Michael Jackson's This Is It

I can only assume that many people will feel the way I did about going to see Michael Jackson's This Is It: apprehensive.  Would Michael, who died of cardiac arrest on June 25 of this year, appear frail, sickly, or under the influence of drugs? Would the rehearsal footage for his 50-show run at London's O2 arena be too harrowing to watch, knowing that it was shot just weeks before its star's untimely passing? With the ongoing controversy surrounding Jackson's death, is it even right for this film to come out less than four months after his funeral?

While I can't answer that last question, I can reassure anyone who is on the fence about This Is It that this behind-the-scenes look at the preparations for what was set to be the King of Pop's final tour is anything but depressing. In the nearly two hours of footage that director and choreographer Kenny Ortega assembled from rehearsals in Los Angeles, Michael's voice sounds wonderful, his professionalism is unwavering, and he still busts out those jaw-dropping, how-does-he-DO-that moves just as effortlessly as he did in the '80s. If you tear up at any point while watching it (as I admittedly did), it will be because you know how Jackson's life played out, not because anything overtly upsetting was shown on-screen.

Which brings me to my next point: This Is It is much more of a behind-the-scenes tour-production documentary than it is a concert film. Those expecting to be treated to the equivalent of a dress rehearsal -- with Michael singing and dancing his heart out on song after song, in front of the impressive whiz-bang pyrotechnics, 3-D videos and finalized sets and props that were planned for the show -- might be disappointed. I, however, thought that This Is It was infinitely more interesting precisely because we got a glimpse at what went into creating such a huge spectacle. Michael knew exactly what he wanted the audience in London to experience, he knew exactly how the musicians should sound and the back-up dancers should move and look, he knew exactly how all of the special effects should work, and he was not afraid to make his opinions on those topics known. He was the epitome of a perfectionist, but by no means did he ever exhibit any sort of diva-like behavior.  Always quick to add "God bless you," "It's all for love," or a quick, shy smile at the end of any request or practice segment, Jackson guided his team with a firm hand, but also seemed to want the experience to be fun for everyone involved. It was fascinating to see Michael in such a normal setting, where he didn't have to be "on" or act guarded for the press. I walked out of the theater with a new appreciation for his tireless dedication to his craft, his passion for music, his unparalleled artistry... and his surprisingly dry sense of humor. 

With over 100 hours of rehearsal footage to pull from, Ortega had no small task in deciding which form This Is It should take. While there will undoubtedly be criticisms that he only chose clips that put Michael in a positive light, I feel that Ortega's objective was to assemble a film that included some of Jackson's biggest hits (even if that meant including some fairly straightforward -- dare I say boring -- practice runs of songs like "Billie Jean"), gave viewers a very good sense of what the tour would've been like, and promoted Michael's messages of environmentalism, and, of course, love. 

Videos and mini-movies shot for the tour, intended for the huge screen behind the stage, are spliced in between rehearsal footage from several different days of practice. After almost every song there are clips of Jackson working with the band, his dancers, or Ortega, and discussing what changes he wanted to incorporate. "That's why we have rehearsals," Jackson states (more than once) when things don't go quite to his liking. 

On that note, Jackson appeared concerned that he was wearing out his voice too much on the trial runs. Therefore, there are several sets during which he focuses more on stage movements than on singing. For instance, in the performance that kicks off the film, "Wanna Be Startin' Something," Jackson only chimes in intermittently. It was a little concerning at the outset, because -- not knowing what else would be shown over the remaining two hours -- I feared that half-baked performances would make up the balance of the film. Thankfully, that was not the case. As things progress, Jackson went against his own advice and ended up belting out nearly all of the remaining hits he's shown practicing, from "Human Nature" to "Smooth Criminal" to "Black or White."  I counted thirteen full songs, in addition to a Jackson Five montage that went a tad awry at one point -- but in a funny way. 

If you are or were ever a fan of Michael Jackson's music, you will undoubtedly enjoy This Is It immensely.  I grew up in the '80s and the "Thriller" album was the soundtrack of my formative years, so therefore I couldn't help but groove in my seat throughout the show. That being said, I went to the theater with a few friends who were not into the King of Pop, and they really liked the film as well. If what was shown of the spectacular rehearsals for "They Don't Care About Us," "Earth Song" and "Thriller" served as any indication, Michael was indeed going to put on one helluva show.  After seeing This Is It, fans of the pop icon will be able to rest assured that in the weeks leading up to his passing, Michael was having an absolutely fantastic time doing what he loved best. 

Comments

[Fiirvoen]

This is a good article, E. I got goosebumps reading it. Now, I really want to see this movie. Thank you.

[Tina Nettles]

This review definitely eased my fears of all the ways this movie could end up more upsetting than uplifting. I was hesitant to decide whether to see This Is It for a variety of reasons and this review has now convinced me to just get out there and see it (or rent it later from RedBox, at least)!

[justin]

WOW!!!!!!! this child melestor is so over rated it is not ever a funny factor any more. Aready a movie?????????????????????? WHO KILLED THE PERV?

[Dianne]

Justin, you should really learn how to spell before you write trash about someone...I'd be horrified if you were my son and couldn't type a couple of sentences without errors. Good thing the whole world isn't talking about you and your ignorance!

[Livia]

Might see it today with my friend and my family member. Let me read the reviews on this film before I go see it but I heard great reviews. Looks like a good movie.

[Livia]

I just saw this film This Is It at three o' clock on 10-31-09 and I absolutely enjoyed it. I danced in the theatre, whoa, whoa Thriller!! There were absolutely no errors in this film, Michael Jackson did great with all the other stars of the film.

There is a story I can tell ya guys about when I was in the theatre but I will just keep it a low-key secret story since the story is hilarious in itself and it's about this movie.

My three favorite movies of this year are:
1. Michael Jackson's This Is It
2. The Time Traveler's Wife
3. Julie & Julia

I will be getting the DVD of this film-right away when it's released and I will get the soundtrack for sure. Keep on dancing, it's the thriller.

Absolutely a great movie and one that I will cherish and tell people about for movie recommendations. Best musical\documentary ever. This is my first documentary I've seen but this is the best musical I've seen. A great movie.

REDBOX, GET THIS MOVIE AT THE REDBOX, PLEASE!!! :)
BEST MUSICAL\DOCUMENTARY AND I'M GETTING THIS MOVIE ON DVD RIGHT AWAY WHEN IT COMES AVAILABLE AND THE SOUNDTRACK. LOVE THIS MOVIE!!

[Alicia]

I agree totally with Erika, I was not as excited to see the film as my friends, but I am SO glad I went! It was SO nice to see MJ AS MJ and not in the "tabloid" persona. I also "grooved" in my seat and was blown away by his voice, dancing, and didn't realize the artistic contributions he made to his projects. HOW AMAZING!

It was just really sad that his life went the direction it did and that it ended up being somewhat of a "freak" show, which some opinions of him were made because of his looks...only the people directly involved really know what happened...who are we to judge?

I suggest this to anyone/everyone...go and see an artist in his element...you won't be disappointed!

[Livia]

Hey, I love this movie guys, well everyone has their opinion on films. I've been listening to the soundtrack for the past day or so, I saw this movie this weekend and it was great. Great movie that we will cherish.

[kb]

yeah justin your talking about a man the live the life of trying to make people happy and it's people like you that should looking twice at life and being glad your still here dumb ass

[Jim]

havent seen this but will see it if redbox gets it.
I agreee we will all be judged at some point so why are
creeps judging micheal... the guys dead.. let him rest in peace.

[Livia]

This movie is a thriller and it's great. I love this movie-okay, I will be waiting for the DVD\Blu-Ray release. Michael Jackson does good and he's a cherishing man that is the king of pop. The theatrical release was great when I saw the movie. Hope Redbox gets it soon, let Michael Jackson rest in peace and we will cherish his wonderful music!