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"This is It" Showcases the Genius of a Cultural Icon
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Photo courtesy of singerpictures.com
"This is It" took box offices by storm this past weekend even beating out customary Halloween fare.
As this, "Origins of the Moonwalk" YouTube video that made the rounds soon after his death shows, Michael Jackson had many artistic influences, just as he had influenced so many.
At one point during "This is It", a choreographer who works with his dancers informed that the famous MJ crotch grab they were doing was "Russian" and demonstrated the connection between Baryshnikov 's moves and the choreography for Michael Jackson's concert.
Rather than enter the debate about whether Michael Jackson looked healthy or sickly, I will say what anyone could see: he really knew his stuff. Testimonials from those who worked with him on what was to his farewell concert series attest to this. He is seen consulting with staff about visuals, music and dance moves. He had very specific ideas about what he wanted and while I may not have been able to say why there was a need to add a few more bars here or wait for his cue there, just seeing rehearsals made it clear that he knew what it took to put on a great show.
From what "This is It" shows, it takes a village to create a live show event. The people involved were all the cream of the crop because as was mentioned, they had to be extensions of Jackson. For fans the movie is a treat because you get to hear new arrangements and see new video treatments of Jackson's songs.
It was evident that he took his work seriously, but not so seriously that he did not have a good time. As much as he wanted to save his voice, he couldn't keep himself from singing "I Just Can't Stop Loving You," because the adoration of the dancers and crew cheering him on was too hard to resist. At the end of one practice session, the lights fade and before they are completely gone, you can see Jackson smiling.
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