a movie review

I finally got to see the Michael Jackson "This is It" movie.
The film, which is a documentary of the preparations and rehearsals for Michael Jackson's ill fated comeback tour provides a rare glimpse into the man's creative process and work ethic as he was about to launch an elaborate, ambitious undertaking of what would have been a truly amazing show. I say show because it looked to be more than just a concert but the ultimate culmination of Michael Jackson's career: showcasing his best work over the past 4 decades layered with modern twists and new elements never before seen or contrived.

But for me the best part was watching Michael; ever the performer and true professional embarking on this mammoth of a production as if it was just another day at the office.

There were some humorous exchanges between Michael, his dancers and the musicians laughing at his never-ending quest for perfectionism and for another take, "That's what rehearsals are for." he assures them justifying his command, "Let's do that one more time" gently reminding his cast, "It's all for love."

Watching the film you don't see a man addicted to drugs or on the brink of death. You don't see a disoriented, unhealthy fallen pop star in a scattered desperate attempt to resurrect his career.

Much to the contrary you see a creative genius at the top of his game and the pinnacle of his career. You see an unbelievable talent hyper-focused on his clear vision. Fully present and aware, poised to present the show of a lifetime that looked to be something between a Broadway production, a ride at Universal Studios, and a full blown pop opera.

Damn. What a shame "This Is It" never happened. That's what you keep thinking; you don't want the film to end because you know it will be the last new footage of Michael you'll ever see and you know he had so much more to give.

Was he little on the thin side? Yes, but that's probably to be expected from anyone enduring that kind of grueling schedule and rigorous dance routines. Truthfully some of the younger dancers looked a lot more exhausted and winded than Michael did at 50 years of age.

Was he holding back on his performance? Yes, because it was only rehearsal footage and he was conserving his voice and energy for the upcoming 50 shows: flailing hands in octave gestures up and down to indicate the notes he would hit in that sequence, you could really see that he felt the music on a deep emotional level and even performing at only about 25% of his capacity one could only sit there and imagine how amazing the show would have been just 8 days later.

His voice sounded crystal clear and in tune as he ran through his vast library of number one hits even at rehearsal level sounded exactly like they did on the records - completely untouched and in key. How many musicians can you say that about? Most times you hear a singer performing live they sound nothing like they do on their records - not MJ. His voice sounded impeccable, flawless making the film more sad and poignant.

You didn't see a man who was capable of hurting a child or of being devious in any way. On the contrary; you see an innocent, a pure heart, a gentle loving soul who inside was a like a big child himself. You see a man in total charge at the top of this massive pyramid but instead of being a bully control freak barking orders, you see a man being nothing but patient, kind and gracious to his cast, crew, dancers, and production team and in turn you see that they are completely in awe of him and moved by his magic.

There were two things that strike you through the entire length of the film.

One is that MJ was a true perfectionist, hands-on planning and executing every tiny detail and element to be able to deliver to the world the show of shows. You could completely see why he would be unable to sleep, being wired by the all consuming energy and pure adrenaline rush of it all.

To Michael, it seemed to be more than his own personal comeback. He was poised to launch a save the Earth campaign using his concert as the platform. He was going to prove to all of his critics and fans who ever doubted him and held him down and I believe he wanted to leave a lasting legacy for his own children who had never really seen him perform. He wanted to find a way to heal world and he believed this was it.

Second, if you are like me you spend most of the 2 hours wishing you were at the actual historical concert rather than watching it all post mortem. There was a strong sadness for what might have been and for the loss the world experienced, for losing such a talent the likes of which we will never see again. I am sure this was the film maker's intention and it succeeds.

One does wonder if Michael being the true perfectionist that he was would have wanted the documentary to be released in its raw state.

I have to believe MJ and the world would be grateful as it also succeeds in blowing away critics, naysayers, and some of the other unflattering video footage that went on with his approval, like that sleazy Martin Bashir interview where the film maker took utter and complete advantage of Michael's trust in a vulnerable state clipped edited out and portrayed him to the world as something he was not.

The film goes a long way in countering those visuals images you've been seeing splattered all over the TV Guide channel on repeat before the man was even cold in his grave. It dispels the rumors and media speculation that Michael was a washed up drug user who brought this all upon himself. It is clear that someone else, perhaps many people were negligent in his ultimate demise and I hope they use this footage as evidence.

Ultimately, "It" reveals Michaels true legacy: that of a creative genius, artist, barrier breaker, unparalleled singer, dancer, philanthropist, and humanitarian.

In short, go see it. The movie has it all.
This Is It.
And it's all for Love.

L-O-V-E.