Tribute to a tragic legend
GEORGE Michael put the finishing touches to this documentary just a couple of days before his death last Christmas Day.
The 53-year-old superstar had been working on the film as a chronicle of his life and career. Now sadly it has become a tribute, with the soundtrack of his lyrics and music making it all the more poignant. All that has been added is a brief introduction from friend Kate Moss and a cover by Coldplay’s Chris Martin. Narrated by George, it is a personal and powerful autobiography. The Grammy-winning artist opens up about the death of his first great love, the death of his mother (“I was spiritually crushed”), as well as the well-documented High Court battle with his record label.
It features never-seen home footage, interviews and contributions from supermodels Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Tatjana Patitz and Linda Evangelista, who discuss their experience on the iconic Freedom! ’90 music video.
There are also often funny and affectionate interviews with some of George’s famous friends, including Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Ricky Gervais, Nile Rodgers, Mark Ronson, Tracey Emin, Liam Gallagher, Mary J Blige, Jean Paul Gaultier, James Corden and Tony Bennett.
The film has an underlying sadness, particularly when George is asked how he would like to be remembered.
He says: “I’d like to be remembered as one of those last big stars. I hope people think of me as someone who had some kind of integrity.”
This will remind you of what a star he was. It will probably make you cry, and it will make you fall in love with his records all over again.
Stay tuned afterwards for George Michael: Live in London.