While watching the late musical genius work hard on perfecting everything about the show, from correcting back-up dancers half his age, to setting the tempo for musicians who have played with him for years, it was difficult not to admire Michael Jackson for wanting to put on a fantastic show for his audience.
One would have expected the film to show a dried up old man with nothing else to offer, but director Kenny Ortega did a fine job of capturing a side of the late icon that the public has not seen in the media by portraying it in the footage filmed during Jackson’s final rehearsals before his death.
The audience had the opportunity to see Jackson’s creative process in the works, and his dedication to his music is shown countless times when Jackson stops to correct others, or grows agitated with monitor malfunctions. However, it’s balanced with images of Jackson laughing and smiling with people, and even attempting a joke.
It was evident that Jackson had not lost his gift of song and dance, but it can be painful to watch the frail man practice his dance moves. They’re not as awe-striking as before, but there are moments that will remind you that he could certainly move. His need for perfection is seen the most here. It grows rather annoying at some points because you just want the man to dance through the entire song without feeling the need to mark where a musician should place a certain note, or to make sure his dancers are positioned correctly.
Jackson still had his unique vocals that blew his fans away years ago, even though his voice had grown older with him. You might even catch yourself singing along to a number of pieces Jackson went over such as “Billie Jean,” “Smooth Criminal,” “I’ll Be There,” and so on.
Because he seems so sickly thin with his mutilated face, a sad shadow on what is to come shortly after the recordings brings a sense of grief. There are moments when the dancing almost seems painful, or Jackson looks so tired and worn. Yet, the fact that he keeps pushing it out for the sake of the show reminds you of his dedication to his music, and more importantly, his fans.
The commentary graciously given by his musicians, stage crew and dancers can come across as foreshadowing, which is kind of creepy being that Jackson’s death was taken as a surprise (and the film was initially for Jackson’s personal use), but they give a good look at what it was like working with him. One would think their responses were more or less staged or rehearsed, but the sincerity can be seen.
The film is a nicely-made tribute to the musical icon who stole the hearts of billions across the globe. It shows a deeper side of Jackson, a more serious and professional tone with the eccentric personality that he was known for having. It is a good film for loyal fans to adore, and for casual listeners to appreciate the raw footage where Jackson was able to be himself without worrying about the public getting a peek at it (or so he thought.) As lovely as the film is, it will make you hate the fact that the man had to pass before he was able to perform what would have probably been one of his greatest shows.
Leave a Reply