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Trying to duck the trick-or-treaters on my block on Saturday night (Halloween induces a bark-a-thon at my house), I escaped into the closest movie, Michael Jackson's This is It. I expected nothing. Like everyone else, after Jackson died I watched every person who ever met him once parade through Larry King Live saying what a good person he was, and listened to Liz Taylor moan about how she couldn't go on. While I never thought Michael Jackson was a child molester, I wasn't a true fan, either. And I probably believed he couldn't make it through fifty shows on the drugs he was on.
I now question my own judgment. The very first show would have electrified the world and given Jackson the adrenalin to go on. The man was a genius. Coming into rehearsals, he clearly knew every song, every move, every note. It was as if the music poured out from inside his DNA , where it always lived and now was being given the chance to express. Having never been anything but a performer, Michael Jackson was still a performer at 50, capable of astounding dance moves and exquisite timing. Not only that, but at 50 he was happy to be in the role of mentor to the younger dancers and musicians, rather than a competitor with them. He clearly wanted to give them an opportunity to shine. The audience would have loved him. Did he do every acrobatic move that the younger dancers did? Of course not. But he reminded me of a great tennis player who can win a match through superior strategy even though athletically past his prime.
At the rehearsals, he seemed comfortable with the show. Never irritable on camera, he appeared gracious and loving. By the time they were set to go to London, he had accepted the cast and crew as family, and they gave him the adulation he deserved. Many of them had traveled around the world to audition for the show. It's sad they never got the chance to hear the applause. And it's sad Michael never got a chance to do even one show, because the sets, costumes, lighting, and graphics would have been out of the ballpark. Go see this movie to see what they were working on; this production would have been worth the ticket price even if the understudy went on for Michael Jackson.
The footage was shot with two cameras, fortunately in high definition, but nothing like a finished movie. It was meant to be for Jackson's personal archive, and it is truly a documentary -- it documents the rehearsals without window dressing. In it you can see the mutual respect between Kenny Ortega, who directed the movie and co-directed the show with Michael, and Michael Jackson. Clearly they are used to working together, and they help each other out. I especially liked it when Ortega told Jackson to "hold on" to the bars on the cherry picker the first time Jackson took a ride on it. Jackson seemed fearless, wanting to take it higher and sing while doing it, but Ortega only wanted him to take the ride and test the safety.
Was Michael Jackson a sick drug addict? No way. Did we, the public and the media, hasten the death of a man who felt for the planet and wanted to deliver a message of love to the world? Probably. We have a grim way of eating our public figures alive these days. I'm sure Michael Jackson wasn't perfect, but neither are we.
Follow Francine Hardaway on Twitter: www.twitter.com/hardaway
Stephen Gyllenhaal: This is It: Michael Jackson's Transcendence
I went to see This Is It the way one might go see a horror picture. What I encountered instead was an artist at the absolute top of his game.
Scott Mendelson: This Is It Becomes the World's Highest-Grossing Concert Film in History
No matter what Nikki Finke and the critics try to tell you, This Is It, now the highest-grossing concert film of all time in just five days, enjoyed a rock-solid debut,
Jose Antonio Vargas: Michael Jackson Online -- A Singular Attraction
Pre-Internet, before we could follow celebrities on Google, Twitter, MySpace and Wikipedia, Michael Jackson was an unparalleled global star on the world stage, touching fans across borders, time zones and languages.
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach: The Myth That Michael Jackson Was Happy And Healthy
If we choose to believe that Michael Jackson was happy and healthy at the time of his death we are wrong. We would also be missing the point -- that we can learn from Michael's tragic death.
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The film is incredible. But let us not forget the reasons why this film has come to be in the first place. Michael's early death was not a given. Only the most imperceptive would deny that the slow drip of the anaesthetic that killed him was - in reality, just a formality. What killed Michael, was the sustained trauma of being put through a baseless, protracted trial that should never have reached court, knowing that if he was found guilty he would be removed from his children's lives. And even after acquittal, facing the relentless villification of the media, who - post 2005, decided to simply disregard a verdict they found economically inconvienient. I invite all of us to stop buying into the thought that we are powerless – and instead, do something very powerful. An intention has been set in effect. And everyone who wants to, is asked to - Hold The Vision that: ' The truth of Michael’s integrity and the innocence of his relationships with children will be unequivocally proved and known by all – in our lifetime.’ Whenever or wherever you think of Michael, re-affirm this global intention in your mind and in your heart. Put all the desire you have for the successful unfolding of this vision into your imagining. If the millions of us who love Michael can commit to doing this daily - we will do more to affect change than we could ever imagine. Hold the vision.
The truth is coming.
The film is incredible. But let us not forget the reasons why this film has come to be in the first place. Michael's early death was not a given. Only the most imperceptive would deny that the slow drip of the anaesthetic that killed him was - in reality, just a formality. What killed Michael, was the sustained trauma of being put through a baseless, protracted trial that should never have reached court, knowing that if he was found guilty he would be removed from his children's lives. And even after acquittal, facing the relentless villification of the media, who - post 2005, decided to simply disregard a verdict they found economically inconvienient. I invite all of us to stop buying into the thought that we are powerless – and instead, do something very powerful. An intention has been set in effect. And everyone who wants to, is being asked to - ‘Hold The Vision’ of this intention: ‘That the truth of Michael’s integrity and the innocence of his relationships with children will be unequivocally proved and known by all – in our lifetime.’ Whenever or wherever you think of Michael, re-affirm this global intention in your mind and in your heart. Put all the desire you have for the successful unfolding of this vision into your imagining. If the millions of us who love Michael can commit to doing this daily - we will do more to affect change than we could ever imagine.
Hold the vision. The truth
Thank you for the wonderful article!
The truth is coming.
Love does indeed live forever.
Thank you for this article! I've been a fan of MJ's since I was 11 years old (I'm in my late 20s now). It's disgusting the way the media treated this musical genius. America has a way of tearing down our brightest, smartest, most talented individuals. Truly sad. And for those still posting that Michael was a drug addict, please read the offical autopsy report. There’s a lovley thing called Google. NO alcohol or drugs, illegal or otherwise, were found in his system expet Propofol. Another examle of the media's lies.
This Is It is an amazing film. I've seen it twice and am planning on seeing it again next week.
Thank you for your positive thoughts on Michael after watching the documentary movie "This is it". Hope more people like you would come and express their thoughts even if they had never been his fans. Complements from a non fan are valuable too. It shows how the beautiful soul of Michael touches everyone. I had not been to theater for more than 15 years until I watched this movie. I already watched couple of times. Felt his love flowing towards every one around him.Had a wonderful experience of watching a caring, loving genius working with others. Never feel enough of watching sweet Michael. I don't think I can agree with your opinion "I'm sure Michael Jackson was not perfect but, neither are we." When someone sees any imperfection in Michael, he or she is already influenced by the biased media or had been influenced by already media influenced parents. I wish even Michael haters would go and watch this movie and realize how much they missed by not loving Michael. I can't wait to see how it would be if everyone reads and realize the truth about Michael. Am sure that would be the world that Michael always wanted to see full of "LOVE". Please join us at www(dot)mj
I have to admit that I had not followed Michael Jackson's career in a very long time. For that reason, I was surprised by the depth of emotion I felt at his passing. At first, I attributed it to the fact that I grew up listening to his music, and I remember him when he was a child. Then, I realized that his musical talent was so great that I regretted the loss for that reason as well. I saw "This Is It," and I fully agree that he was phenomenal. In every frame, the movie contradicted the image of him as a man who was drug-addled and near death during that time period. I agree with the writer that it was heartening to see him mentoring the musicians and dancers who were working with him. At one point, he told his guitarist, Orianthi, "this is your time to shine." Classic. It was also Michael's time to shine. I regret that he did not live to perform any of these concerts. The world would have taken notice.
He was all about L-O-V-E...
I agree with Ms. Hardaway. This documentary shines the spotlight on our own cynicism as a cultural personality trait. Michael Jackson coveted his faith in humanity, despite the years of mean-spirited speculation, allegations, law suits, and humiliations galore, which he endured with a quirky grace. He was courageous to return to the stage, facing a scrutinous world, including the bloodthirsty. 'This Is It' proved he still had it all.
I enjoyed MJ's artistry, and ached to see him paraded by the media as a tarnished freak, despite his vindications. The brutal treatment this man received for being 'different' was deplorable. This he bore with hesitant humility and forgiveness - a bigger person than I. His story is similar to Frankenstein or Edward Scissorhands. A unique being is created and celebrated, until we are shown our shortcomings. The witch-hunt begins, as relentless as the Spanish Inquisition. So it was for Michael Jackson.
Only the jaded misconstrue naivety with simplicity of thought. People attend therapy to rediscover their inner-child, yet, those with their their inner-child intact are ridiculed. We condemn ourselves to a future without the dreams from icons like Martin Luther King, John Lennon, Princess Diana, and Michael Jackson.
Collectively we all have blood on our hands in the death of Michael Jackson, who stubbornly kept the simple dream that love wins in the end. Shame on us. It's now time to challenge ourselves and try not to judge until we've walked a mile in someone elses' shoes.
What a beautiful post. Bravo!!!
First off, to progressiveinga, please read the facts about the drugs found in MJ's body. The facts are contained in the coroner's report. Any other reporting about drugs in his body that conflict with that official report should be considered tabloid lies.
Francine, this was a much welcomed article and review. I saw the documentary and loved every minute of it. MJ is so deserving of your uplifting comments. God and all of his true fans know he deserved better treatment during his lifetime than what he got from the media. What a travesty that people were fed the constant lies and eventually were TRAINED into believing them. Apparently, a preponderence of lies is more persuasive to people than a paucity of truths. Add to that a disturbing decline in critical thinking skills on behalf of the public. I hope more writers like you continue to look at and report facts. Perhaps one day, history will be kinder to the memory of this incredibly gifted and fine human being. God bless you and everyone who loves and misses MJ.
"Did we, the public and the media, hasten the death of a man who felt for the planet and wanted to deliver a message of love to the world?"
Nonsense. People have choices. Rich, famous people have far more choices than most.
That his choices (and his posse of enablers) ended up killing him is not the fault of his fans nor the public.
Yes, people have choices, such as not buying tabloids chocked full of unfettered accusations and lies, which, when told repeatedly like 'chinese whispers', take on a life of their own. If you've lived enough life, you know that if you throw enough muck, some is bound to stick.
Rich, famous people have two extra issues to negotiate in life, than the rest of us - being rich and being famous. Neither are easy to handle and bring a host of complexities to life, for most. Celebrity too often unfairly equates to 'ownership' by the public and media. If you've known nothing else in 45 of your 50 years, how would you acquire the coping mechanisms necessary for living your life with a perspective of some normalcy?
Having worked in the industry with numerous such people, I have heard their stories, listened to their frustrations, and personally witnessed their trials simply trying to get from A to B without being mobbed. This forces life in a bubble, for their own protection.
It seems to me, the enablers of which you speak are the bottom-feeders who dwell on garbage, for that is what sells stories. The sycophants who buddy up to celebs, then twist the knife in their backs, while their paws are stuck out to the 'media' for money, are repeat offenders. But, those who gobble it up are the worst enablers of all.
in this case, he trusted his physician to help with his insomnia..
the show would demand all his energy, strength, etc. and he was fuly committed to that end...
the film shows he was clearly in fine form and voice, no hint of a drugged or disturbed state whatsoever
he really could have done with less as far as the choreograpy, the costuming, sets, scenery, etc. but that as not his way.he demanded and achieved excellence every time...
that's what was so enchanting, his all out committment to his fans...
this fan will miss him dearly...
typo---should be "that WAS NOT" his way..
But you see, that's just it. You weren't using your own judgement. You were using the insanity of Diane Dimond, Jane Velez-Mitchell, J. Randy Taraborelli and a host of other publicity-hungry ghouls who've fed you lie upon lie about Michael Jackson.
Francine, I believe Michael Jackson would have loved
to have had you on his team as his press agent.
Thank you for a well thought out and well written review.
"Sometimes for just a little while God lets
one of his Angels come to Earth to sing
to us and teach us how to love one another.
But then, of course, he calls them back to
Heaven ever so much too soon.
One such Angel was Michael Jackson."
I agree with you Francine. I saw the movie twice and will definitely see it again. What a thriller!
It is a bt chilling and the earth lost on this one. I think at least he should be nominated for the nobel peace prize on his strong stance on the earth. Winona.
Check out my thoughts at allgodschi
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