Worldwide Jackson fans were treated with a rare, behind-the-scenes view of Michael’s Jackson’s efforts to bring his last masterpiece to life with “This Is It”. Creative partner and director of the stage show Kenny Ortega takes charge in providing audience with a last glimpse of Jackson’s vision. The production team headed by Randy Phillips and Paul Gongaware along with executive producers John Branca and John McClain creates an immensely packed compilation of splices and vignettes of Jackson’s rehearsals for his sold-out concerts in London’s O2 Arena. Weeks after his death, Sony Pictures has bid $60 million for film rights which hit theatres shortly, four months after he passed away.
The music documentary, as I prefer to call it, takes audience along with Jackson as he journeys from March to June 2009 in intense preparation for his upcoming concert. Drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, the film features song and dance rehearsals for numbers in the show. Emanating a feeling of beginning until its near-finish progress, it began with auditions for backup dancers and progressed to finishing touches for the numbers. Included also are brief interviews with dancers, choreographers, band members and pyrotechnic experts, who attest to the legend the musician has become.
It walks fans and viewers alike to what could have been the greatest pop spectacle to hit 2009. A 3-D film interpretation of “Thriller” features gigantic walls of fire and hydraulic contraptions. Also featured was a specially designed flashing suit for his “Billie Jean” number.
What I like most about the film is how they portray Jackson like he was never seen before. He is captured both in raw and candid detail as well as his great pride for his artistic prowess. At the age of 50, he still oozes with charisma and despite the footage simply being rehearsals; Jackson brought life and spirit to his songs and dance productions. Fans would deeply appreciate the immense effort he had dedicated to making his dream a reality. It’s nice that footage of how he was supposed to sing some of his hit songs were provided.
The film clearly reached out to the audience as it gave people the desire to join their idol while he was dancing to his famous tunes. Even those who weren’t believers were left hoping they had seen him perform live. While the fans most especially, were brought into tears as they felt the emotions overflowing.
It’s fascinating to once more see the musical genius however it easily distracts too. Viewers, even at the end of the film were left wondering what had happened before that dreaded night. “This Is It” also gives off a ghoulish appeal with the thought of witnessing the pop icon in his final days.
Jackson may have passed away but “This Is It” permanently imprints perfectly his legacy in time, never to be forgotten, but always remembered for who he uniquely is.
