Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon (2011)
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon is a 2011 documentary movie directed by Andrew Eastel, with a running time of 2h 29m. It stars Michael Jackson, David Gest and Tito Jackson.
Produced by his friend David Gest, this 2011 tribute assembles the people who knew Michael Jackson before the cameras and the courtrooms. His mother Katherine and siblings Tito and Rebbie sit for new interviews; Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, and other artists speak to his reach. The film runs from the Jackson 5's Motown beginnings through the solo years that made him the most famous entertainer alive, and touches the accusations that shadowed his later life. Made two years after his death, it leans toward memorial rather than investigation, a family-sanctioned portrait of the King of Pop.
Quick answers
What is Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon about?
Produced by his friend David Gest, this 2011 tribute assembles the people who knew Michael Jackson before the cameras and the courtrooms. His mother Katherine and siblings Tito and Rebbie sit for new interviews; Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick, and other artists speak to his reach. The film runs from the Jackson 5's Motown beginnings through the solo years that made him the most famous entertainer alive, and touches the accusations that shadowed his later life. Made two years after his death, it leans toward memorial rather than investigation, a family-sanctioned portrait of the King of Pop.
When was Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon released?
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon was released on 2 November 2011.
How long is Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon?
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon runs 2h 29m.
Who made Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon?
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon was directed by Andrew Eastel.
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A few thoughts on Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon
The obvious next step is the music itself. Thriller remains the record that turned Michael Jackson into a global phenomenon, its horror-movie title track and relentless pop craft still unmatched, while Off the Wall catches the younger, disco-lit artist finding his solo voice. Play them beside the documentary and the footage snaps into focus.
Documentaries where a music icon's own circle tells their story
The Life of an Icon leans on Katherine and Tito Jackson, Smokey Robinson, and others who actually knew Michael, building its portrait from memory rather than outside experts. Whitney and Pavarotti do the same, letting family and collaborators carry a life story after its subject is gone. Supersonic and The Devil and Daniel Johnston hand the microphone to the people who lived it.
Documentaries that pull back the curtain on how pop hits actually get made
The Life of an Icon stays inside the Jackson family's version of the story, but other music documentaries turn the camera onto the machinery behind a hit. Milli Vanilli and The Greatest Night in Pop show how a song or scandal gets built, while 20 Feet from Stardom and Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap follow people who make the sound work without the icon treatment.