Episode 87 – The Michael Trailer
In the episode, Karin and Elizabeth discuss the teaser trailer for the Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, and compare it to the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody. They explore the history and evolution of movie trailers as an art form, noting their shift from simple advertisements to sophisticated promotional pieces. The discussion includes an academic analysis framework for the biopic, focusing on artistic legacy, identity, race, representation, media, and methodology.
Michael Jackson Academy Course UpdatesElizabeth's three Michael Jackson-related courses include the newly launched "Teaching Michael Jackson Studies", "Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson", and the flagship course, "Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies." She offers incentives for purchasing multiple courses, such as a signed hardback book and a workbook for listeners of the podcast.
REFERENCE AS:
Merx, Karin, and Elizabeth Amisu. “Episode 87 – The Michael Jackson Biopic - 'Michael'” Podcast, Michael Jackson’s Dream Lives On: An Academic Conversation, 13 no. 2 (2025). Published electronically 21/12/25. https://michaeljacksonstudies.org/episode-87-michael-trailer
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Episode 87 – The Michael TrailerBy Elizabeth Amisu & Karin Merx
Elizabeth Amisu, PGCE, MA, is editor of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies and author of The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson: His Music, His Persona, and His Artistic Afterlife. Find out more about Elizabeth here.
Karin Merx BMus, MA, is editor of The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, and author of ‘A festive parade of highlights. La Grande Parade as evaluation of the museum policy of Edy De Wilde at the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam’. Find out more about Karin here.
Our References and Where to Easily Find Them:
Michael (2026) Teaser Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RrktXOjOtps
Respect (2021) Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTtxoz3OIlU
Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody (2022) Trailer - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tfemzaMkoU
Karin Merx, ‘Echoes Without Presence: AI, Michael Jackson, and the Crisis of Cultural Authenticity’, The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, vol. 5, issue 1 (November 2025).
Karin Merx, ‘From Throne to Wilderness: Michael Jackson’s ‘Stranger in Moscow’ and the Foucauldian Outlaw’, The Journal of Michael Jackson Academic Studies, vol. 1, issue 1 (June 2015).
“Was Michael Jackson just a pop icon… or a philosopher in disguise?” Discover the dangerous ideas behind his music, persona, and legacy in this online course, based on the acclaimed book The Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson. Enrol today at:
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Dangerous Philosophies of Michael Jackson Online Course - https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/dangerous-philosophies-of-michael-jackson-online-course/
Introduction to Michael Jackson Studies Online Course - https://onlineartseducation.co.uk/course/introduction-to-michael-jackson-studies-online-course/
