Like so many others around the world, I have always been a fan of Michael Jackson. Despite the controversy surrounding him for more than a decade prior to his untimely death, I have always enjoyed his music, and will continue to do so for many years to come. I suppose you would say that my adoration of the "King of Pop" led to my curiosity regarding This is It. I am not one who particularly enjoys watching music documentaries, if you could actually label this film as such - there's hardly any "documentary" worth noting within it. Rather, it is an intimate portrait of an entertainer preparing his final (and possibly his greatest) show.
Essentially, the film consists of behind-the-scenes footage recorded during rehearsals for Michael's sold-out final tour. The viewer witnesses each number in the performance during rehearsals, allowing for a rough glimpse at what this final show might have been like. However, being that it is a rehearsal, there are moments in which the music stops due to some minor problem or another and we see Michael interacting with the men and women he is working with. While some might find this tedious or annoying, it actually gives the viewer a glimpse of Michael's gentle nature; that he is truly a compassionate individual devoted to his art, those working with him, and his fans.
Worth noting, too, is the music. Almost every song is redone is some imaginative way, adding a unique flare to it visually, audibly, or both. Several moments stick out in my mind, including the incredible video that all of the back-up dancers helped create for Thriller, which involved all of them being subjected to severe latex, make-up, and intricate costumes (of the Halloween-variety). Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal, Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', The Way You Make Me Feel, and They Don't Care About Us stand out as being awe-inspiring to some degree; to simply see Michael pouring everything he had into his music is truly a spectacle worth witnessing. Especially during I Can't Stop Loving You, the passion he dedicates to the song is almost enough to bring one to tears (which actually did happen to me late in the film, during a speech Michael gives to his crew before the final number is shown - which is Man in the Mirror). Beat It is another song worth paying extra attention to, as one of the guitarists who was set to perform alongside Michael, Orianthi, delivers an astounding solo that sent my jaw to the floor. Upon doing a little research, I discovered that she actually has a solo album, which is quite impressive in its own right.
If you are a fan of Michael, do yourself a favor and see this film while it is still in theaters. The DVD will be out in time for Christmas, but I do not believe the experience will be quite the same, as the theatrical setting allows the viewer to truly see the incredible amount of work that everyone involved poured into this performance. Far more than a mere cash-in on the legendary performer's death, this film shows Michael at his best. While the world will forever be without that final curtain call, This is It is more than an admirable effort at demonstrating the magic Michael had in store for all of his fans.
Alas, I do not believe I have truly done this film enough justice with my brief review. Therefore, I suggest you take the time to check out Roger Ebert's review HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment