“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is a documentary film that offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of Jackson’s planned comeback concert series of the same name, which was scheduled to start in July 2009. Tragically, the world was deprived of this highly anticipated return to the stage due to Jackson’s sudden death on June 25, 2009. Directed by Kenny Ortega, who was also the creative partner and director of the concert series, the film was constructed from over a hundred hours of rehearsal footage. This footage was originally intended for personal archives, but after Jackson’s death, it was compiled into a documentary as a tribute to his genius and to showcase the dedication he had for his craft and his fans.
The documentary was released posthumously and reveals Jackson’s meticulous preparations for the concert series that never took place. It captures his perfectionism, artistic commitment, and the passion he poured into every aspect of the production—from selecting dancers and collaborating on costume designs to orchestrating the music and choreography. “This Is It” not only memorializes Jackson’s artistic process but also serves as a poignant reminder of what the final performances could have been, offering fans a last glimpse at the creative genius of Michael Jackson in action.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Michael Jackson’s This Is It |
| Type | Documentary Film |
| Subject | Behind the scenes of Jackson’s planned comeback concert series |
| Director | Kenny Ortega |
| Significance | Intended as a comeback series, never realized due to Jackson’s death |
| Content Origin | Over a hundred hours of rehearsal footage, intended for personal archives |
| Purpose | Tribute to Jackson’s genius, showcases dedication to craft and fans |
| Focus of Documentary | Preparations for the concert, selection of dancers, costume design, music and choreography |
| Impact | Memorializes Jackson’s artistic process and what could have been his final performances |
Contents
Background and Development
The anticipation for Michael Jackson’s return to the stage was officially ignited on March 5, 2009, when he announced the “This Is It” concert series at London’s O2 Arena. These performances were set to mark his comeback after a decade away from the spotlight. Initially, the schedule included 10 shows, but the overwhelming fan response prompted the addition of 40 more dates, totaling an unprecedented 50 shows that would extend from July 2009 to March 2010. This announcement generated massive excitement, as fans worldwide prepared to witness the resurgence of their idol in what was expected to be one of the most spectacular comebacks in music history.
Preparation for the concerts was intense and exhaustive, involving meticulous planning and coordination. Kenny Ortega, renowned for his choreography and direction, was tasked with overseeing the concert preparations. Under his guidance, the team embarked on rigorous rehearsals, which included everything from dancer auditions to complex stage design and the implementation of cutting-edge technology for visuals and effects. Rehearsals were held at both the Staples Center and The Forum in California, where Jackson and his team honed every detail of the performance—from the dance routines to the set list—to ensure a show of spectacular quality that would live up to Jackson’s reputation for perfection.
Following Michael Jackson’s sudden death on June 25, 2009, the massive body of rehearsal footage took on a new purpose. The transition from concert preparation to a documentary format was prompted by the desire to honor Jackson’s memory and share his final artistic efforts with the world. Legal agreements were swiftly organized between Jackson’s estate, concert promoter AEG Live, and Sony Pictures. This partnership facilitated the transformation of the rehearsal footage into a coherent film. The estate and Sony agreed on a $60 million deal, allowing Sony to edit and distribute the film, ensuring that Jackson’s artistic vision could be shared posthumously.
| Event Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | March 5, 2009 |
| Location | O2 Arena, London |
| Original Schedule | Initially planned 10 shows |
| Extended Schedule | 50 shows from July 2009 to March 2010 due to fan demand |
| Preparation | Meticulous planning, overseen by Kenny Ortega; included dancer auditions, stage design, and cutting-edge technology for visuals and effects |
| Rehearsal Locations | Staples Center and The Forum, California |
| Purpose of Rehearsals | Perfecting dance routines, set list, and overall performance quality |
| Impact of Jackson’s Death | Transformed rehearsal footage into a documentary film |
| Legal and Financial Arrangements | $60 million deal between Jackson’s estate, AEG Live, and Sony Pictures for film rights |
| Objective of Documentary | To honor Jackson’s memory and showcase his last artistic efforts |
Video Content of the Film
The film opens with a poignant introduction, explaining its purpose and the tragic circumstances of its creation. It quickly transitions into vibrant scenes of Jackson performing “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” where his energetic command over the stage is palpable. This performance sets the tone for the documentary, showcasing not only Jackson’s enthusiasm for the planned concerts but also his undiminished talent and charisma.
“This Is It” offers an unprecedented behind-the-scenes look at the production processes. Viewers are given a peek into dancer auditions, where hundreds of dancers from around the globe vied for a chance to perform alongside the pop icon. The documentary also delves into the intricate costume design process, led by designer Zaldy Goco, featuring futuristic outfits that matched the innovative spirit of Jackson’s planned performances. Additionally, the film highlights the technological advancements prepared for the show, including the use of 3D effects and complex stage mechanics.
The set list featured in “This Is It” was a balanced mix of Jackson’s greatest hits and newer material, arranged to capture the essence of his evolving artistic journey. Songs like “Thriller,” “Beat It,” and “Billie Jean” were reimagined with new choreography and stage effects designed to offer something novel even to long-time fans. The film presents rehearsals of these performances, providing insights into Jackson’s hands-on approach in the crafting of musical arrangements and stage presence. Notably, the sequence involving the “Smooth Criminal” performance includes a cinematic montage that integrates scenes from Jackson’s “Moonwalker” film as well as classic Hollywood movies, illustrating his intent to blend music, dance, and storytelling into a seamless multimedia experience.
This section of the documentary underscores not just the scale of Jackson’s vision but also his dedication to perfection, offering a window into what would have been a groundbreaking series of concerts.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Scene | Introduction explaining the purpose and context due to Jackson’s unexpected death |
| Initial Performance | Michael Jackson performing “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”, demonstrating energetic stage presence |
| Behind-the-Scenes Access | Shows dancer auditions, costume design process by Zaldy Goco, and the integration of advanced technology |
| Costume Design | Futuristic outfits by Zaldy Goco that align with the innovative spirit of the planned shows |
| Technology Highlighted | Use of 3D effects and complex stage mechanics |
| Set List Composition | A mix of greatest hits and newer material, with updated choreography and stage effects |
| Key Songs Featured | “Thriller”, “Beat It”, “Billie Jean”, and other reimagined performances |
| Creative Process | Insight into Jackson’s involvement in musical arrangements and stage design |
| Special Segment | “Smooth Criminal” performance featuring a montage with scenes from “Moonwalker” and classic Hollywood films |
| Documentary’s Emphasis | Highlights Jackson’s dedication to perfection and his vision for a groundbreaking concert series |
Release and Marketing
“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” was released globally on October 28, 2009, originally intended to run in theaters for only two weeks. The limited engagement was a strategic choice meant to create a sense of urgency among fans and to mirror the exclusivity of what would have been his concert series. However, due to overwhelming demand, the film’s run was extended by three weeks in the United States and varied between one to three weeks in international markets. The film premiered in over 15,000 theaters worldwide, making it one of the most widely released concert-film documentaries in history.
The marketing campaign for “This Is It” was extensive and multifaceted, leveraging the immense fan base and the sensational news of Jackson’s untimely death. Tickets for the film went on sale a month prior to its release, on September 27, 2009. Anticipation was so high that many theaters reported sell-outs within hours of tickets becoming available. Sony also launched a global promotional campaign that included a posthumous release of the song “This Is It,” which served as the film’s lead single. The song was accompanied by a behind-the-scenes making-of documentary, further hyping the film’s release.
Upon release, “This Is It” shattered box office records, achieving the highest grossing opening weekend for a documentary at that time. It grossed over $23 million in North America and $101 million worldwide in its first five days. The film’s strong performance continued, driven by Jackson’s loyal fan base and the curiosity of general audiences, culminating in a total global revenue of over $260 million, making it the highest-grossing concert movie ever at the time.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Release Date | October 28, 2009 |
| Original Theater Run | Planned for two weeks, extended due to high demand |
| Theater Count | Over 15,000 worldwide |
| Marketing Strategy | Extensive campaign, leveraging fan base and news of Jackson’s death |
| Ticket Sales Start | September 27, 2009, with immediate sell-outs reported |
| Promotional Campaign | Global promotion, including the posthumous release of the song “This Is It” as the film’s lead single |
| Opening Weekend Gross (North America) | $23 million |
| Five-Day Worldwide Gross | $101 million |
| Total Global Revenue | Over $260 million |
| Achievement | Highest-grossing concert movie at the time |
Reception and Impact
The critical reception of “This Is It” was generally positive, though it was not without its detractors. Critics praised the film for its candid, behind-the-scenes look at Jackson’s creative process and the rehearsal footage that showcased his dedication and talent. However, some felt that the film exploited Jackson’s death to make a profit, a sentiment echoed in some quarters of the fan community. Despite these criticisms, the film holds a high rating on review aggregators like Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, reflecting a largely favorable critical consensus.
“This Is It” not only excelled in theatrical sales but also set new benchmarks for concert films. It dominated the box office charts in various countries, reflecting the global appeal of Michael Jackson. The film was particularly successful in Japan, where it became one of the year’s top-grossing films, as well as in Europe and North America. The strong box office performance underscored Jackson’s enduring popularity and the global anticipation for his planned comeback.
The release of “This Is It” had a significant impact on how Michael Jackson was remembered in the immediate years following his death. It served to celebrate his life and career, reminding audiences of his immense talent and dedication to his craft. The film also played a crucial role in addressing some of the negative media coverage Jackson had received over the years by highlighting his professionalism and passion. For many fans and the general public, the documentary provided a form of closure, offering a last look at the artist in his element, preparing for what was to be the ultimate performance of his career.
In sum, “This Is It” not only preserved Michael Jackson’s legacy but also enhanced it, ensuring that his status as a global icon in music and entertainment would endure beyond his lifetime. The film’s release was a watershed moment for fans and the music industry, encapsulating the magic of his artistry and the tragedy of his loss.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Critical Reception | Generally positive; praised for candid look at Jackson’s creative process. Criticized by some as exploitative. |
| Ratings | High ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic |
| Box Office Performance | Excelled globally; set benchmarks for concert films; particularly successful in Japan, Europe, and North America. |
| Impact on Jackson’s Legacy | Enhanced Jackson’s legacy, celebrating his life and talent; provided closure and a lasting tribute to his career. |
| Role in Media Perception | Counteracted negative media coverage; highlighted Jackson’s professionalism and passion. |
| Cultural Impact | Watershed moment for fans and the music industry, encapsulating the magic of Jackson’s artistry and the tragedy of his loss. |
Controversies
From its inception, “This Is It” was embroiled in controversies, primarily due to opposition from Michael Jackson’s family. Several members of the Jackson family publicly denounced the film, arguing that it was an incomplete representation of Michael’s capabilities and that it capitalized on his death. They were concerned that the film’s depiction of Jackson, particularly in rehearsals where he was not performing at his peak, would tarnish his legacy as a perfectionist artist. Legal challenges arose when certain family members attempted to halt the film’s release, citing these concerns, but these were unsuccessful. The public’s reaction was mixed; while many were eager to see Jackson’s last work, others sided with the family, feeling that the release was exploitative.
Another major controversy involved allegations that the footage used in the documentary included clips of body doubles, not Jackson himself. Fans and critics speculated that some dance sequences were too polished to be mere rehearsals, suggesting the use of stand-ins to enhance the film’s quality. Sony Pictures and the film’s producers vehemently denied these claims, asserting that all footage was authentic. Despite these assurances, a segment of Jackson’s fan base felt betrayed, leading to public protests. Campaigns like “This Is Not It” emerged, accusing the film’s promoters of disregarding Jackson’s health and well-being during the concert preparations and exploiting his death for financial gain.
| Controversy | Details |
|---|---|
| Family Opposition | Several Jackson family members denounced the film, fearing it exploited Michael’s death and did not fully represent his abilities. |
| Legal Challenges | Attempts by family members to halt the release, citing concerns over the depiction of Jackson’s rehearsal performance. |
| Public Reaction | Mixed responses; while many were excited to see Jackson’s last work, others agreed with family concerns about exploitation. |
| Allegations of Body Doubles | Speculations that some footage used body doubles; claims denied by Sony Pictures and film producers, asserting all footage was authentic. |
| Fan Protests | Protests and the “This Is Not It” campaign emerged, accusing the film’s promoters of exploiting Jackson’s health and death for profit. |
Despite the controversies, “This Is It” serves as a poignant commemoration of Michael Jackson’s final artistic endeavors. The documentary provides a window into his creative process, showcasing his dedication to perfection and his hands-on approach in crafting his performances. For fans and general audiences alike, it offered a glimpse of what the final concerts might have been, highlighting his innovative spirit and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of music and performance art. The film stands as a testament to Jackson’s enduring talent and his ability to captivate an audience, even in rehearsal settings.
The release of “This Is It” significantly impacted how Michael Jackson is perceived in the realm of popular culture. It reinforced his status as a global icon and underscored his profound influence on the music industry. By showcasing his meticulous attention to detail and his relentless work ethic, the film added depth to the public’s understanding of Jackson as an artist. It also sparked renewed interest in his music catalog, leading to a resurgence in sales and streaming of his earlier works.
Furthermore, the documentary has contributed to ongoing discussions about artist exploitation, posthumous releases, and the ethics of using an artist’s unfinished work for profit. In this way, “This Is It” not only preserves Michael Jackson’s artistic legacy but also stimulates important conversations in the entertainment industry about respect for artists’ work and intentions.
In conclusion, “This Is It” encapsulates both the brilliance of Michael Jackson as a performer and the complex, often contentious circumstances surrounding the final chapter of his career. It serves as both a celebration of his life and a sobering reminder of the pressures that shaped his final days. Through its portrayal of his last artistic efforts, the documentary ensures that Jackson’s influence on music and culture will continue to resonate with future generations.