His gentleness, creative talent that is par excellence, zeal for perfection in the way he orchestrated his rehearsals and desire to please his fans, not forgetting his marvelous professionalism in which he handled the people involved in the rehearsals must never be forgotten. Tragically, his sold-out concerts never came to pass because of his untimely death.
Michael Jackson's THIS IS IT is the documentary that chronicles the intense rehearsals of his 50 London-based concerts that failed to take place due to the his drug-induced death in June. It gives Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer to enjoy how he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London's O2 Arena.
The film is produced with the full support of the Estate of Michael Jackson and is made from efforts to put together more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show from April through June, 2009.
In raw and candid detail, THIS IS IT captures the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius and great artist at work as he creates and perfects his final show with Kenny Ortega, Michael Jackson's creative partner and the director of the stage show which is produced by Randy Phillips, Kenny Ortega and Paul Gongaware.
The film opens with a footage of the backup dancers bursting into tears as they describe their hopes for working with Michael Jackson, but eventually it becomes clear that it was a mentorship as much as a work environment on that stage. His instructions to the dancers and musicians, while soft-spoken and polite, are regarded as though they are instructions from heaven above! The adulation from the crew is utterly inspiring!
The film is special to me because I learnt how MJ pays so much attention to minute details showing sensitivity to music, his art, the feelings of his supporting team and a deep love for the environment as well. The exchanges in the movie between various quarters revealed a lot not only about MJ but also the kind of people he was working with - all of whom had the highest respect for this music icon that none can ever hope to emulate.
During one of the interviews where the principal dancers are being selected, the guy in charge reminded them that they were to be 'the extensions of Michael Jackson" and truly, they met expectations even when the real spectacle is MJ front and center. The rough camera angles and bare stage are fascinating even though MJ looked very gaunt and thin in this movie. The elegance, fluidity in motion and superb dancing skills displayed by MJ are echoed beautifully by the back-up dancers, usually in glorious high-def. I enjoyed the subtle shoulder movements in "Human Nature" and my feet were tapping to "Billie Jean" not forgetting his beautiful vocals and expressiveness in the slow numbers. However, I must admit that his voice was not as good as when he was younger.
I really love the way MJ spoke so gently even though he's in control of pretty much everything,at times having minor tiffs with director Kenny Ortega about timing and asking the band to hold off on their next cue, to give time to "let him sizzle." The dancers and back-up vocals are simply astounding!!!
Click on THIS LINK to enjoy this clip of the theme song and the magnificent guitar work of 24 year old Orianthi Paranganis whom many regard as the other star of THIS IS IT. This Greek-Australian virtuoso guitarist has blonde hair blowing in the fans and fingers blazing on the frets of the guitar burning up the stage next to the entertainment legend.
There are a few unfamiliar numbers such as "Earth Song," and the fantastic military exercise known as "The Drill" and the old I Want You Back". MJ gave a soulful rendition of "I'll Be There," that seemed so perfect and heartfelt. Another sequence that I love is the new film footage shot to introduce "Thriller". At certain parts, it feels overly slick until the dancers arrive onstage in zombie regalia to join Michael in the iconic dance - most powerful indeed. His synchronized and well-timed movements are superb and I really marvel at the energy that he displayed.
Most significantly, Jackson's death is wisely never mentioned in the film at all and it is as though the producer wanted the audience to remember him like this. With Ortega becoming his own character in the film, and a final scene of the entire crew in the prayer circle almost as if they are worshipping MJ as a demi-God, this is first-class artistic collaboration that is simply unbelievable!!!
The usual hits such as Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean, Beat It, Black or White, Thriller and so on reminded me of those days when I used to go for jazz dance classes and how difficult it was for me to follow the dance sequences that the instructor tried to teach me. As such, I can appreciate the amount of effort that these dancers put in for their performances. These dancers simply oozed with sensuality, style and showmanship. It reminded me of those days at night-spots such as Borsalino, Cinta, Hippodrome, Carmen Inn etc - days gone by in my youth when grooving to the beat was so easy. Then, clubbing mainly centered on dances unlike today. Alas, at my age, albeit younger than MJ, I don't think I can ever moonwalk no matter how hard I try!!!
The following is one of my favorite songs clips from the movie:
When you are watching the movie, please stay remain seated until after the credits of the movie as there are some surprises at the end. For MJ fans, I have to admit that THIS IS IT represents an unforgettable and honest account of a life that was cut far too short, a life that has made the difference to the lives of many others. This isn't Michael Jackson at his best but rather Michael Jackson showing the world he is the best and what is the best! You must watch it! Believe me - you won't regret it.
Chahya MJ is truly one in a million.