Michael Jackson was many things, and when he died at 50, his demise was so sudden, and so much like the demise of Elvis, that inevitably comparisons will be made. For sure, had it not been for the Beatles, Michael Jackson would have been the greatest thing since Elvis, and in some ways he was greater than either of the aforementioned artists, not least because of his dancing. But if ever there was a cautionary tale of the toll that fame and fortune can take upon a sensitive soul, this is it. Fortunately, ‘This is It’ is not that story, but rather the story of the preparation and rehearsals for 50 sold out shows, that, it was hoped, would get the King of Pop out of indebtedness to his many creditors.
I went to this movie not knowing exactly what to expect, other than that I was going to hear a good deal of enjoyable music, a sort of video version of his greatest hits. But this movie was so much more than that, and the reviewers and audiences have now said as much, as it has topped the box office and the ‘tomatometer’ for a while. What do we learn about Michael Jackson at the cusp of his last days?
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Firstly we learn that he seemed perfectly fine. Though 50 he was dancing and singing like he always has, was in good shape, and was a cogent and careful, eve meticulous to a fault, preparer for these 50 shows. Unlike the closing years and months of Elvis’ life, Jackson showed no signs of what was to come, no signs of any drug use at all. Indeed, it looks increasingly like he was the victim of horrible medical malpractice— being administered far too much medicine to make him sleep.
Secondly, we learn how kind and appreciative he was of those who worked with him, all the musicians, dancers, crew and directors who were going to help him make his show perhaps the ‘greatest pop show on earth’, and undoubtedly one of the most expensive such productions. When you see the sets, and elaborate effects that were going into these shows, you will be amazed. It makes the last couple of U2 tours look like minimalism on stage.
Thirdly, the spirituality of Michael Jackson comes out clearly enough in this film, and what an emotional man he was as well. He was constantly ‘God blessing’ those who worked with him, and trying to coax them in a loving manner on to perfection in their performances. And the sheer joy especially in the face of the dancers who got to perform with him shows how much love was radiating in these rehearsals. The performers not merely loved performing, they loved performing with MJ and saw it as an honor. Indeed, at the very beginning of the film we have testimonials of some of the dancers as to what it meant to them to be chosen for these shows. One young man practically sees it as a conversion or salvation experience. Michael Jackson of course grew up Jehovah’s Witness and even went door to door incognito at times, but his piety was actually of a more universal and less sectarian sort.
Fourthly, the music still stands up to repeated listenings. Michael was indeed a child prodigy, and a musician genius in his own field, and a dance sensation in the bargain. It is beyond a tragedy that: 1) he was abused by his father; 2) was deprived of his childhood as his father relentlessly drove his boys to perform and make the family’s fortune; 3) compensated for this by withdrawing into a fantasy world, really never growing up, even at 50. Freud and Jung would have a had a field day with MJ, including with his two failed attempts at marriage and his many traumas, not the least of which was the horrible skin disease he contracted that led to all kinds of plastic surgery and turned him from black to white.
There are many things that one could be critical of when it comes to Michael Jackson, but not the creative, funky, often poignant music he wrote. Unfortunately the one new song in the movie, the title song ‘This is It’ is but a pale shadow of the rest of the music in the film, which is perhaps why it is only used for the trailer. Mr. Ortega who filmed this last hommage to Michael could not of course have known what was to come, but as it turns out, it is a fitting tribute to a controversial man who gave us a lot of joy and smiles, as well as some worries and concerns along the way. Somewhere Eddie Van Halen is playing that guitar riff for ‘Beat It’ and Vincent Price is reciting once more to Michael his rap for ‘Thriller’ in the realm in which they now reside.
Thanks for the good times and good tunes Michael. I hope now you may rest in peace.
posted November 10, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Thanks so much for the review
I saw the movie and I couldnt believe how nuch kindness he had in him
All ceo’s should watch the movie to know how to treat thier staff
God bless you sir
posted November 11, 2009 at 4:46 am
{{Michael Jackson of course grew up Jehovah’s Witness and even went door to door incognito at times, but his piety was actually of a more universal and less sectarian sort.}}
What is it that produced ‘wacko jacko’?
I think it had a lot to do with Watchtower indoctrination,putting him on their end of the world apocalyptic Armageddon guilt trips.
80% of all kids in the USA leave the Jehovah Witness religion when they become of age,that is telling.
I watched him growing up in an Orwellian Watchtower world that paralleled mine.
(He died a converted Muslim,after the Jehovah’s Witnesses had disfellowshipped him )
Tell the truth
posted November 11, 2009 at 6:41 am
Micheal did more for people through his music than he ever could do being a Jehovah’s Hypocrite. If Jehovah’s Witnesses spent as much time actually loving and caring for people instead of acting like a sledge hammer with their bible bashing. Jesus said knowledge is useless if not practised. Micheal really cared that is what counts, he put into practise what was in his heart.
posted November 11, 2009 at 6:57 am
Hi Susan and Steve:
I must confess I did not know the story of his being a convert to Islam, but I quite understand and agree with your concerns about the effect being a JW had on Michael. The evidence however suggests that the stronger negative impact came from his relationship with his father.
BW3
posted November 11, 2009 at 1:10 pm
Hopefully Katherine Michael’s Mom doesn’t drag his kids into her cult. As odd as her family is, it’s no surprise since they grew up with Watch Tower indoctrination where many who leave the cult without proper knowledge of it’s past have major problems of guilt and depression. Many who leave have their lives ruined by imbalances due to suppression of real world experiences by the Watchtower cult.
Any Watch Tower follower owes it to themselves to research their religions history and scandals, not from whitewashed Proclaimers book from from their old publications or from many court documents that show the true nature of the cult. After all, who in a cult knows they’re in a cult? No one! If one cannot question openly a leader (governing body in this case) without a fear of punishment one should realize that they are in a CULT!!!!
http://www.freeminds.org
posted November 11, 2009 at 3:54 pm
People are responsible for their own behavior. Though I have hope for Michael to be with Jesus in Paradise, bad fruit isn’t always the trees fault. Especially when its not ‘on’ the tree.
Watchtower journey (history) was for the purpose of acquiring truth, and has been blessed.
Treat Watchtower like a tree. Look at its ‘own’ leaves in order to assess its condition. We have brochures on every hot under the collar subject. Regards. Margaret
posted November 11, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Actually Michael Jackson stated in his updated 2009 will that if anything should happen to him, his mother should take care of his children. And he specifically stated he wanted them raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses. So in spite of the fact that he left the Witnesses, he apparently saw some good in the Christian group that he was raised in. Even after leaving them, he once spoke favorably of them, mentioning how he went door to door preaching. Whether or not his children decide to become Witnesses is up to them to decide when they become 18, as LaToya Jackson mentioned in an interview.
Regarding the Witnesses being a cult and that they should read other historical documents about themselves: Many who have converted to the Witness Christian group have already read several anti-Witness books, claiming they have the true history of the Witnesses. Thinking they were prepared to handle the Witnesses at the door, they were impressed by their Bible knowledge, and the explanations they were given. After studying with them, and comparing what the some anti-Witness literature, including some written by Ex-Witnesses, with what they really teach, they have concluded that the Witnesses are telling the truth, and that they represent the true Christian congregation, and are basically a resurgence of what 1st century Christianity was. They see in the Jehovah’s Witnesses congregation that they really is true love among themselves. (John 13:35)
posted November 12, 2009 at 2:39 am
The ordinary JW folk are probably salt of the Earth types but the top of their pyramid is another story all together.
Sorry!
But when a religion has to call itself ‘The Truth’ then they have definitely got something to hide…..a big fat Lie usually!
Michael Jackson was baptized into the Jehovah’s Witnesses around 1973-74 at a California JW convention
The Jehovah’s Witnesses disfellowshipped (kicked out to be shunned) after they did their work on him.
Rest in Peace Michael.
Google *Jehovah Witness Watchtower * for a million pages that expose their cult-like harmful practices.
70-80% of all kids raised in this cult LEAVE because it is so abusive
I am the same age as MJ and grew up Jehovah Witness.
Been there!
posted November 12, 2009 at 2:47 am
The Jehovah’s Witnesses arranged to have Michael Jackson *quietly disfellowshipped* aka *disassociated* because his antics when he was at his lowest wasn’t good for Watchtower society promotion.
LOOK-The JW messed him all up in the first place,now their shills will try to squirm out of it.
He died a Muslim so this is telling on how he did NOT want to return to the Watchtower.
Michael Jackson Jehovah’s Witnesses chronicles
http://dannyhaszard.com/death_of_michael_jackson.htm
Now,lets move on from that and praise his life and music.
posted November 12, 2009 at 4:26 am
The only thing I would like to contribute here is that Michael DID NOT die a Muslim. He did not convert to ANY specific religion. He remained faithful– believing in God, but he was not affiliated with any specific religion. This has been confirmed by both siblings, Jermaine and LaToya Jackson, as well as Michael’s make-up artist, Karen Faye.
posted November 12, 2009 at 5:38 pm
What “updated 2009 will?” There’s no such will and you’re all being judgmental, even the author of this article. You obviously know nothing about Michael Jackson but what you read in medialoid (mainstream media infected by tabloid journalism). Just say “No!” to all the lies about Michael Jackson and listen to his own words and writings about who he was as a man, father, friend, son and brother.
posted November 13, 2009 at 5:03 am
Michal Jackson was a well famous personality of the word.Every music lovers know his name.There is so shocking news that he is not still alive.He was so great and millions of fans of his.
posted November 16, 2009 at 2:40 pm
The best way to disarm a Jehovah’s Witness is to have them turn to John 1:1 in their (mistranslated) Bible and then show them John 1:1 in a properly translated Bible.
posted November 19, 2009 at 2:11 pm
MJ was not my favorite singer. I am 52 and grew up at the same time the Jackson 5 was very hip. I don’t judge him either way. MJ was what MJ was. As for JW’s, all I can say is we will all know someday what the real truth is. In the mean time, just wait. You’ll know as it is known.
posted November 20, 2009 at 5:21 am
I was raised Baptist all my life but I consider myself in my own heart a non-denominational Christian. I have prayed the sinners prayer and been baptized. In my heart…I honestly do not feel that God judges us for “what religion” we are. I think he knows our heart individually by the fruit we bare. I KNOW Michael proved is fruitfulness!! Was he perfect…of course not!!! But thank God we are forgiven because WE ALL FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD!!! I strongly disagree for the crotch grabbing he did but know that God is a forgiving God without doubt. His lyrics do mention of “faith” as he refers to “where is the creed” creed means to take a strong stand in your Christian belief if you go dictionary.com. Also Michael mentions “what about apathy?” meaning the lack of concern or lack of interest. (refering to people suffering/especially children) Michael had such a strong love for children and the Bible does state “Come to me like a child” We are all different in individual ways and it sure would be boring if everyone was the same. I’m referring to Michael sleeping w/ children but you know what? I strongly see his point…I love sleeping with my kids and watching them sleep and snore and drool and hearing them grunt and I even enjoy smelling their terrible breath in the a.m. Yes they r my kids but Michael in my opinion was HONEST enough to admit that he shared his bed but he himself slept on the floor and said that their would have been no wrong if he DID sleep in the same bed with them. I know this took courage to admit something like this. I don’t belive God would have us to argue which religion is right or wrong…but our main focus should be to honor, praise, witness of our Heavenly Father and leave the rest up to him. We are all (myself certainly included) full of sin that how could we be pure enough to have a clear and OPEN MIND about what is “THE CORRECT RELIGION”! I do wish I had been one that could have met him; it would have been an honor in my opinion but no comparrison to meeting our Savior of course!!!!! I do hope Michael is in Heaven and singing up a storm!!! Check out Heraldo’s interview with him…Michael gives credit to God for helping so many people. I am going to share a personal fact of myself for everyone to view…I was deeply saddened to hear of his death…after I saw “This Is It” I was moved to hear of his “God Bless You” over and over especially when the male dancers cheered Michael on for the crotch thing and it was almost as if he was ashamed because he very humbly says again “God bless you” I hope you are in Heaven, Michael and hope that all that read my entry will examine their own heart and “MAKE THAT CHANGE” lET’S BE KIND 2 1 ANOTHER, LOOK IN THE MIRROR, START WITH OURSELVES, DONT WAIT 4 OUR NEIGHBOR 2 MAKE THE CHANGE! I know I have been more patient with my teenager and 4 yr old. I have not purchased them a Christmas gift yet but have purchased for three needy children. I am sending in a hundred dollars to samaritanspurse.org (Billy and Franklin Graham relief to the hungry) I am setting up for monthly contributions to come out of my account, not $100 but something. HEY CHRISTIANS…LETS MAKE SOME NOISE AND MAKE THAT CHANGE!!! I hope you r resting in peace, Michael!!!!!!!!! I love you all who read this and hope you see the need to love God!!!!!!!!!
posted November 20, 2009 at 8:33 pm
WELL SAID…HE WAS A GENIUS FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE END OF HIS LIFE. HE GAVE 110% ALL THE TIME AND WE, WHO RECEIVED HIS LOVE THROUGH HIS MUSIC, WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL. DEATH HOPEFULLY WILL BRING HIM A PEACE THAT LIFE DID NOT OFFER HIM. REST IN PEACE MICHAEL. BLESS YOU!
posted November 22, 2009 at 5:22 am
If Michael Jackson’s kids are recruited/converted to Jehovah’s Witnesses it could mean high profile *publicity* for the Watchtower as the Children won’t be celebrating Christmas (which they have big plans for this year) won’t be trick or treating at Halloween (which they have done this year too).
They won’t be saluting the Flag in School celebrating Thanksgiving,their own or any one else’s birthdays and if they have God forbid physical injury trauma that requires an emergency *whole blood* transfusion the Watchtower propaganda on bloodless surgeries won’t save them.
They will also be forced to go door knocking with the Watchtower’s false Gospel of Jesus return to power in 1914 and the Armageddon destruction of all 6 billion plus non-Jehovah’s Witnesses.
JW recruiters & promoters be careful what you wish for.
All the best
http://www.freeminds.org
posted November 23, 2009 at 7:42 am
Please know that by reading God’s word, not the Jehovah version that without faith in Jesus there is no salvation, without belief in the Holy Spirit, there is no connection to God. Jehovah Witnesses believe that belief in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit is paganism, therefore do not believe in Christ or the Holy Spirit. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are ONE. It is difficult to believe until one receives Jesus as the Savior, but it is the only way to the Father. Jesus is not a spirit being, He is God incarnate. By reading the Bible,not the Watchtower, really reading it and praying, you will find the power of prayer to Jesus Christ through which all things were made. Works will not bring one closer to God, rules and laws (no blood, no holidays etc.) will bring one closer to God, only belief in our gentle Savior. There is NO religion that accomplishes this, in fact the only time Jesus became angry in the New Testament was at the “religious” people of the time. Please know that Jesus is the way, not religion.