Gay Man, Singer, Activist, Philanthropist, Criminal, Repeat Offender, Charity Worker, Volunteer, Musical Genius. Just some of the labels attached to George Michael, a few of which only became public knowledge following his death on Christmas Day, 2016. While the film was intended to be an autobiographical documentary, it has also become his obituary though with its subject very much alive at its heart.
This documentary film which aired in the UK last night on Channel 4 was the last project which he worked upon and was directed and narrated by himself. It covers both his personal and creative life with contributions from (amongst many others) Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Kate Moss, Tony Bennett, Tracey Emin, Paul McCartney, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Mary J Blige, Nile Rodgers, Naomi Campbell, Liam Gallagher, James Corden and Ricky Gervais.
George Michael was a magnificent pop star - he was sexy, he sang like an angel and he wrote superb songs, many direct from his heart. He's lively and honest too in his narration of a life well-lived. From the teen idol days with Wham!, through a mighty solo career, to meeting Anselmo Felleppa the man who became his husband and who made him comfortable with his own sexuality, to Anselmo's death from AIDS and his subsequent two year grieving. Also his getting busted for "lewd behaviour" in LA and the catastophic falling-out with his record company, Sony, which resulted in multiple High Court battles. Throughout, he is sharp, witty and self-deprecating. What a loss!
