The late Michael Jackson, a.k.a. The King of Pop, has many other titles and responsibilities in the new music documentary Michael Jackson’s This Is It, directed by Kenny Ortega. This film, created from over 100 hours of footage from April to June 2009, showcases the high energy music rehearsals for a planned 50-set summer concert tour in London's O2 Arena. Footage includes Jackson on-site at the rehearsals and the initial concert press conference while expanding beyond the rehearsal site wall for dancer auditions.
This movie uses several camera-shot styles and candid scenes for a nice point-of-view experience of Jackson, his main collaborator Ortega, dancers, musicians and crew members. “This Is It” serves as an ongoing theme while filmmakers stress a celebratory tone as the story narrative follows the planned song set in order. Highlights include an extended close-up duet sequence with his back-up singer Judith Hill as they sing “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You,” which originally featured Siedah Garrett.
The familiar pop music set includes songs like “Jam,” “Wanna to Be Startin’ Somethin',” “Smooth Criminal,” “Beat It,” and just in time for Halloween, “Thriller,” which includes a new accompanying film sequence. The movie seems to follow a chronological set with “Man in the Mirror” as a potential encore song. Filmmakers incorporate some computer animations as producers discuss final set elements so audiences can get a clear idea of the planned concert.
Jackson creates showcases for his musicians and dancers as each song unpacks a special media presentation incorporating stage, special effects and sound. “The Way You Make Me Feel” has a great theatrical feel as dances seamlessly transfer from a cityscape scaffold down to the stage. “Earth Song” incorporates a short film and giant stage prop at the end while “Billie Jean” showcases Jackson's amazing dancing. “They Don’t Care About Us” has an impactful military-style dance sequence where visual-effects experts multiply the precision moves of a few dancers on the big screen The nostalgic surprise in the middle really puts Jackson’s collective work in full circle.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - Anita Kaur
Brilliant..This Movie Proves How Michael Jackson Was Fit And Healthy And Not Sickly In The Way The Tabloids Suggested...This Movie Shows Us How Fantastic The Concert Would Have Been And What We Missed Out On :D
2 - Christine
Thanks for the preview. Been hearing a lot about this on the news. Looking forward to seeing it!
3 - Ted M.
Great review. Really enjoyed the movie. It was very unique and different from current fare out there.
4 - Alex N
Nice review. I'm sure it will be in theater for more than two weeks like originally planned. Can't wait for the likely extras on home video.