This Is It

“This Is It” is a documentary of the anticipated Michael Jackson concert tour that was to begin days following his untimely death. It was made at the direction and request of Jackson for his personal use in order to document all that went into the preparation of the concert tour. Little did he know that it would be more of a eulogy and testament to his artistic skills and performances and be the only exhibition of his talent post his June 2009 passing. The four cutters who spliced together the footage that make up the documentary, and concert-film director Kenny Ortega, give us insights and views of Michael Jackson, the performer and, sometimes, the off stage person. We also learn about the tremendous logistics and activities that go into the staging of such a mega event. As an entertainment vehicle it is clearly too long (111 minutes) with much of it being repetitious and overdone. That being said, it is still an important piece of film for we see the “wannabees”, the doting director, the subservient musicians and dancers and the delicate and sensitive manner in which Jackson insists on perfection in all of the dance and music numbers. One watches the film knowing the tragic end that follows it and looks for signs of this stellar performer and his undoing. He is 50 years of age and dances and sings with the energy of a teenager as you get the feeling that he still considers himself the teenage lead singer of the Jackson 5. As someone noted, with all that adrenalin flowing throughout each rehearsal, it is no wonder that he needed help sleeping and relaxing. What I found most interesting and informative is the ability to see Jackson, not as the “strange” and “troubled” individual upon whom fame has brought so many problems but, instead, as a dedicated and sincere professional who never loses his humility or caring. He never reprimands or rudely corrects his supporting performers. Instead he politely and tactfully asks them to make the changes he desires. A wise trait for any administrator and certainly a good one for someone seeking the maximum effort from his supporting cast. This is a film I would recommend to anyone seeking to learn more about Michael Jackson and the entire concert genre. As for me, I ended up with a better understanding of him and of why so many in his inner circle cared so much about him. He truly was the “King of Pop” and his throne will remain vacant for some time to come.