Even though his movements and singing were limited to conserve his energy and voice for the sold-out concerts, Michael Jackson was clearly in his element during the rehearsals. His music and signature dance moves were back and he easily eclipsed his equally talented back-up team of hip-hop dancers, who seemed to be panting more heavily than the 50-year old MJ after their routines although many were probably just half his age.
It’s almost a stretch to call This is it a documentary – it didn’t seem like the footage was even meant for a “The Making of ..." type of film. More than anything else, it’s a tightly woven package of video clips that traced the steps leading to what could have been the comeback concert of the controversy-saddled King of Pop.
From one song to the next, the viewers are transported into a journey of what-might-have-beens, and it was not surprising to learn that many audiences who watched the film were clapping at the end of every song. Each segment showed fantastic glimpses of stage sets, musical arrangements, and gravity-defying choreography that would have delighted concert viewers anywhere. And yes, you guessed right, the Asian-looking costume designer Zaldy Goco, who was interviewed in the film, is a Filipino.
Even though he’s the star of the show, MJ allowed his back-up crew to shine in many instances, notably the Greek-Australian lead guitarist Orianthi Panagaris in Black or White and vocalist Judith Hill in I just can’t stop loving you.
His philosophy was also very much in evidence in his choice of songs – the Man in the Mirror drawing inspiration from Gandhi’s famous quote “be the change you want to see in the world," and the little known Earth Song whose lovely lyrics are weighed down by a tune that’s sadly not catchy enough. There’s a surprise end note with “Earth Girl" Jasmine Alveran if you stay on to watch all the credits roll until the lights go on in the cinema.
The trendsetting MTV Thriller is given a new lease on its ghoulish life; expect a new music video on your screens soon courtesy of Sony, which will probably not want to waste all those gorgeous costumes and make-up. In fact, it would not be surprising if This is it spawns a dozen music videos of MJ’s recycled hits, judging from the audience response to the film.
Sony will surely have no problems recouping its $60-million investment in the rehearsal footage. In its first five days of showing alone, This is it earned more than $100 million worldwide, and more profits are to be had from DVD and record sales. It is unfortunate that Michael Jackson had no such luck, having had to grapple with financial woes throughout his lifetime and beyond. Unfettered by business concerns, and a self-image that stemmed from a troubled childhood, who knows what greater heights Michael Jackson could have achieved with his artistry?
And what an artist he was. Like all genuine masters of the craft, Michael Jackson had the discipline and perfectionist bent to match his awesome talent. At the same time, he relished the fun, sucking on a lollipop while checking the footage for one segment and squealing with glee as he rode the cherry-picker for another song.
Michael Jackson’s creative process was a revelation to watch. Most fans are awed by his dance moves, but the film shows that, more than anything else, it was all about the music and his audience for MJ. He had a feel for musical nuances and timing that, at times, he was moving to a beat that only he could hear, leaving his concert crew awestruck as they watched him onstage, roaring in applause when he came out of the moment.
This film is destined to be a DVD fixture in many a music lover’s shelf, the better to dance with Michael Jackson whenever the mood for some moon-walking strikes you. It would be no surprise if the next must-have item in many a fashionista’s wardrobe is a pair of red-orange jeans as well, or if you leave the cinema wanting to click your right hand and go strutting across the mall in that inimitable MJ fashion.
Director Kenny Ortega wisely omitted any references to MJ’s passing, no funeral footage or anything of the sort, thereby heightening the sense of loss that the viewer feels when the final frame proclaims the star of the show simply as Michael Jackson King of Pop.
As intended, the film chronicles the journey to MJ’s comeback concert, but in many ways, it also captures the soundtrack of his life – his philosophy, his dreams, his hopes for the world as we know it today. The immortal Michael Jackson will continue to inspire many generations to come, spreading his message of L-O-V-E.
