Pause here to imagine my handsome little bespectacled, bird-legged, pale-skinned, red-headed nephew busting a move in an aisle along with Michael on the big screen. Doesn't it just make you feel like all is right with the world?
I never made it to This Is It while it was in the theaters. But in a fit of dizzying boredom, I watched it this past Sunday afternoon.
But really, Michael Jackson, for the first time, the impact of you being gone hit me. There will not be anymore allegations of child abuse, any more strange interviews with news reporters, no more reports of erratic behavior. But more importantly, there won't be any more music. Or dancing. Or performing. And that brings with it a sadness even the staunchest of your detractors must admit to having.
Performing was where Michael seemed to be most comfortable. As I watched this documentary of concert rehearsals and listened to Michael interact with his dancers and production crew, I realized that version of Michael is the one most of us love and appreciate. And probably the version of Michael we're all grateful to hold onto in his death.
He seemed so at ease, so in control of himself -- so unlike the version of Michael we've seen on Oprah or Barbara Walters. It was always so painful watching him deal with his insecurities while using conversation to communicate who he was. But put him on a stage, give him a mic, and turn up "Jam," and it was like 25 years hadn't passed. How could that man who showed such ease as a performer be the same weirdo who dangled his baby over a German hotel balcony?
It was hard to not feel happy while watching This Is It, because that's exactly what was coming through in the performances -- happiness.
1 comment:
And we will have to live knowing that we will never get to attend one of his concerts... and I'll never get to take Adam to one of his concerts. (Sad face insert here)
His was a genius that can not be equalled. Even if Adam thinks he can grow up and be The Second Michael Jackson.
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