Documentary Featuring Michael Jackson

Columbia Pictures and AEG Live

Perhaps it comes as no great surprise that “Michael Jackson’s This Is It!” is a bittersweet filmgoing experience.  With millions still reeling from his tragic and sudden death in June 2009, “…This Is It!” arrives with much fanfare, heightened anticipation, and a quiet unease with some who feel that the film may simply exist to exploit Jackson’s death and make an indiscriminate amount of money.  I can thankfully say that the film, directed by Jackson’s tour co-creator Kenny Ortega, is far from exploitative and brings about a certain necessary closure for Jackson’s career, legacy, and story.

Jackson’s initial plan was to stage 50 shows at London’s O2 Arena, beginning in July 2009 and concluding in March 2010.  The series of shows were entitled “This Is It!” and was described by Jackson in a press conference as his final curtain call.  He would perform many of his most beloved hits and retire seemingly on top of the world.  As everyone knows, Jackson died of cardiac arrest 18 days before the first show and with the Jackson family’s blessing, the decision was made to edit the shot rehearsal footage into a documentary to give fans a look into what ultimately never came to be a reality.

In the early stages of the film, I could not help but wonder why Michael Jackson had not given his fans a peak into his creative process before.  Seeing his legacy stifled by nearly two decades worth of scandal and ridicule, albeit with some merit – if we are to be honest, the Michael Jackson we see here is a different, yet equally as fascinating a study.  Childlike in his exuberance and yet completely commanding with his mere presence, Jackson has everyone at his beck and call.  Yet, for someone who spent virtually his entire life in the spotlight, it is mesmerizing to see Jackson never throw a fit, never disparage anyone on his crew, and guide his music directors, stage directors, and even Ortega himself with a gentle hand.  Again, I can only think that seeing this Michael Jackson through the years could have only done wonders in restoring credibility to his often damaged public persona.

The film has some terrific moments.  In perhaps its best sequence, we see Jackson work with various crew members on a complete reinvention of his #1 hit, “The Way You Make Me Feel.”  As with all of his musical numbers, Jackson rearranged and remixed his hits in various ways, and Ortega pieces together the footage to show Jackson’s vision from beginning to end.  Later, Jackson crafts a moment on the fly during rehearsals for “Black Or White”, in which he tells female guitarist, Orianthi Panagaris, to take the moment and play the biggest and loudest solo she can.  Perhaps sensing some hesitancy, he encourages her and tells her not to worry, “…we’ll all be there with you…”  A striking moment that might single-handedly define why virtually everyone that worked with Jackson, or knew him on a personal level, described him as one of the kindest souls they had ever known.

To many, the reports of Michael Jackson at the time of his death and the Michael Jackson you see in the film are extreme in their contradictions.  While the voice may not carry the richness it once had, most notably in the Jackson 5 medley sequence, and his dance moves are not as crisp and sharp as they once were, at the age of 50 he is ever the showman.  He performs each rehearsal with a ferocity and intensity that draw cheers and ovations from the crew watching on the floor.  If he’s sick, he doesn’t look sick.  If he is so weak that he could barely sing and dance, how is he rehearsing 14-16 hours every day?  If anything, “…This Is It” only adds to the mystery of Jackson’s death, especially in contrasting the footage of these last few weeks of his life to the reports in the media as to his frail and reportedly deteriorating state.

Focusing mainly on performance rehearsal footage, there are those who will want more from the film.  In hindsight, perhaps I did as well.  However, as presented, “Michael Jackson’s This Is It!” is a powerful snapshot of Jackson’s final vision and serves as that final curtain call he tragically never received on his own terms.

Should I See It?

Stating the obvious, if you were at all a fan of Michael Jackson at any time in your life, you should see the film.

The film offers insight into the creative process in as revealing a way as I have ever seen in a film.  In that regard, it is a fascinating watch.

If you are fascinated by individuals who constantly seek to reinvent themselves and their art.

NO

If you struggle or dislike Jackson due to his past scandals and odd public persona, this film is not going to be of much interest to you.

With its content comprised of virtually all rehearsal footage, if you are seeking out a traditional documentary on Michael Jackson, this will not satisfy you.

If you fall on the side of this movie having less than honest intentions and simply exists to cash in further on Michael Jackson’s legacy.