“This Is It” Movie Review
In the days and weeks following the death of pop music legend Michael Jackson on June 25, 2009, media reports painted pictures of someone who was depressed, severely sleep deprived and in poor physical condition. Some believe that Jackson was not well enough to perform the 50 sold-out concerts that were scheduled to take place at the London 02 arena. However, this is not the Michael Jackson that you will see in the documentary “This Is It.” Although he is noticeably thin, Jackson gives every indication that he was both physically capable of and excited to be performing once again. Had history taken a different turn, the concerts would have been Jackson’s final farewell performance.
The documentary was directed by Kenny Ortega and its cast includes Jackson, Ortega and the tour’s dancers, musicians and background singers. The film consists of 111 minutes of footage pieced together from over 100 hours of taped rehearsals that were shot at the Los Angeles Staples Center between April and June of 2009. The film’s intent is to give Jackson fans a taste of what the tour would have been like. The footage primarily shows Jackson rehearsing his song and dance moves dotted with moments of dialogue and interviews with the dancers and musicians.
Despite the circumstances surrounding its creation, the tone of “This Is It” is celebratory rather than somber. You can’t help but to sing along with passionate ballads like “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” and “Human Nature,” and tap your feet to the playful energy of tunes like “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Something.” There are also scenes showing bits and pieces of partially completed special video segments that were to accompany the on-stage performances. From the looks of it—with fireworks, aerialists and elaborate choreography—the show would have been more like a major Broadway theater production than a mere concert. The chart-topping track “Thriller” came complete with a graveyard scene and dancers in full makeup and costume.
Beneath the spectacular sets and tearful testimonials however, the most compelling element of the film is Jackson himself. Here, fans get a rare opportunity to watch the master at work. Jackson’s perfectionism is apparent as he repeatedly yet patiently tries to get crew members to play a tune or do a dance move the way that he has obviously envisioned it in his mind. Jackson sings with his familiar smooth and steady voice that seems untouched by time. He moves almost fluidly and without effort as he executes each carefully calculated dance move. The film also reveals a humorous side of Jackson’s personality as he jokes around with the crew while chewing gum or eating a lollipop.
Watching the film, it is easy to become captivated by Jackson and to expect—as history has taught—to be blown away by an electrifying performance. Tempting as this may be however, in order to fully appreciate the film, one must periodically remind oneself that it is the depiction of a work in progress. The film was not meant to show Jackson as we are used to seeing him perform—at his best. It is enough however, to give you a sense of what would have, should have and could have been. As the film concludes, you are left with a lingering sense of loss as you contemplate the notion that “This Is It” really is it.
Even so, the film reminds us why Michael Jackson was crowned the “King of Pop.” Long-time fans will undoubtedly think back and remember the time when they first fell in love with the music of Michael Jackson.
