Sixty (60) million dollars that's what Sony Pictures paid to buy the rights to the documentary film; I thought that was cheap too. In its opening weekend, the film grossed $23 million; that makes it the 5 th highest-earning film for Halloween debut movies. "With the film's current worldwide revenue gross of over $144 million, the film is the highest grossing concert movie in history" (Wikipedia).
No surprise there, and I'm not really impressed by that. There must be something deeper. Writing about "This Is It", Sony Pictures refers to the late Michael Jackson as "singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, creative genius, and great artist..."
Had I not seen the movie, those would have just been nothing but flattering verbiage and a sales pitch. But then Miss Harriet and I decided to see the movie as part of our celebration for paying off a debt.
Two hours later, my perception of Michael Jackson had been highly upgraded. Before seeing "This Is It", my highest opinion of Michael Jackson was limited to his singing and dancing skills. He was the moon-walk master. Nothing more. As for his landmark superb music videos, I somehow believed that some behind-the-scene unknowns had always been the creative genius behind those incredible movie-like music videos. To me, MJ was a dancing puppet.
I don't think that anymore. I learned the following important lessons from the movie.
First, to appreciate the big picture, I must pay attention to the little things. Michael was on top of every important minute detail that added to the value of the perfect show that the concert would have been.
Second, in life I must refuse average, mediocrity and good enough. Those who work with me, live with me or look up to me deserve nothing less than my pursuit of quality and excellence in each role and assignment.
Third, I must be devoted to hard work. Age or being out of circulation even for years is no excuse for becoming lazy. At age 50 and not having done an album or concert for years, Michael Jackson dared to dance with his back against the floor and his legs dangling in the air. What work ethic! As long as one is alive and in good health, one must show timeless and tireless dedication to the task at hand.
Fourth, I must not commit to a cause or assignment, unless I can execute it with passion, which is competent zeal. The documentary shows that Michael did his thing with all his heart, holding nothing back that was needed to make "This Is It" the best concert of his career as the music star.
Fifth, it is not enough to be a star; I must breed stars. Michael Jackson the mega star was so unselfish. For me, a high point in the movie was when Michael said repeatedly to a lesser known female guitarist, "It's your time to shine." Then Michael acted on his words by walking away from the spotlight to let the guitar girl have the stage all to herself. And mine, did that girl shine?!
Sixth, life offers no rehearsals; I must treat practice or preparation as the real thing. During rehearsals, Michael did not scant on his energy; he did not save his best for the real concert. Instead, he treated the practice sessions as though his crowds of fans were present. He did this, not knowing, as far as we know, that these dress rehearsals would be made into a movie.
Truly I can say my wife and I bought two movie tickets and entered the cinema expecting a casual, social time together. OK, it was a date night with thoughts of romance, but we expected nothing more than entertainment. I won't speak for Miss Harriet, but throughout the movie, what I ended up having was a spiritual experience, actually, a motivational session about living life to the max. Passion for a cause. Quality outcome. Persistence towards excellence. Love for people. So for me, "This Is It." I will not look at my life, my work or my ministry quite the same way again.
You are a member of Mogama's Fan Club!
tweet this!
