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This Is It is hard to define. There isn’t really a plot, or character development, and you pretty much know how it’s going to end from the start. If anything, it’s a well-edited documentary without the stuffy commentary. What I know for sure though is that it’s a unique experience to be had, especially at the cinema.
I had some initial fears upon going to see what is, essentially, the highlight reel of Michael Jackson’s rehearsal tapes. I didn’t want an opportunity to morbidly search for signs of somebody struggling to hold it together physically and emotionally. Luckily, This Is It rises above that to deliver 111 minutes of something which, at its most complex, is a celebration of all the things Jackson contributed to the world of music, dance, visual effects, and to his admirers.
The editing of the film is fantastic, making the most of the footage for the viewing audience, at times combining two rehearsal shots at once to get the best view, or mixing prepared video packages for the tour with live footage to give us an experience that is as close as possible to what the real concerts could have been. The live footage provides some highlights, including a sequence with Jackson playing a character in a ‘40s Bogart film leading into ‘Smooth Criminal’. My personal favourite ‘Thriller’ doesn’t disappoint, with an entirely new 3D video of graveyard zombies. Watching it on a giant screen, with the great clarity of sound that the cinema can offer, aptly adds to the majesty of the viewing experience.
Most incredible of all is that Michael Jackson was no less of a dancer, singer and performer towards the end of his life than he was at his peak. The fact that he could keep up with (and outdo!) dancers half his age is unbelievable, and I guess this is where the tragedy lies: when you realise how much more the world could have seen of him.
The downside is that you cannot ignore that this wasn’t a final product. The entire movie is like watching a ‘work-in-progress’ – an uncompleted task – which leaves a lot to be desired. You want to be blown away by an extravagant spectacle, and you see all the components that are involved in creating it, but not the end result. In this respect, you’re left a little unsatisfied.
When it comes to truly magical moments though, the film doesn’t disappoint. It’s quite an epiphany when you realise how much Jackson had honed his craft to make sure every single note of his song delivered, from painstakingly precise directions to his band to his insatiable quest for perfection. Throughout all this, he never loses his charm or professionalism, saying to his guitar player in regards to playing a solo – “just go for it. This is your moment to shine”. Even in his criticism, as he said, “it’s all for love”. With its hopeful tone, This Is It leaves you with a smile, and is a fitting farewell to the musical legend.
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