Watch: Clip From Spike Lee's Documentary About Michael Jackson's "Bad"; Theatrical Release Planned

News

by Kevin Jagernauth
July 18, 2012 9:44 AM
9 Comments

While there is still no official title or release date, those details are likely right around the corner as the first clip from Spike Lee's documentary about Michael Jackson's Bad has arrived. And yeah, it looks like it's going to be some fascinating stuff.

With the album celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, Lee has embarked on a feature-length film about at the album and it looks like he will be going into some considerable detail. This scene in particular finds him talking to the director and choreographer of the video "The Way You Make Me Feel" and, we'll let you watch below, but no matter what you think about the musician and pop culture icon, goosebumps will be raised. And indeed, Lee is a huge Jackson fan (he hosts an annual party each year in Prospect Park on the singer's birthday) and this very much looks like it will be a celebration of his music and legacy, with the director rounding up an impressive list of people to share their thoughts.

Martin Scorsese (who directed the video for "Bad"), engineer Matt Forger, keyboardist Greg Phillinganes, former CBS head Walter Yetnikoff, choreographers Jeffrey Daniel and Vincent Paterson, former Epic manager Larry Stessel, drummers John Robinson and Ollie E. Brown, Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Chris Brown are among those interviewed for the film. "We have footage in this documentary that no one's ever seen, stuff that Michael shot himself, behind-the-scenes stuff," Lee told SF Gate. "We had complete access to the vaults of Michael Jackson...He wrote 60 demos for the 'Bad' record. Only 11 made it. So we got to hear a lot of that stuff, too, so it was just a great experience." He also added: "You don't have to be a Michael Jackson-head to enjoy this."

We'll, we're certainly looking forward to it. As for the relase, details are still up in the air, but Lee recently tweeted that the film will be getting a theatrical release in addition to a home video bow. We'll keep you posted. Until then, watch below. [via Vice]

News

More: Spike Lee

9 Comments

| Reply
L MORRIS | July 19, 2012 7:21 PMReply

WOW I SEEM THAT UNITY TOUR ITS FANTASTIC I SEEM THEM IN 1985 IT BRING BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES. I SEEM THEM AT THE ASTRODOME IN HOUSTON, AND IT WAS MORE GRANDMA AND MOM WERE THERE, I WAS A MOM THEN BUT NOW I AM A GRANDMA, I TOOK MY THREE KIDS, AND THEY STILL TALK ABOUT IT.
Bash | July 18, 2012 6:07 PMReply

Surprised to hear about this documentary as I would have thought, if anything, Thriller was more of a cultural landmark

I'm young, read old, enough to remember that at the time of its release, BAD was considered a flop compared to the astronomical sales of the Thriller album which, I believe, have yet to be surpassed.

As such, surely a Thriller documentary deserves to be a Spike Lee joint!

Regardless, this will be must see viewing for me.
James | July 26, 2012 11:23 PM

It always trips me out to hear regular people speaking with the dispositions of recording industry executives. Spikes films are cultural films.. and Sales really have nothing to do with cultural impact. It's really an indicator of how much of a consumer society we are.. when we start to evaluate all things in terms of finance.. that aside. BAD was a landmark Album for MJ.. He really took his showmanship.. his choreography.. his look.. and his masculinity to the next level. You really had to be there to understand the impact of that Album. It'll be interesting to see if Spike can capture that feeling.. and also.. if he can translate that feeling to a generation that wasn't there.
Stephanie | July 19, 2012 1:14 AM

Bad was hardly a flop, and I think what will make this documentary so interesting is that the back story of Bad is largely unknown. It also happened at a time when Michael was taking more control of his own artistry.
Phil | July 18, 2012 5:24 PMReply

It's weird that Michael just stands there in a dress while that guy sings.
hank | July 18, 2012 3:14 PMReply

dayum. love u MJ.
Becks | July 18, 2012 2:11 PMReply

I can't wait until this documentary comes out. But damn, Michael looked so sexy in "TWYMMF"!
Jan | July 18, 2012 1:49 PMReply

Of course they froze...because he was so mezmerizing.
Stephen | July 18, 2012 12:34 PMReply

this is gonna be good!! HOOOO!