Oct 28, 2009 08:19 PM
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(Updated Oct 28, 2009 08:37 PM)
This Is It brilliantly showcases Michael Jackson like never before. It's a 1 hour 58 minutes of moon walking in magnificence. It's an unintentional tribute to the irrepressible energy of a maestro who passed away at his prime. After watching him relentlessly dance-n-sing one sighs in disbelief, how can a man who is so much in control of his Art pass away a few days after all this was shot.
You can't call it a documentary. It's more of a diary-of-days when MJ practised with his crew for the humungous concerts that were never meant to be. The best part is that there's no voice over piecing everything together. Brilliantly directed by Kenny Ortega, the film doesn't follow a structure. It shows MJ loving his Art, instructing and encouraging the musicians to dole out something incredible. He danced even while composing the music and the naughty streak now-n-then aided the magnificent performer in him to shell out something Different each time.
There was a huge team that was attempting to put everything together for Jackson's comeback tour. He was preparing to showcase songs from his entire career. Be it the Jackson 5, Beat It, Billy Jean, Black Or White, I just Can't Stop Loving You, Man In The Mirror, to see him practise all these classics on the big screen is truly an unbelievable experience. We've so far seen him dancing in his music videos or live shows where he is assisted by tonnes of equipment and gadgets. But to watch him glide on an un-greased floor with a camera catching all the naked happenings is surreal to say the least. The show director rightly said while auditioning the back-up dancers,"Dancers in a Michael Jackson show are extensions of Michael".
If the concerts would have really happened, a big star would have emerged from it. The lead guitarist was a stunning blonde girl Orienati Panagris who is a magician while playing the electric guitar. Even vocalist Judith Hill was a revelation on Man In The Mirror. The entire crew was awestruck in admiration when MJ indulged in the controversial crotch-holding step. He loved to let his body do the talking and it was a gripping sight to watch.
One of the reasons given for Jackson's death was stress and fatigue. But while watching This Is It one never feels that MJ was tired or draining himself. Yes, there are crazy moments that do reflect on his Whacko-Jacko image. When he is chewing on a lollypop like a kid or when he throws a tantrum stating that the music is so loud that he is feeling as if someone is shoving fists inside the ears, one does feel a bit odd. But those are only a few moments. He emerges as a team player who was widely loved by his entire team and was clearly inspirational with his mammoth reserves of energy.
The brief commentary given by him on the Earth Song video brings a lump in the throat. For his voice carries innate sincerity and when he says "I love this Planet" you feel One with his genuine concern for environment. There's a new 3D video of the eponymous classic number Thriller. A few shots of the making of Smooth Criminal are incredible and reminds you of the revolution that MJ videos brought in the music world. This Is It, the song takes time in growing on you but watching the creator pracitise his evergreen classics evokes goose pimples. Effortlessly.
The camera work is very basic. And somehow that's the beauty of it as everything seems so real. There's no pretense. Editing is very basic as well. No pretentiousness. And as I've said earlier there's no structure, no counting of days or any mention of place etc. It just flows and ends without any hype or details of his death. As if the Legend will be back soon on stage to practise another move or sing a song in a different manner. The film thoughtfully ends with Michael Jackson...King Of Pop...Love Lives Forever.
This Is It is a must watch account of a Performer who lived to love music. Don't Miss It!
