"This Is It"

Nov 11, 2009 17:51

Geo and I went to see the Michael Jackson movie This Is It this afternoon.

The man was a brilliant artist. Absolutely amazing. I'm not entirely sure genius would be an overstatement.

I remember why I loved his music back in the day. I might have to get the soundtrack to this when it comes out, because a lot of my favorites were in it.

It was really interesting to get this RL glimpse of him. This footage was not originally meant to be seen by the public. Some of it might have made it into a documentary or DVDs extras, but for the most part, it was intended for Michael's own archival purposes.

He was a perfectionist. He knew exactly what he wanted, and would let you know if you weren't giving it to him.

At the same time, he seemed patient, with several refrains of "This is why we have rehearsals."

He used "God bless you" often. As a way of saying "thank you" or voicing his approval of something.

He used a lot of cooking or food metaphors in regards to his music: "Let it simmer." "I'm sizzling" (meaning he was pausing, savoring the moment, or letting the audience savor it). "Let it nourish you." Which I think is somewhat indicative of his relationship with his music . . . it was nourishment to his spirit.

With all the love songs he wrote, it's sad that he never found the woman (or couldn't keep her?) who would be that for him and he could be to her. (I hope that made sense.)

I loved that he had female guitarists, one of whom did the guitar solo in "Beat It" that was originally performed by Eddie Van Halen. And he wanted her to shine. "It's your time to shine, and we're right her with you." (Or something like that.)

And there was new Vincent Price recitation on "Thriller." Which must be old stuff that didn't get used (or got used after my musical interests changed), as Mr. Price passed away in 1993. Btw, "Thriller"? Would have been phenomenal. They were creating 3D film footage to play with the stuff going on on-stage.

If the bad stuff about MJ is true, this man was an excellent example of the complexity of the human psyche. Because I'm having a very hard time reconciling the man I saw on screen today with a man accused of what he was accused of. He was so passionate and so giving and yes, there was a glimpse of a childlike glee a couple of times.

And he was 50! And still moved like he was 20. Watching him on screen, it's hard to believe he's dead.

The show would have been truly amazing. I would have loved to see the finished Thriller number.

Truly an enjoyable piece of filmmaking. And I'm glad Geo came to see it with me. I've figure out that half the fun, for me, of seeing a movie is sharing it with someone and discussing it afterward.

geo, music, michael jackson, anniversary, movies, life

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