Spike Lee’s Latest Documentary Looks at Michael Jackson’s “Off the Wall” (Video)

Spike Lee has had a very busy few months, promoting and celebrating the release of his most recent film, Chi-Raq. The satirical comedy explored some heavy topics, namely the ongoing epidemic of gun violence in Chicago, where the murder rate is so high, the city has drawn comparisons to war-torn places of conflict like Iraq. Lee has also been hard at work on a new documentary film, a Showtime-produced project which explores the backstory of the late Michael Jackson’s 1979 album. Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown To Off the Wall will air next month and will take a close look at Jackson’s rise from being a member of the Jackson 5 to a solo recording artist whose career would catapult him into international superstardom.

The trailer for the new Spike Lee Joint includes glimpses of vintage footage, images of a young Michael beginning to exhibit the qualities of an icon. Commentary from Questlove, The Weeknd, David Byrne, and others offers anecdotal thoughts on the music and lyrics of the album that housed such greats as “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” and “Rock with You.” Also interviewed for the film are Kobe Bryant,  John Legend, Mark Ronson, and Pharrell Williams. After debuting at the Sundance Film Festival on January 24, the film will air on Showtime on February 5 at 9pm EST.

Related: “Thriller” Has Sold 30 Million Copies, Making Michael Jackson the King of Everything