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

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 | Music

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for some suggestive choreography and scary images

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 Corporation, The Michael Jackson Company, AEG Live

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The footage was originally intended for the private library of Michael Jackson. It was also to be used to help the concert's creative team analyze, review and alter aspects of the show before completion.

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Quotes

Michael Jackson: [to guitarist Orianthi Panagaris, encouraging her to play louder] This is your moment to shine.

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Crazy Credits

There are two scenes after the closing credits. The first was a clip of Michael rehearsing "Human Nature" a couple of weeks before his death. The other was a video of the little girl who appeared in "Earth Song" holding the earth with the words "Heal The World" above her, followed by Michael's signature, and his final message to his fans: "I love you."

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Connections

References Michael Jackson: Thriller (1983)

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Soundtracks

Heal the World
Written and Performed by Michael Jackson
Original master excerpt courtesy of MJJ Productions/Epic Records
By Arrangement with Sony Music Entertainment

User Reviews

Genius ?

This was a clear view into the intergral preperation of a concert by a complete genius. I was never a Michael Jackson fan, however, my wife was and since she was desperate to see the film I decided to accompany her. I was astounded. I could not believe this man in the film was the same person that is was always hounded by the press and made to look like the devil. He was by no means weird, ill health, or a drug user. If he was, he masked it very well. The film shows us what we are missing as far as the concert goes and what a pity, it would have been amazing! He seemed at ease, and so happy and normal while on stage, as if it was built to be his. You would never believe this was the ''freak'' that the world perceived him to be. Shame on those people. Genius at work, a perfectionist down the smallest detail and I think the film has captured this very well. What I liked a lot was the fact that the film was not concentrating on his death and tradegy, but solely on his concert, his music, and his geniality and it was a fitting tribute to one of the greatest musicians of our times. So I would urge anyone who has had any miss conceptions about the man to go see this, you like me will more than likely change your views on the man. RIP