The Great Divide: Why Audience Scores Now Outweigh Critics
We are witnessing a fundamental shift in how cinema is validated. The recent release of the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, serves as a textbook example of the growing “critic-audience chasm.” While critics—including Peter Bradshaw, who described the Antoine Fuqua-directed film as “bland, bowdlerised and bad”—gave the film a paltry 38% on Rotten Tomatoes, the audience score soared to 97%.
This discrepancy suggests that for modern audiences, emotional resonance and nostalgia often trump technical storytelling or critical rigor. Fans are no longer looking for a balanced journalistic account; they are seeking a celebratory experience. When viewers like Joanne, a college student who attended the film multiple times, describe the movie as a “starter for fans,” it highlights a trend where biopics function more as entry points for fandom than as definitive historical records.
The Rise of “Event” Cinema
The trend is moving toward “experiential” viewing. The sightings of fans dancing in the aisles and dressing in signature outfits—such as the Off the Wall black jacket and bow tie or DIY shirts inspired by the “They Don’t Care About Us” music video—indicate that the theater is becoming a social hub. Cinema is evolving from a passive observation into an active, participatory event.
The “Sanitized” Legacy: Legal Constraints in Storytelling
One of the most provocative trends in modern celebrity cinema is the strategic omission of controversy to protect a brand. The production of Michael reveals the immense financial and legal pressure to maintain a positive image. The film reportedly underwent $15 million in reshoots to remove depictions of child sexual abuse allegations after filmmakers discovered a settlement clause barring the mention of an accuser in any movie.
By ending the film with the title card “His Story Continues,” the filmmakers effectively halt the narrative before the most polarizing era of Jackson’s life. This “strategic halting” is becoming a blueprint for biopics of complicated figures, allowing studios to portray subjects as positively as possible while avoiding legal pitfalls.
Immersive Tech: The End of the Flat Screen?
The adoption of technologies like ScreenX—which wraps the projection around the side walls of the theater—is transforming the viewing experience. By creating a more immersive environment, theaters are attempting to compete with home streaming by offering something physically impossible to replicate in a living room.
When paired with high-fidelity audio and visual cues, such as the opening chords of “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” these immersive formats turn a movie into a sensory assault. The future of the biopic likely lies in this intersection of celebrity mythology and cutting-edge hardware, where the goal is to make the viewer feel they are standing in the room with the icon.
From Standalone Films to “Legacy” Franchises
Historically, a biopic was a one-time event. However, the massive box office success of Michael—taking in over $200 million—has shifted the logic. With a sequel already likely in the works, we are seeing the birth of the “biopic franchise.”
Instead of condensing a complex life into two hours, studios are realizing that they can split a subject’s life into thematic chapters. This not only maximizes revenue but allows for a slower burn in storytelling, though it risks further sanitizing the narrative by stretching the “positive” years across multiple installments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is there such a massive difference between critic and audience scores for Michael?
Critics often focus on narrative depth and objectivity, while audiences are often driven by emotional connection, nostalgia and the performance of the lead actor.
What is ScreenX cinema?
ScreenX is a theater format where the movie is projected onto the front wall and the left and right side walls, creating a panoramic, immersive experience.
Why were there reshoots for the Michael biopic?
Reportedly, $15 million was spent on reshoots to remove mentions of sexual abuse allegations due to a legal settlement clause that prohibited such depictions.
What do you consider: Should biopics be required to show the “full” story, or is it acceptable to sanitize a legacy for the sake of entertainment? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more deep dives into the future of cinema.
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