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Michael Jackson’s
This Is It, a behind-the-scenes look at probably the greatest pop event that never was, is sure to touch even the most hardened hearts,
writes Ervell E. Menezes
IF Woodstock (the original) is a documentary of a live event that shook the world in the late-1960s, This Is It is about the behind-the-scenes look of probably the greatest pop event that never was. And because of the sudden death of that king of pop Michael Jackson, this footage has gained much more commercial mileage and even non-MJ fans are sure to lap up the fare.
It shows us a glimpse of the multi-faceted, multi-talented individual Michael Jackson was. And despite the controversy that surrounded his life and activities, the one thing that cannot be denied is his music and dance skills — an artiste par excellence. Whether he is grooving or jiving or jumping or lying flat on his back to the sound and rhythm of the music, he managed to take his performers and audience with him. Director Kenny Ortega begins the movie on a more sacred note with a number of concert performers weeping and talking excitedly about their ties with the great singer-dancer. Ortega makes the spatial elevation with the help of interstitial video, computer-stimulated stage concepts and very evocative visuals. It is not a film that spans his lifetime and even one that chronicles a significant amount of his work. It is just one that show the efforts that go towards setting a musical concert on a grand scale. And though the fare is studded with bits and pieces of live interviews, it is the music maestro that is at centrestage right through the over 110- minute show. His favourite songs expectedly pour out though not in euphoric frenzy. They are well spaced out and we have "The Way You Make Me Feel," "Human Nature," "Beat It." "Smooth Criminal", "Thriller," "Black or White," "Billie Jean" and finally "This Is It" all showing the smooth gyrating music that runs through his veins. This Is It
is surely a marketing miracle and is, at once, expected in this day
and age of super commerce but its limited two-week release and
worldwide release is meant to pay a tribute to this great performer.
It may be a tad drawn out and could have been better edited but it is
sure to touch even the most hardened hearts and the loss of such a
talent is well nigh impossible to replace. Thank you, Michael Jackson.
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