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Like so many people within the entertainment industry, George Michael would come to write a legacy that was inspiring, magnetic, and complex. A documentary, “George Michael, Portrait of an Artist,” that explores these elements of his history was released on June 25, what would have been Michael’s 60th birthday. Available on Amazon, Tubi, Peacock, Plex, and Xumo in the U.S. and Canada this film sets itself apart in the way it casts a light on George Michael’s legacy. Going beyond his issues with drug use and confronting his sexuality, we see the hidden layers of his intense love and fear of fame.
In the opening few minutes of the documentary, the viewer becomes aware that George Michael’s name was not George Michael, but a name that reflected his Greek heritage, Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou. To become the person he wanted to be, he built a new version of himself. While this person was somewhat based in reality, George Michael enhanced his personality with some well-placed stories, creating almost a caricature of himself.
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Born in London in 1963, Michael would become the lead singer of the pop band Wham! Still known for the singles ‘’Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” and “Last Christmas,” the duo group took on the American Billboard 200 and hit #1 on the UK Album chart. Eventually selling over 120 million records worldwide and becoming one of the best-selling artists of the 1980s.
During the years of Wham! Michael often surprised people with his enigmatic presence. Both Andrew Ridgley, the other half of the duo, and George Michael would complain about the unemployment they dealt with in the years before Wham! rather than discuss thoughts of them being destined for fame.
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In the years that followed the band’s breakup over musical differences, George Michael made a name for himself as a solo artist. As his singles and albums grew in fame, George Michael created a god-like image of himself. Part of his ability to create this larger-than-life persona was the way he used his sartorial influence and talent at being in front of the camera. Dancing and singing directly to the audience at home, whether in his solo performances or during the years of Wham!, his excitement and love of music was palpable.
“He was made to be a star,” was a version of the words many of those interviewed said in the documentary. Tom Robinson, a broadcaster and rock musician, talked about the signing of George Michael’s Innervision contract. Apparently, after signing, George would immediately head for a holiday in Greece, but flew back in the middle of his vacation to get his hair cut! When he became more famous, he threw away the standard protocols of dress codes and entered many formal restaurants in ripped jeans. This casual look largely pushed the trend of ripped jeans in the ‘80s, along with a few other celebrity endorsements. He would often appear to be an uncaring star in the spotlight, drunk on fame and fortune, yet he was fundamentally unhappy at the height of his stardom and wished for a quieter life. Despite his longing for anonymity, George Michael was recognized for his signature style as he moved along the streets.
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The infamous ripped jeans, a slouching leather jacket, and a singular cross earring dangling from one ear is an image of George Michael from the late 80s. Largely popularized by George Michael, it was a look that was both hedonistic, a bit homoerotic, and yet still masculine. This was a balance that Michael’s always seemed desperate to strike, particularly because of his intensely Greek and patriarchal father. After the release of the album, “Fast Love,” many fans came to be more aware of his sexuality. In 1998 George Michael would openly admit he was gay.
His being more open to his sexual orientation allowed fans to not only feel closer to him but also become inspired by what he wore. After the ‘Fast Love’ album, George Michael’s signature style choices would be worn by more people. But the real George Michael wasn’t just the man in slouchy jackets and ripped jeans, a fashion persona he created that made his sexuality ambiguous.
Ultimately, George was human. He loved, he lost, and he made some great music. And his personality beamed bright though his music and his fashion.
BAFP PHOTO MIGUEL MEDINA (AFP/GettyImages)
“George Michael: Portrait of an Artist” is available on Amazon, Tubi, Peacock, Plex, and Xumo in the U.S. and Canada.
—Sydney Yeager
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