As you’ve heard by now Michael Jackson’s soon to be released concert film, “This Is It” comes only four months after his untimely death. Michael Jackson’s video captures his last weeks of practice rehearsals for what was to be his last tour. This documentary shows the King of Pop happy, healthy, dancing and singing and simply pouring his heart out as he always does.
But many question why this would be released so soon after the funeral, especially with the ongoing investigation and controversy surrounding his death. Others believe it is exactly what the fans need to cope with his passing; a sort of healing process.
The film is actually a documentary giving us a behind the scenes glimpse of Michael’s rehearsals of his 50-show run at London’s O2 arena which was to be the King of Pop’s final tour. Because it shows weeks of footage before his untimely death, some question if it was too much for Michael to handle. Would he be weak, frail or even under the influence, as some have implied?
The documentary film was a huge undertaking for Michael’s friend, Director and Choreographer Kenny Ortega. Kenny captured over 100 hours of rehearsal footage over the course of all the practices, and condensed it down into two hours to give the King of Pop’s fans something to remember him by. It shows an upbeat, strong Michael moving effortlessly across the stage, singing and pouring his heart out as he always has done. It gives you a glimpse into Michael’s world and how much of a perfectionist he was. It shows his offbeat sense of humor and how he liked to joke and laugh with his team members.
You also saw how Michael strived for perfection and how he guided his members with a firm hand, from his dancers to his musicians. But he always showed love and compassion by ending each session with “God Bless” or “It’s all for love”.
The guy had a big heart not only for his fans, but all people alike and that is clearly shown in this documentary. He wanted to do this last tour for all of us. Whether you were a fan of his or not, I guarantee you that this film will change the way you think about him.
Perhaps the film is simply a blessing in that it is a way we can always remember him in his last weeks with us. He was happy and doing what he loved. In fact I think the film helped me to cope with his death. It was a way I could keep Michael forever in my heart, as I know we are in his.