Final Bow
This is It gives Jackson fans closure, inspiration
RAMONA E. ALCANTARA OBSERVER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Issue date: 11/3/09 Section: Life & Leisure
The late King of Pop takes his final bow in This Is It, a behind the scenes documentary showcasing what would've been the entertainer's final tour, a tour where he wanted to take his fans, "…places they've never been before."
Before Michael Jackson's untimely passing at the age of 50 on June 25th, he was gearing up for his tour that was set to hit the O2 Arena in London, England this past July. Hours of rehearsals were filmed and director Kenny Ortega, who was also Jackson's right hand man in creating the tour, put together a film for Jackson's fans to experience the thrill of what could have been.
Viewers will get to witness a true artist and self-proclaimed perfectionist participate in every aspect of putting the show together, from picking out the background dancers, visiting the film studios to observing the vignettes arranged for the stage background and working one on one with band members to make sure they play each chord of every song correctly.
More so than behind the scenes footage, This Is It gives audience members a mini concert experience. When Jackson informs the crew that he wants to preserve his voice for the main event, he still sings the ballads "Human Nature," "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" and "Speechless" in full force. Dance hits including "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller" are also rehearsed in their entirety with their legendary choreography.
Audience members may find themselves lost in a trance when Jackson begins to dance. His moves in the film are electrifying, charming, and showed how much his body and soul felt the music. There's also a scene where there is no music being played, but his body is still grooving to the beat heard only within himself.
The most special part of the film however was the way Jackson interacted with people. Although there was a master/student relationship between him and everyone else who was a part of putting the show together, he never exhibited a big ego. In one scene with musician Orianthi, a fresh faced guitar player from Australia, the two were on stage rehearsing and Jackson was giving her tips for her guitar solo that would best impact the audience. As he was guiding her along he assured her, "It's your time to shine and we'll be right there with you."
During the last moments of his life, it's clear that Jackson was happy to be putting the tour together for his fans. Even at times when he would appear frustrated or unsatisfied, his four-letter word of choice was "L.O.V.E."
Walking away from the film some will get closure, a sense of longing for more, or disbelief that such a magical talent is no longer alive. But there are great universal messages throughout This Is It that should remain with viewers as well; be the best at your craft, treat people as equals, work hard for what you believe in and never stop giving your all for what you love to do.
Before Michael Jackson's untimely passing at the age of 50 on June 25th, he was gearing up for his tour that was set to hit the O2 Arena in London, England this past July. Hours of rehearsals were filmed and director Kenny Ortega, who was also Jackson's right hand man in creating the tour, put together a film for Jackson's fans to experience the thrill of what could have been.
Viewers will get to witness a true artist and self-proclaimed perfectionist participate in every aspect of putting the show together, from picking out the background dancers, visiting the film studios to observing the vignettes arranged for the stage background and working one on one with band members to make sure they play each chord of every song correctly.
More so than behind the scenes footage, This Is It gives audience members a mini concert experience. When Jackson informs the crew that he wants to preserve his voice for the main event, he still sings the ballads "Human Nature," "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" and "Speechless" in full force. Dance hits including "Smooth Criminal" and "Thriller" are also rehearsed in their entirety with their legendary choreography.
Audience members may find themselves lost in a trance when Jackson begins to dance. His moves in the film are electrifying, charming, and showed how much his body and soul felt the music. There's also a scene where there is no music being played, but his body is still grooving to the beat heard only within himself.
The most special part of the film however was the way Jackson interacted with people. Although there was a master/student relationship between him and everyone else who was a part of putting the show together, he never exhibited a big ego. In one scene with musician Orianthi, a fresh faced guitar player from Australia, the two were on stage rehearsing and Jackson was giving her tips for her guitar solo that would best impact the audience. As he was guiding her along he assured her, "It's your time to shine and we'll be right there with you."
During the last moments of his life, it's clear that Jackson was happy to be putting the tour together for his fans. Even at times when he would appear frustrated or unsatisfied, his four-letter word of choice was "L.O.V.E."
Walking away from the film some will get closure, a sense of longing for more, or disbelief that such a magical talent is no longer alive. But there are great universal messages throughout This Is It that should remain with viewers as well; be the best at your craft, treat people as equals, work hard for what you believe in and never stop giving your all for what you love to do.
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