Michael Jackson Is Superb In This Is It
Last week I went to see the new Michael Jackson documentary This Is It. My main motivation for seeing this film was curiosity as I've never been a big Michael Jackson fan, although I do feel some of his songs were well produced. Sometimes a curious nature is a good thing, because I was beyond impressed.
From the opening moments it was clear reports of Jackson being debilitated by his drug use related to chronic insomnia were false. I'm sure the producers culled the best footage, but we see enough to conclude that he was "on his game." Jackson was able to rise above his demons during his rehearsals at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The digital footage was stunning, and when combined with the pulse-pounding audio, the final product was almost beyond description.
It is difficult to believe that you are watching a man of 50, as he doesn't appear to have lost a step since his 20's. You're not witnessing some washed-up performer just going through the paces, and his fellow performers gush with admiration for Jackson. The young female guitar player, Orianthi Panagaris, steals the show when she plays the Eddie Van Halen riff during "Beat It." I almost got goose bumps watching Jackson perform when all aspects of the show came together perfectly.
The London concerts were set to feature some of the most sophisticated video segments ever used in a concert. It was fascinating to peak behind the scenes as the actors and technical gurus worked on these amazing videos.This documentary will stand as the definitive testament of Jackson's undeniable talent as a performer. Jackson comes across as gracious and respectful as he interacts with dancers, musicians, and director Kenny Ortega.
For a while, I forgot about legal issues and plastic surgeries gone wrong as I witnessed a man flourishing in his element. Even non-fans are likely to come away with an incredible sense of appreciation of Jackson's raw talent. I never expected to be blown away by This Is It, but blown away I was.
