George Michael: Freedom

A year after the tragic death of George Michael, we get this film from the star a fine documentary. George Michael worked with this documentary before he died, and has been finished completely after his death. As a fan of George Michael, I found this film first and foremost interesting as it gives an insight into the music, albums and concerts. George Michael had great musical ambitions, which he achieved. Whether it was commercial with the Faith album, or the artistic and more demanding List Without Prejudice album. However, I missed the mention of the Patience album. The film has many music collegues that come with input and comments about George Michael and his music. But we also hear about his conflict with the record company and thus an insight into a cynical industry. George Michael also invites viewers into his private sphere, and the personal ups and downs he experienced throughout his life. The documentary, on the other hand, does not address any of the drug problems he had with, which led to prison sentences. George Michael was a great singer and songwriter, and this documentary shows it with full weight. On the other hand, it carries that it is made by himself, good and bad. After watching the movie, I think the best thing about it was the insight of the albums Listen and Older, which he was most proud of. See it as a reminder of the great artist he was. What a loss.

'Freedom' is a documentary about Geroge Michael's life mostly put together by the singer himself before his untimely death last year. And it was an interesting life, that of a Watford schoolboy who became a global pop star, a legal warrior fighting his record company, and a gay man who finally embraced his sexual identity. Unfortunately, this film is not particularly interesting: Michael was a private man, and the story as told doesn't feel particularly personal. Nor is there a great discussion of the music, beyond the obligatory parade of talking heads who gush but offer no insight. The main thing that comes across is Michael's professional self-belief and ambition; though he talked of slavery in his battle with Sony, we get the sense less of a free spirit unable to work with the man, and more of someone angry he was not getting the respect he considered his talent deserved. I'd have liked to know more about the real George Michael; but here I felt I saw only what Michael wanted to be seen.

The Voice of my generation, in my opinion. He made so much music that will play on for many years to come. Still, I feel sad that he won't be here to create any more. His evolution into becoming himself took his whole life and was documented perfectly in his songs.

Damn, he really knew how to craft some perfect pop songs though!

It's very sad to watch the documentary "George Michael: Freedom" knowing that he left this world when he was finishing this work. Michael passed away on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53. This documentary seems like a testament letter about his life. The accelerating career success and pressure from the media was the abyss to his demise, exactly like Michael Jackson, Amy Winehouse, Witney Houston, and Prince. The quick voyage of their lives between us was simply to gift us with each one's voice and talent. George Michael was no different, only after winning the much-desired public recognition did he realize that he was not happy. And when he discovers the happiness of love, "...Heaven sent And Heaven Stole You smiled at me...". We and the media didn't allow them to live in peace as an artist. We created, idolized, and at the same time silenced these voices. I am so...so...sorry for that, Michael!!!

This documentary isn't just for fans of George Michael. This is an insightful look at an extraordinary artist. Over 95 minutes, George primarily focuses on the time from his release of Listen Without Prejudice through his much publicized court case with Sony in the early to mid 1990's. Especially for any fans in the U.S., you will learn why it seemed George Michael may have disappeared from the music scene.