This Is It (2009)

A compilation of interviews, rehearsals, and backstage footage of Michael Jackson as he prepared for his series of sold-out shows in London.

Director:

Kenny Ortega

Stars:

Michael Jackson, Alex Al, Alexandra Apjarova

7 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Michael Jackson	...	Self
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Alex Al	...	Self
Alexandra Apjarova	...	Self
Nick Bass	...	Self
Michael Bearden	...	Self
Irina Brecher	...	Self
Daniel Celebre	...	Self
Mekia Cox	...	Self
Miles Faber	...	Dancer at the Audition
Chris Grant	...	Self
Misha Gabriel Hamilton	...	Self
Judith Hill	...	Self
Dorian Holley	...	Self
Shannon Holtzapffel	...	Dancer
Devin Jamieson	...	Self

Storyline

In the weeks before his death, Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was rehearsing a show, "This Is It," that was to open in July. This film begins with a few of the auditioning dancers speaking to the camera about why they're trying out and what Jackson means to them. Then we plunge into rehearsals at Staples Center in Los Angeles. The film is arranged by musical number with pre-recorded material and footage from Jackson's various rehearsals edited together to take us through what would have been the concert's set list.

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Plot Keywords:

rehearsal | comeback | year 2009 | 2000s | reference to kenny ortega | 

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Taglines:

Discover The Man You Never Knew

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Genres:

Documentary | Drama | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images

Did You Know?

Trivia

Through most of the film, Michael Jackson is singing with half-voice, doing what singers call "marking" - rehearsing at a lower vocal volume so he can save his full voice for the actual performances. At least twice he tells his producers and technicians he's "conserving my voice," while they argue that they can't work out the vocal balances for the concert unless he sings at full voice. At the end of the song "The Way You Make Me Feel" you can hear Michael Jackson in full voice.

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Quotes

Michael Jackson: [singing] Billie Jean is not my lover.

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Crazy Credits

Additional Thanks to The Michael Jackson Fan Clubs Worldwide and everyone involved in the development and creation of "This Is It"

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Connections

Referenced in The Jay Leno Show: Episode #1.39 (2009)

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Soundtracks

Who Is It
Written and Performed by Michael Jackson

User Reviews

Great movie ... Hats off to MJ

Just came back from screening of this movie.

I went with very low expectation but it was really great movie. Lots of MJ songs and practice sessions.

His female guitarist was out of the world, simply superb.

I wish they had shown or MJ has performed some more of his stunts (moon walk, dance stunts etc etc)... so deducted 1 star for this...

MJ was so humble, I dint expect that from such a big start... I m really impressed with his behavior towards his troop :) I m not a big MJ fan.. and I was totally amazed by editing and quality of movie... I m pretty sure MJ fans would love this....

Hats off to MJ ... RIP....

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

28 October 2009 (USA)

Also Known As:

Michael Jackson's This Is It

Filming Locations:

Staples Center - 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$23,234,394, 1 November 2009

Gross USA:

$72,091,016

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$261,183,588

Company Credits

Production Co:

Columbia Pictures, The Michael Jackson Company, AEG Live

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1