George Michael: Freedom

George Michael: Freedom is a soul-stirring, deeply poignant 2017 documentary that traces the life and career of the iconic pop star, George Michael. Directed by George Michael himself and David Austin, this cinematic masterpiece offers a captivating exploration of the artist's captivating journey from his early days in the music industry to his ultimate global stardom, whilst also delving into the artist's personal life and struggles.

At its core, the film is a heartfelt, intimate portrayal of George Michael, one of the most loved, famous, and controversial pop stars of his generation. While the film does touch upon the controversies and struggles George Michael faced in his career and personal life, it gracefully integrates these aspects with an exploration of his transformation into a pop music icon.

Emmanuelle Alt, the editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, Tony Bennett, the legendary American singer, and David Austin, longtime songwriting collaborator and best friend of George Michael, lend their voices to the film, narrating and reminiscing about their experiences and anecdotes featuring the star. This not only elevates the film's emotional quotient but also infuses it with a reality that feels both raw and relatable.

A key aspect of George Michael: Freedom is its format, which primarily features archival footage from the singer's life and career. This allows the audience to see the star in his element, on and off the stage. Much of the footage comes from behind-the-scenes experiences during the creation of his second solo album, 'Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1'. The film includes clips of Michael's interviews, concerts, and video projects, immersing the viewers in his journey talent and truth.

George Michael: Freedom is more than just a movie; it's a cinematic love letter to the voice, talent, and passion that formed the integral pieces of George Michael's persona. Importantly, the documentary does well in illustrating Michael's commitment to the world beyond music—his activism, especially for LGBTQ+ rights, figures prominently. The film doesn't shy away from Michael's tribulations either, from legal disputes with Sony Music to the artist coming to terms with his own sexual identity.

The way the story is told in the documentary is profoundly moving; Michael was increasingly withdrawing from the public eye, but here he takes control of his own narrative, delivering an incredibly personal account of his life. With George Michael himself narrating most of the film, the audience gets to hear the singer's views first hand as they traverse his incredible journey from being part of the duo 'Wham!' to his solo career, his personal struggles, and his humanitarian accomplishments.

Musically, of course, the film is a treat for George Michael fans. One of the highlights of the film is the vast array of his chart-topping hits like “Faith”, “Father Figure”, “Freedom ’90” and “Praying for Time”, among others. The movie also features 'unplugged' versions of some of his famous songs, which are bound to leave the viewers mesmerized.

One of the most poignant aspects of the film is the inclusion of tributes to George Michael, who sadly passed away before the documentary was completed. The sense of loss for an extraordinary talent cuts deep and is a somber reminder of the human fragility behind the star's charismatic persona.

Invoking a rich legacy of musical brilliance and personal conviction, George Michael: Freedom is a fitting tribute to a much-loved performer. The film firmly establishes the late singer's pop culture influence, while also spotlighting his work as a champion of LGBTQ+ rights and his humanitarian outlook. Through candid interviews, historical footage and personal anecdotes from those closest to him, the film paints a deeply compelling and personal portrait of an artist who touched millions with his music and his authenticity.

In the end, for the fans and those who admired George Michael, 'Freedom' offers an opportunity to remind themselves of his talent and influence. For those who knew little about him, it offers a profound and intimate look into the life of a pop icon. Emotionally stirring and richly textured, George Michael: Freedom is not just a film; it's an enduring legacy of a truly remarkable artist, told in his own words.