Michael Jackson is a One Man Show in This Is It
“You’ve got to wait [for my cue],” Michael Jackson instructs in one scene from the film This Is It, and, thus, settles the question as to who is really running the show.
The most excellent example of this dynamic was when Michael Jackson was giving instructions to the musical director regarding the timing and tempo for one of the songs. In between conversations, when the musical director would play the revised music, Michael would dance, which, at first, I thought was just improvisation, but, turned out to be the actual choreography that MJ wanted for the song. No wonder the choreographer was right beside him most of the time. He had to memorize every creative move that Michael came up with at any given moment.
From director Kenny Ortega to the musical director to the choreographer, all must take direction from MJ for all the artistic aspects are conceptualized and approved by Michael Jackson. I must marvel at director Kenny Ortega most especially for his lack of ego and recognizing that he is to serve Michael’s vision and that his main job is to interpret that vision in terms that would be understood by the technical and artistic team.
And, from watching, it seemed the rehearsals were just a means for others to catch up with the vision in Michael’s head, already mapped out and memorized to almost every detail.
The King of Pop never went on performance level during the rehearsals, knowing full well from experience the heights that he could go to, and, surrounded by the raw energy around him, only shined even more with his smooth and suave interpretation of every note and dance step.
As a performer or staff member, one must recognize these rare occasions when one must just totally surrender to a creative force and talent that is greater than most, and, to recognize that one’s job is to nourish that vision the best way that he can.
Bravo to everyone! *clapping*
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I really enjoyed this movie. I took my little nephew and daughter to see this movie and all of us enjoyed it. The sound quality and music were outstanding
This Is It was just awesome. Michael could still perform soooooooooooooo well, and my gosh, I’m glad the film allowed us to witness his creativity behind the stage. His concepts were just so fabulous. He’s definitely one of the most creative people of our time!