Michael Jackson’s This Is It (Kenny Ortega, 2009): U.S.

Reviewed by Kathleen Amboy.  Viewed at the Camino Real Cinema.

This is it

From April – June 2009, auditions were held, dancers were chosen, and musical numbers were rehearsed for Michael Jackson’s final concert engagements at the o2 Arena in London.  At a press conference, Jackson proclaimed This Is It to the 50 sold out concerts scheduled to begin in July ’09, meant to be his final curtain call.

Four months after Jackson’s unexpected and sudden death, Columbia released this documented film coverage of behind the scenes preparations of a historic concert, that was never to be.

The film coverage was initially intended to be a part of Michael Jackson’s private collection.  Along with the auditions and rehearsals, are interviews with various members of the cast and crew, but it doesn’t stop there.

As a member of the audience, you take a ride on a roller coaster of experiences, as you witness first hand and up close the enormity of Michael Jackson’s talent and his committment to the fans.  Jackson believed in only the best – hiring the best talent available, and giving 100% of his talent to his fans.

With the green screen, several short videos were created to display on-screen while simultaneously being performed live such as Thriller and Smooth Criminal.  The latter vignette is an exceptional piece, shot in black & white, with cuts from Gilda with Rita Hayworth, edited in.

This is Kenny Ortega’s moment to shine, as he is in nearly every shot, working side by side with MJ and directing the cast and crew – from 100 hours of footage, that he was able to compile a tasteful and loving tribute in such a short amount of time, is something short of a miracle.

The film closes with the voice of MJ and his thoughts on the environment, a brief montage of destructive forces, and a video with his performance of the Earth Song.

One disappointing aspect of the film is the fact that we never see Jackson perform (or rehearse) the newly released This Is It track, rather it is played while the credits roll.  Yet, most impressive was the fact that Michael Jackson was completely lucid and involved in every aspect of this preparation for his upcoming concert.  He appeared to be kind, considerate and genuine to the entire cast and crew.

This film does not document the man’s life, rather a moment before his death.  Michael Jackson was an artistic genius and a performer for forty years, this film attempts to encapsulate that truth.

WARNING:  If you are merely a passerby, such as I was, with a nagging curiosity to see what all the hullabaloo was about, there is a strong possibility you may leave the theater a solid FAN!

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Published:
11.17.09 / 10pm
Category:
Documentary, Films