“This Is It”

Michael Jackson’s new documentary “This Is It” is really unlike anything one has ever seen. Because Jackson was followed around by a video crew for his “personal use,” audiences all over the world, in sold out throngs, are able to now see a facet of Jackson previously unavailable – reality.

The movie starts today in theaters only.  For a limited two week run.

To say Jackson was somewhat conniving is an understatement - whereas most alternative nicknames, like “Ol Blue Eyes” and the “King of Rock and Roll” are fan generated, Jackson himself created “The King of Pop”. The publicity stunts, the fraudulent announcements, the sour business deals and, yes, personal eccentricities, all seem to be quaint remembrances, however, as one watches what is supposedly the “real” Michael Jackson.

As a documentary, the movie is riveting entertainment.  Even Roger Friedman, Jackson’s harshest critic, confessed today that he wanted to see the movie again and again. 

Had it truly happened, an idea regarding which there is still speculation, the “This Is It” concert would have been unreal.  3-D videos, dancers, singers, elaborate effects and stage spectacles would have driven international audiences wild.  And what we see, Jackson dancing, directing, lip synching and collaborating, is probably as close as we will ever see to a “mask-less” performer. 

Much will be said regarding Jackson’s musical abilities, his hands on approach, engagement with his co-performers, his continuous “God Bless Yous” and his final rambling earth-saving speech, however, it is difficult, even under these conditions, to surmise that the real Jackson was on display.  Was he there for one rehearsal? Two?  Was he planning to “save his voice,” or lip-synch?  Was he clean and sober?  Totally doped?  Cultural historians will be arguing for decades about these and other questions raised by the film.

“This Is It” is a for sure Oscar winning documentary, and its audience should grow from beyond Jackson’s rabid fan base, however, even the most skeptical viewers might be justified.