Michael Jackson’s This is It

This summer we bid farewell to Michael Jackson.  The legendary performer was planning to re-emerge into the spotlight for his This Is It tour.  While the live performances will never go on, rehearsal footage was taped and has been turned into a film by the same name.  The term “rehearsal footage,” understates how professional the performances and preparations truly were.  The backup performers were set to be “an extension of Michael himself,” according to one of the choreographers in the film, and lived up to their expectations.  The intricate synchronized dances intertwined with the timeless songs are part of what makes this film so impressive.  Included in the film are segments featuring the technical aspects of the concert.  Detailed sets were constructed specifically for This is It--rotating scenes that subtly remind us what Jackson’s life’s work was about in the first place.  A set that resembles the beginning of his career, sets the stage for a Jackson Five song he humbly dedicates to his family; then evolves into a rainforest eaten by fire to remind us of Jackson’s efforts to promote world peace and conservation.  The rehearsal footage shows Michael Jackson’s innate ability as a performer, as he stops several times to correct inconsistencies with his vision of how the performance should be.  Though it is a shame the life of the iconic singer was so abruptly ended, This Is It proves to be a respectful release of the late performer’s final masterpiece. 

Hayley Bault