie Better Man demonstrate that biopics can be done with substance and imagination.

The Michael Jackson biopic's success may be attributed to its ability to tap into the cultural zeitgeist, but it's uncertain whether this trend will continue. Will biopics remain a staple of modern cinema, or are they a fleeting fad? As the industry continues to evolve, it's essential to consider the implications of this trend and whether it's genuinely a reflection of artistic merit or simply a convenient cash cow for studios.

I predict that the biopic genre will continue to evolve, with some studios opting for more innovative and risk-taking approaches while others will continue to rely on the familiar formula. As the industry grapples with this trend, it's crucial to prioritize artistic merit over box office success.

In the end, the Michael Jackson biopic's box office record may be evidence of the power of cinema, but it's also a reminder that success is not always a reflection of quality. As the industry continues to navigate the complexities of modern cinema, it's essential to prioritize substance over style and to challenge the status quo of the biopic genre.

In this era of streaming and box office dominance, the Michael Jackson biopic's success serves as a reminder that the cinematic landscape is constantly shifting. As the biopic genre continues to evolve, it's uncertain which direction it will take, but one thing is clear: the industry needs to prioritize artistic merit over box office success if it wants to create truly memorable films that will stand the test of time.