Michael Jackson’s Final Concert That Wasn’t

Michael Jackson’s This is It

film review
by Mandy Rodgers

2009

Rated: PG

Director: Kenny Ortega

Starring: Michael Jackson and backup dancers, crew, etc.

            After the whirlwind publicity storm that was the unexpected and eerie death of Michael Jackson this summer, the idea of a concert film so soon at first lacked appeal. His life, career, death and the mystery surrounding all of the above was splattered ad nauseum through any kind of news and pop culture channels available. I actually dubbed Entertainment Tonight, Michael Jackson Tonight after the onslaught of coverage and addition of a Michael Jackson expert after his death.

            Don’t get me wrong; I am a fan of the King of Pop and was saddened by his death and the tortured existence he seemed to lead. Whatever anyone’s thoughts on his personal struggles, no one can deny the talent and extraordinary impact he had on all things music and dance. Unfortunately for many, his last set of 50 concerts in London, titled “This is It,” was not to be. Fortunately for all, his preparation and dedication to the craft was documented on one of the most intriguing looks into a concert tour and a legendary star.

            The film begins with a brief opening explaining the concert and that it will never be. His backup dancers from all around the world are (as you can expect) huge fans of the King, who they affectionately call MJ for much of the film. Excitement cannot begin to describe how they feel when chosen to dance behind the one who brought us the moonwalk and “Thriller.”

            Leading the amazing musical feat is Kenny Ortega, producer, director, choreographer for MJ’s tour. Ortega worked on swinging classics from yesterday (Dirty Dancing) and today (High School Musical), among other things, and had befriended Jackson years before they teamed up for the mega-concert.

This is It launches into the music everyone has come to expect from Jackson, starting with what would have been the concert’s opening, “Gonna Be Startin’ Somethin'.” The audience immediately settles into a private look into a Michael Jackson concert as the finishing touches are being placed. The energy of his music is undeniable and unbeatable—I defy you to not move and dance a little (or a lot) in your theater seat. All the No. 1s are here, complete with Jackson singing, dancing and instructing others how to do it right.

            He teaches the backup dancers, instructs the musicians and suggests (is it still a suggestion if Jackson gives it to you?) ideas to improve and enhance the experience for the audience. It’s for the fans. He even delves into his childhood history with Jackson 5 tunes. His hand is in every single minuscule aspect of this performance, and this performance is massive. Along with dancing and singing galore, the sets tower over the dancers. Some sequences are pre-filmed for added effect, including an inventive one with MJ superimposed into a black and white drama starring Humphrey Bogart and Rita Hayworth. Jackson’s stamp is on all of these bedazzling aspects.

            He’s so punctilious and exact that others could be put off, but with MJ asking for perfection, it doesn’t seem demanding. His soft-spoken demeanor appears as nothing but sincere and dedicated. At one point, Ortega almost has to treat MJ as a child, acting dangerous on a lift; at another time, Jackson is instructing his musicians to let the music “simmer” before launching into the new beat. This dichotomy represents the star’s real-life turmoil perfectly.

            Considering the drug use and odd doctor visits, I did not expect to see Jackson able to perform to this standard. Other than looking a little on the thin side, Jackson appears to be in great health and have the focus of someone unaffected by anything but the music. All of the reports that he could barely make it to rehearsal should be put asunder after these scenes are watched. Joe Jackson’s claims that it’s not his son’s image on the film seem completely inaccurate and ludicrous after a viewing too. It’s clear. The King of Pop was prepared to give his fans the thrill of a lifetime.

            This is It was never meant to be shown to anyone, so it’s quite flabbergasting how it plays so well onscreen. Without too much crazy editing, foofaraw or ornamentation (the concert itself takes care of that) the footage is simple yet powerful—perhaps another ode to its star. With his personal demons aside, MJ proves he was the master of entertainment up until his final moments.

            For any fan of the singer/dancer or of musical shows in general, This is It is a must-see. The fact that the concert he worked so painstakingly hard to develop will never come to fruition remains a melancholy reality check after the final credits have played. And it’s quite a shame too. What a concert it would have been.