The moonwalk has never evoked such a sense of nostalgia as when Michael Jackson does it days before his death.
"Michael Jackson's This Is It" provides audiences with an insightful look at the King of Pop as he rehearses for his final tour before his untimely death. The movie focuses mostly on planned concerts and less on the behind-the-scenes interviews and production of the show, but it ultimately creates a nice balance between what the performers tell the camera and what we see for ourselves.
The movie opens with scrolling text to inform the audience that footage of the concert was previously intended for Jackson's personal library.
The following scenes provide one of the most heart-wrenching moments in the documentary, as director, Kenny Ortega, interviews several of the background dancers chosen for the show. Each one discusses how privileged they feel to be working with Jackson; many of them consider the tour to be their big break.
The film progresses into a viewing of what the concert would have been like, showing rehearsals of "Billie Jean," "Smooth Criminal," and a few Jackson 5 songs that Jackson chose to include with the setlist.
Jackson's comfort as a performer is obvious throughout the film. He offers humble criticism and advice to his band and his dancers, demonstrating how capable he was as an entertainer and how hands-on he was throughout his career.
"This Is It" inevitably invokes a sense of nostalgia for the King of Pop. He looks pale and gaunt in several scenes yet executes his dance moves as if he were still in his 20's. The concert seems like it would have been a phenomenal show.
Even those who feel they have been oversaturated with Jackson coverage may find this documentary entertaining. It demonstrates what Jackson has done for the music world, showing him in his element as the revolutionary he was.
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