As an epitaph, it's hard to beat a feature film. In an era when concert tickets run hundreds of dollars, Michael Jackson's final performances promised to give his audiences as much for their money as possible -- wall-to-wall dancing, singing, and jaw-dropping technical effects, an elaborate comeback for the man considered to be one of the greatest entertainers of all time. This Is It documents the process of mounting this extravagant production, made tragic by Jackson's death before it could ever be mounted, and it might have been magnificent. Certainly, that was the plan, but it wasn't to be -- so Sony, seeing a financial opportunity, paid $60 million for the behind-the-scenes video footage, and director Kenny Ortega edited it all together with interviews with dancers and crew. If This Is It had been nothing more than a heartless, slapdash attempt to cash in on Jackson's demise, it still would have been profitable. But to his credit, Ortega's obvious affection for Jackson translates into a loving, fascinating look at the creative process.
Damn, the man could still dance. After hearing about the state of Jackson's health when he died, it's questionable whether he would have been able to maintain the rigorous pace of a 50-concert schedule. This Is It doesn't answer that question, but it does show that he was more than capable of brilliance in short bursts. At 50, Jackson's freakish appearance is as jarring as one would expect, but once he starts dancing, it's still magic. And when he sings classic hits like "Smooth Criminal" or "Man in the Mirror," it's easy to remember why, despite the tabloids’ obsession with his personal life, that Jackson was beloved by millions. With his singers and dancers, Jackson is as weird and as spaced-out as one would expect, but focused on the task at hand. A segment in which he plays at a little competitive vocalizing with a back-up singer shows Jackson's playful side, followed immediately by his admonition that he should be saving his voice for the concerts -- and if these amazing rehearsal performances were softballs, one can only imagine what he would have offered when he turned on the heat.
But does it answer any questions? This Is It is a concert film, in the sense that it shows the work involved in putting on a show, and glimpses at the personalities involved in making a multimillion dollar musical carnival. But if you're looking for insight into Jackson himself, don't bother -- the man remains as much a mystery as ever. This Is It is for the lovers of Jackson's music, and for those curious as to what might have been had the singer made to the London stage. It's a last glimmer of magic from a sad, brilliant man, one final artifact from a glittering, often strange career. But the man himself is still in shadows.