This Is It is a 2009 American concert film documenting Michael Jackson's rehearsals of the concert series of the same name, both on stage and behind the scenes. The film will comprise of Jackson mentoring his team for the 50 shows, as well as him creating, developing, and ultimately staging the high-tech performances.
The footage was filmed at The Forum and the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Despite originally being set for an October 30, 2009 release date, the "This Is It" release date was went on sale a month early satisfy a high anticipated demand.
This Is It movie is a rare glimpse into the final days of Michael Jackson, the documentary is compiled from an estimated 80 hours of rehearsal and behind-the-scenes footage of the legendary entertainer preparing for his 50 sold-out shows at London's O2 Arena that were scheduled to commence in July 2009 before his untimely death in June at age 50. Interviews with collaborators and close friends of the late performer are also featured.
This Is It
Maxabout Review
A tribute to the power of Jackson's body and voice blurring the line between fantasy and reality.. .
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
"This Is It" reveals a singer and dancer stretching, clawing, and not always succeeding to attain new heights. It's a portrait of the artist as an older man, re-discovering his catalogue of songs and re-acclimating his body to movements last executed a decade earlier. He's at times lithe and ageless, at others more delicate and fragile, holding back for the big moment that will never come. No doubt the ugliest sequences have been left on the cutting room floor, but for that the filmmakers can be forgiven.
The film opens with moist-eyed background dancers telling us about how they got to be a part of the project. There are interviews later in the film with choreographers and members of the band, but they are very brief, forgettable, and show up at seemingly random moments.
Michael Jackson’s This Is It recalls those old joys by showing us Michael Jackson in the safest and most normal place he ever knew: On stage, in a spotlight, in front of an adoring crowd. It clears away the months of lawsuits and medical reports, the years of weirdness and scandal.
There are many things "This Is It" - director
Kenny Ortega's often mesmerizing portrait of Michael Jackson's final months as a performer - is not. It isn't a concert film. Nor is it a glossy documentary. It most likely isn't even a film the mega-talented and equally troubled star would have wanted his devoted fans to see.
We really receive the gift of Mr. Jackson’s final performances in the film and the audience is entranced from start to finish. There’s footage of every hit song with impeccable image and sound – it’s easy to forget that you are not, in fact, front row at one of his concerts.
What's most riveting about this up-close view of Michael Jackson, the performer (as opposed to the subject of endless 24-hour news network chatter) is the pure rawness which supplants the slickness and sequins to which we have become accustomed. Along the way we learn a valuable lesson as well. Life isn't always about the end result; sometimes it's all in the journey.
Regardless of the fact that Mr. Jackson is not always communicating with the camera, there’s a very immediate intimacy established with the audience. Perhaps because we’re not JUST seeing him in an interview or performing – but in the wings as well. The audience begins to understand Michael Jackson as a complete portrait of success, yes, but also as a human being with subtle quirks and idiosyncrasies.
A lot, of course, is missing (like the breakthrough solo hits on “Off the Wall” that pointed the way toward “Thriller”). Some songs are rushed, too (doing a half-hearted Jackson 5 medley – with back-up singers standing in for his brothers – he doesn’t bother with half the lyrics).
This Is It - is overflowed with his energy, passion, and dedication. If the rehearsals could be this good and engaging, one could only imagine what the concerts would've been. His voice sometimes showed his age, but his dance moves were not, at all. I don't feel the film is exploiting his death in any way. It's simply paying the tribute and gives fans something they deserve to see.
Even if you aren’t a die-hard fan, you will appreciate this pulsating portrayal of Michael Jackson’s epic presence and artistic mastermind. If you’re expecting a record of his life, or a tear-jerking series of sob-stories, don’t waste your time. This movie is seeping with vitality, excitement, and obviously, great music – much like Mr. Jackson himself. Expect nothing more and you’ve got a lovely night out!
It's fun to watch the King of Pop be the King of Pop.