This article is about the television biographical film. You may have been looking for the 2017 documentary film.
Man in the Mirror: The Michael Jackson Story is a 2004 unauthorized television biopic produced by VH1. The film follows American singer-songwriter Michael Jackson's journey from becoming a successful solo artist, as well as many other events in his life, including marriage, children, and the allegations. The film acts as a pseudo-sequel to The Jacksons: An American Dream.
Reception[]
The film received generally negative reviews from both fans and critics alike, stating that the film presented Jackson in a very unflattering manner and didn't represent most of the true story. As well as not having any of Jackson's songs in the film, only mentioned by name.
Jackson's reaction[]
On August 23, 2004, Jackson stated that he disliked the biopic, stating it "in no way shape or form represents who we [the Jackson family] are as a family". Additionally, he bashed the usage of the "Wacko Jacko" nickname dropped in the movie.
Cast[]
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Flex Alexander | Michael Jackson |
| Eugene Clark | Bobby |
| Theresa Browning | Unnamed woman |
| Marty Antonini | Detective #2 |
| Tom Carey | Director |
| Brian Copping | Elder |
| Lynne Cormack | Elizabeth Taylor |
| Hugh Delaney | Judge |
| Cedric De Souza | Martin Bashir |
| Talon Dunbar | Little Boy |
| Greg Farkas | Male Dancer |
| Brennan Gademans | Young Michael Jackson |
| Jason Griffith | Jermaine Jackson |
| Patricia Idlette | Katherine Jackson |
| Samantha Kaine | Diana Ross |
| Liberty Kee | Nanny |
| Margaret Avery | Martha Upshaw |
| Greg Lawson | Detective #1 |
| Daniel Libman | Dr. Goodman |
| Barbara Mamabolo | Janet Jackson |
| Brian Martell | Thomas |
| Peter Onorati | Ziggy (based on Frank DiLeo) |
| Duncan Pattillo | Bodyguard |
| Lou Poulis | Gardner |
| Brendan Prost | Manny (based on Jordan Chandler) |
| Brooklynn Proulx | Paris Jackson |
| Krista Rae | Lisa Marie Presley |
| Chad Riley | Dance crew member |
| Troy Rudolph | Stage Manager |
| Carrie Schiffler | Surgeon |
| Connor Schmidt | Benjamin Keough |
| Peter Skagen | Attorney |
| Amy Sloan | Holly |
| William S. Taylor | Johnnie Cochran |
| April Telek | Debbie Rowe |
| Michael Tod | Sick Boy |
| Jameson Trenholm | Junkie #2 |
| Frederic Tucker | Joe Jackson |
| Aidan Wilks | David (based on Gavin Arvizo) |
| Gerrick Winston | Tito Jackson |
| Chris Scheuerman | Security Guard (uncredited) |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- Flex Alexander took on the role because he was offered "a good amount of money," as he states. However, he also stated that he's a fan of Jackson but knew he was unfit for the role.
- Due to the film not being authorized by the Michael Jackson Estate nor the family, the film wasn't allowed to play any music by Jackson and resorted to either using other music that didn't reflect anything similar to his music or stock ambience sounds.
- Many claim it to be one of the worst biopics ever made.
- Many of the people in the movie had to have names changed (ex., Manny was a stand-in for Jordan Chandler).
- Fredric Tucker who plays Joe Jackson was Alexander's acting coach at the time.