Brittany Luce

We never get any more details than this, but the scene clearly shows Manny's been traumatized by his interactions with Michael, which is a shocking and kind of bold suggestion to even make.

It at least tries to acknowledge that shadowy gray area regarding Michael's innocence, both literally and figuratively.

It suggests two things can be true.

The parents who allowed their kids to befriend Jackson, a grown man, were seduced by the proximity to fame and wealth.

And Jackson might have used his star power to sinister ends.

Jackson, of course, always denied the allegations.

And according to a recent sit-down Flex Alexander did with the celebrity interview series The Art of the Dialogue, the singer hated this movie.

But this goes back to what Margo Jefferson said about Jackson in her book, that he wanted us to love him, not understand him.

And honestly, that's the way most artist biopics treat their subjects.

The Jacksons in American Dream featured a stacked cast of beloved Black actors, a tight family-approved script, and a lavish budget.

It goes down easy as entertainment.

And that's why it endures.

Men in the Mirror had none of that.

Is it a good movie?

Not at all.

And yet it comes closer to acknowledging the realities of the frictions of Jackson's life than he himself was ever able to.

And that's got to count for something.

Up next, a look at how Michael Jackson constantly rewrote his own legacy in real time.

In January 1994, Michael Jackson made a surprise appearance at the NAACP Image Awards.

He was presenting the award for Outstanding Choreography to Debbie Allen.