This Isn’t It

I saw a sneak preview yesterday of Michael Jackson’s last film, This Is It, and enjoyed what I saw. It felt like being backstage at a wonderful, but very strange, concert. The movie’s focus was entirely on the music, and not on Jackson as a person, which was fine - it’s really the true legacy he left behind… except, every once and a while, the shot would linger on a bit of dialogue that demonstrated just how weird Michael really was. It just made me wonder, what didn’t they show from this footage?

Apparently, I’m not alone in questioning the movie. A lot of people are protesting this film as an exploitation of Micheal’s work.

This Is It may be Michael Jackson’s final performance, but if a vocal set of his fans get their way, it won’t be the final word on his legacy. Culled from 100 hours of rehearsal footage for Jackson’s comeback tour, the posthumous movie premiered Tuesday night in 18 cities. But concerned fans took the opportunity to protest what they see as Jackson’s exploitation by concert promoter AEG Live. The This Is Not It campaign accuses the company of putting too much pressure on Jackson to perform. The “king of pop” died June 25, just two weeks before his scheduled opening performance. Jackson’s siblings were in attendance at the Los Angeles premiere, after which the movie will be released for a limited two-week run in 110 countries. Close friend Elizabeth Taylor, who was granted a special preview of the movie, sent her review out via Twitter: “The single most brilliant piece of filmmaking I have ever seen.” (BBC)

I guess, if you’re a Michael fan, you should see this film while you can. My “10 Word Review” is coming soon. Until then, I’m Alex, moonwalking out!