FILMS
A one-sided ‘It’
Reviewed by Rebecca Bostic | Nov. 3, 2009 | The Catholic Sun
Michael Jackson’s death dramatically brought his mortality into the public consciousness.
The “King of Pop” was about to embark on what he was calling his “curtain call.” The “This is It” concert engagement was set to begin in London two months prior to his death.
Jackson was eerily correct about his curtain call. But rather than an epic concert, his finale is culled together from rehearsal tapes.
“This is It” (Columbia) provides a glimpse into the final weeks of Jackson’s life. The film shows the sides of Michael Jackson people like to remember — the extremely talented, innovative and dedicated musician and performer. He’s in his element preparing for what would have been the final performance.
It’s a one-sided film. There’s a brief montage of some of Jackson’s performances as a child and adolescent in the Jackson 5. But, other than the final concert prep, there’s nothing about Jackson’s life offstage. It’s not surprising. It was directed and edited by the concert’s director and Jackson’s personal friend Kenny Ortega.
It begins with a series of back-up dancers talking about the way their interaction with Jackson has changed their life. The dancers almost speak of Jackson as a personal savior of sorts — which is, to say the least, unsettling.
Jackson performs his hit songs in rehearsal. The songs are interspersed with video content meant for the concert and snap shots of Jackson interacting with dancers and musicians.
What would have been the end of the concert is less stunning because it was still being developed. That said, those who had tickets for the “This is It” concert will be heartbroken to realize what they missed out on.
After his death, many called Jackson the best performer who has ever lived. “This is It” supports such claims. Jackson was crafting an explosive concert experience for his fans around the world.
The film, which fans will love and the rest of the world will find mildly interesting, teaches why passion for one’s profession is crucial. Jackson’s search for absolute perfection in his craft is the most impressive part.
He is involved in every aspect of the production. He repeatedly corrects musical errors imperceptible to the ears of a non-musician. He kindly demands perfection from his team of performers, continually underscoring the need to rehearse.
“In work, the person exercises and fulfills in part the potential inscribed in his nature,” the Catechism of the Catholic Church reads (2428). Jackson, who repeatedly refers to God respectfully, wanted to exercise his full potential as an artist.
After the height of his success, accusations of child abuse and bizarre behavior clouded Jackson’s legacy. “This is It” ignores this darkness.
It focuses only on his work in the limelight. While certainly not balanced, “This is It” illustrates why Jackson was the King of Pop.
Unfortunately Jackson, who had a passion for using the gifts he credited to his Creator, never got to perform his final curtain call. But “This is It” is quite a dress rehearsal.
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Media critic Rebecca Bostic is a regular contributor to The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Send e-mail to letters@catholicsun.org.
