Michael Jackson: Devotion—An Unauthorized Tribute

In this unofficial tribute, family, friends, and fans share memories of the King of Pop Michael Jackson (1958-2009), with notable interviewees including Motown Records founder Berry Gordy Jr., producer Quincy Jones, and Michael's sister, Janet. Devotion kicks off in Gary, IN, with a profile of the Jacksons' working-class parents, Joe and Katherine, before moving on to the formation of the famed Jackson 5 in the 1960s. After relocating to California, the quintet rockets to the top of the charts, ultimately spawning an even more successful solo act: Michael Jackson. The tribute ends with Jackson's death from cardiac arrest on June 25th, at a time when he was preparing for a series of comeback concerts in London. Since Devotion is unauthorized, it features no music from Michael and his brothers, nor any clips from his videos, movies, or television appearances (in a discussion of John Landis' famed “Thriller” video, for instance, footage from George Romero's zombie classic Night of the Living Dead is used instead). The program also touches on Jackson's co-writing of the hit single “We Are the World,” his purchase of the Beatles catalog, his marriages and children, and the eccentricities and scandals that threatened to overshadow his career achievements. Still, even though the tone here is more respectful than exploitative, this is a hastily produced and seriously limited profile. Very optional. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)