This Is It (2009)
Written by Sheila Roberts Friday, 30 October 2009 21:24
Theatrical
There are few things in life that make your heart soar and change your perspective on the world as much as Michael Jackson did. I first met Michael in October 1978 while I was working as a photographer for the Los Angeles Film Exposition and was assigned to cover the gala West Coast premiere of The Wiz. Michael attended the premiere and opening night party of the movie at the Plitt’s Century Plaza Theater in Century City (Los Angeles) with the Jackson family and Diana Ross among others. He was a sweet, gentle spirit -- friendly, soft-spoken, and a consummate professional. Even then, Michael had an undeniable power and presence that only grew as he matured as a solo artist.
Seeing him first moonwalk, hearing him sing and watching him perform was an exhilarating, life altering experience. It was as if in every performance he gave us a little piece of his soul. Like his many fans, when I heard he had died tragically just days before he would have begun a series of comeback concerts in London, I felt a profound loss that I still can’t shake.
Michael Jackson was a fierce and amazing performer and This Is It reminds us of what made the King of Pop so magical and extraordinary. It offers Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena.
Directed by longtime collaborator and creative partner Kenny Ortega, who previously staged and designed Michael’s Dangerous and History Tours, the film chronicles the months from March through June 2009, drawing from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Michael rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. This Is It never got to be fully realized as a stage concert production, but, like a backstage pass, it affords the audience a rare and private glimpse into the last great creative process of a true genius -- a privileged look at Michael as he has never been seen before. The actual show, which Michael created and approved, involved massive stage productions and nearly two dozen set changes. In raw and candid detail, This Is It captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist at work as he perfects his final show.
Michael comes across as a likeable person who is excited, inspired and nourished by the project. There’s no doubt he’s completely in charge and doing what he loves best. He projects a joyful exuberance at seeing the show and his vision come to life that’s accompanied by the razor sharp focus of a meticulous perfectionist who wants to make sure every detail is right. But he’s not a perfectionist in the dictatorial sense. Rather, he‘s a gracious and generous collaborator who has a polite way of gently insisting on exactly what he wants from his fellow artists and he isn’t afraid to tell them. He’s also open to other people’s ideas if it makes it better. Michael’s collaborative spirit and talent as a musical dramatist are revealed in an amusing exchange between Michael and his musical director, Michael Bearden, when they verbally joust over the arrangement for Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’.
When Michael dances with a troupe of world class dancers half his age, he’s alive and in the moment radiating pure energy as he continually fine tunes the choreography and musical arrangements and sets a demanding pace. This is not an artist who is past his prime. He is doing everything with the integrity he is known for. It’s fascinating to watch the palpable exchange of energy and enthusiasm as his creative vitality rubs off on everyone – musicians and dancers alike. And, he can still belt out the tunes with a perfect pitch. There’s no lip sync here, no miming to a pre-recorded track, just his real voice. Sometimes it’s soft as he deliberately conserves his voice, but other times it’s raw, rich and vibrant like when he amps it up for Human Nature.
This Is It opens in spectacular fashion with all the lights down followed by a pyrotechnic display that sizzles, cracks and pops. Next we see a video that provides glimpses and flashes of historic moments on the cultural landscape of Jackson’s lifetime that include images of Nelson Mandela, Princess Di and a Thriller-era Michael in his iconic red jacket. Then, Light Man, a CG-inspired doppelganger comes out on the gantry floating above the stage as a dazzling array of video information is displayed across its exterior. Piece by piece MJ is revealed until he emerges from Light Man and we see a dynamic Michael Jackson literally come alive on stage from his fingertips to his toes, electrifying the audience with his vibrant physicality.
Ortega has done a masterful job directing the movie and preserving this slice of Michael’s legacy for his fans. He resists gimmicky filmmaking techniques or the temptation to go for cheap sentimentality. The film never announces the King of Pop’s passing and it never deals with any of the darker aspects of his life. Dance numbers are shot in intimate close-up and different rehearsals of the same song are intercut using a split screen so that you can see the evolution of the creative process and appreciate the top notch musicianship and intricate dance work. He lets us see the mistakes,the missed cues, the re-dos, and the collaborative exchanges between Michael and the dancers and musicians as they work out the flaws and imperfections. He is also a consummate diplomat when it comes to handling the talent. There’s a delightful moment when Ortega asks Michael how he will see a cue onstage that’s outside his line of vision. Michael pauses for a moment to consider before responding, “I’ll feel that.”
Michael Jackson was without a doubt one of the greatest entertainers of our time and the last of the great song and dance men. There was something so special about him that compelled you to listen and let him hold court. I doubt we will see anyone quite like him ever again. He had a tremendous influence on popular culture. He was a huge inspiration to so many of today’s artists. He was also a generous humanitarian who was passionate about making the world a better place. He touched everybody and will forever live in our hearts.
This Is It is a terrific film. It’s a moving and intimate portrait of a controversial and fascinating figure as well as an engaging, high energy celebration of an absolutely dazzling artist. Don’t miss it while you can see Michael’s magic in theaters on a big screen.
5 stars
Sheila Roberts
Read Interview with This Is It Director Kenny Ortega
Read Interview with This Is It Choreographer and Producer Travis Payne
Read Interview with This Is It Musical Director Michael Bearden
ROLL CREDITS...
Stars Michael Jackson
Director Kenny Ortega
Certificate PG
Distributor Columbia Pictures
Running Time 1hr 51mins
Opens Out Now
