In a way, Kenny Ortega's "Michael Jackson's This is It" is more interesting for what it ISN'T than for what it is. What it ISN'T is a documentary account of the life, career and death of Mr. Jackson, inevitably colored by the personal viewpoints and biases of its maker. In fact, but for the cruel hand of Fate, "This is It" shouldn't even exist as a movie at all. The behind-the-scenes footage of Jackson and his crew mounting their elaborate, effects-laden worldwide tour scheduled for summer 2009 - his first in over ten years - was initially intended only for Jackson's own personal library. Instead, that footage has become a moving elegy for the self-proclaimed King of Pop, who died tragically on June 25, 2009, at the unripe young age of 50. Wisely, there are no post-mortem interviews or commentary included in the film. The performers all speak of him in the present tense, excited at the prospect of being a part of what is clearly an experience of a lifetime for any musician, dancer or singer fortunate enough to be a part of the show. That their dreams never really came to fruition is what gives the film a depth and poignancy that goes beyond simply the loss of Jackson. Indeed, watching this film is a bit like experiencing how the gods must feel, looking down upon us mere mortals as we go about our daily lives secure in the naïve belief that we will live forever, blithely unaware of what the future actually has in store for us.
As to Jackson himself, he emerges as energetic and deeply engaged in the creative process, no more petulant or demanding than your average multi-talented, legendary superstar - one who actually had talent, by the way, celebrated for his songwriting and choreography as well as for his singing and dancing. And, of course, the music itself is irresistible and timeless.
It's a bittersweet experience watching this film, not only because of what happened to Michael but because of all the time and energy displayed by these hardworking individuals that would eventually come to naught. The small compensation is the existence of this film that captures not just for us but for generations yet unborn the creative and performing genius of Michael that will endure through time.
Who knows, but someday someone will make a warts-and-all biography of Michael Jackson that will attempt to knock the king off his throne. But "This is It" ain't that movie.
As to Jackson himself, he emerges as energetic and deeply engaged in the creative process, no more petulant or demanding than your average multi-talented, legendary superstar - one who actually had talent, by the way, celebrated for his songwriting and choreography as well as for his singing and dancing. And, of course, the music itself is irresistible and timeless.
It's a bittersweet experience watching this film, not only because of what happened to Michael but because of all the time and energy displayed by these hardworking individuals that would eventually come to naught. The small compensation is the existence of this film that captures not just for us but for generations yet unborn the creative and performing genius of Michael that will endure through time.
Who knows, but someday someone will make a warts-and-all biography of Michael Jackson that will attempt to knock the king off his throne. But "This is It" ain't that movie.