
S2x18 Season Finale PART 1 - Full Review of "Moonwalk" and Hopes for the Michael Jackson Biopic
Reading Michael JacksonShow Notes
In this first part of our Season 2 Finale of Reading Michael Jackson, I offer a full, comprehensive review of "Moonwalk," the one and only autobiography Michael Jackson ever released. While offering a summary of the book, its themes, what its contents and omissions can teach about Michael (and his psychology), its strengths, weaknesses, and role in Michael's legacy, I also deconstruct several reviews written about the book spanning from 1988-2019. In addition to pointed discussion of the book itself, listeners are asked to consider who is the true intended audience for a story of Michael Jackson's life? How does the intended audience shape the way the story is told and received and what value is there in the "critic" perspective? What are we entitled to know about Michael's life, if anything, and what right does he have to privacy in the more intimate areas of his life? Who determines what is "enough" for an autobiography (or biopic) to reveal in order to be seen as an authentic depiction of his life? In addition, tune in for my pre-biopic expectations, considerations, and concerns based on what we learned in "Moonwalk" and beyond.
Part 2 of our Season Finale will contain a full review of the Michael biopic in consideration of our reading of Moonwalk and this episode.
For questions or comments please feel free to reach out at [email protected]
More from Reading Michael Jackson
According to the Songwriter's Hall of Fame, Michael wrote over 200 songs in his lifetime. However, so many of those songs have never been, and never will be heard. The rare unreleased that have leaked online over the years offer amazing insight into Michael's creative process and level of perfection, especially when those he kept in the vault are as good as "Chicago 1945!"
As one of Michael Jackson's most spiritual songs, the deep meaning of "Another Part of Me" can easily overlooked given its inaugural debut in Captain E.O. Though it's meaning certainly aligned with the storyline of the short film, this high energy pop song may often be cast aside as just another great dance hit. However, in this episode we take a slowed down approach, reading the lyrics and analyzing them line-by-line. Though this episode kicks off with a reflection on attending Spike Lee's birthday block party for Michael on August 29 in Brooklyn, NY, the majority of the discussion centers not only on the themes within the lyrics of "Another Part of Me", but also the choices Michael made to alter the lyrics in his live performance of the song. I also touch upon how the unity Michael strives for in these lyrics lives on today in his fandom around the world.
Kicking off our first episode of Season 3 is a deep-dive into arguably one of Michael's strongest album opener's: "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin.'" This high-energy song with it's uplifting and much-sampled outro is undeniably beloved. But how well understood is it?
After a post-biopic summer hiatus, "Reading Michael Jackson" is back with Season 3! Having already covered Michael's books in Seasons 1 and 2, this season we will focus on Michael's most well-known, yet routinely under-appreciated writing: his lyrics.
In this special bonus episode of Reading Michael Jackson, we celebrate Michael's 68th birthday with a deep dive into the true meaning behind the creation of his Neverland Ranch, as well as his humanitarian legacy. Featuring interview clips from Neverland's Head of Security Violet Gaitan Booker, Amusement Park Manager Al Scanlan, and Audio support Brad Sundberg, as well as clips from Michael Jackson's own interviews, this episode focuses on the true heart of Neverland, and honoring Michael Jackson's dream of healing the world.