Michael’s Friends’ Thoughts on TII

Experts believe this film is unlike any movie released in the past, and for that reason they can’t make a precise and accurate prediction about how successful it will be at the box office. Sony has protected this film like a pearl in an oyster until its release. Critics haven’t seen it, and journalists last week—before the press conference with the film’s creators—were only able to watch 12 minutes of it. Experts say the film’s box office success depends on how well Michael appears on screen.

Journalists who saw pieces of the film have written that Michael was at his peak and that his voice and singing were as astonishing as ever.

As mentioned earlier, Elizabeth Taylor and Miko Brando (the son of the late Marlon Brando) witnessed a private screening of the film in one of Sony’s theaters. Elizabeth, on her Twitter page, ended her silence about the film, and Miko also talked about it in an interview with Larry King:

Miko Brando:

A few weeks ago, Elizabeth Taylor called me and asked if I wanted to go with her to watch an exclusive screening of This Is It. Well, how could you refuse such an offer? She and Michael were wonderful friends, and Michael always had Elizabeth by his side, and that’s how we all spent a lot of time together. There was love, respect, and mutual admiration between them.

Lady Elizabeth fell in love with the film, and I did too. It was as if Michael was there, present. Of course, it was a little scary and very emotional for me. Thank God I had a Kleenex tissue with me.

The film describes the months of work Michael did on the rehearsals for the This Is It concerts. There’s a whole lot of behind-the-scenes footage of him during the process. Michael’s fans will truly enjoy this film. His creative talent is completely evident in it. It proves that he was ready to begin. He was there—just a few days before going to London and performing 50 concerts there. He was 50 years old, but he looks amazing and his voice is great. A genius in every sense.

This film shows that Michael was a normal person. He went to work and did his job, and his work was a little different. The film also shows that he was truly phenomenal.

My favorite part in the film is when he performs Human Nature on stage. I don’t know why, but I always liked the way he performed this song live, and I still love it.

He looks so energetic on screen.

As much as I enjoyed the film, watching it was hard for me too. I still can’t watch my father’s films. It’s really hard for me. I feel the same about Michael. Watching a man I spent years with is hard for me—someone who was part of my life and is no longer with me. In recent years, I’ve lost many people.

I’ve heard that some people say that a Michael look-alike was used in scenes of this film. I’m telling you that’s not true. I was there for all the rehearsals. It was all Michael himself. It was Michael Jackson himself, and only Michael Jackson. They’re just trying to create stupid stories.

I think after people watch the film, they leave the cinema saying, ‘Wow! Oh my God!’ because he’s a genius, and this film gives a rare look at this genius. You can’t take your eyes off him because he has electricity. I’m proud of the film, and I’m sure he’s proud too.

Elizabeth Taylor:

Last week, I had the honor of watching This Is It. I had sworn to keep the secret until Monday, but now I can talk to you about this film. It’s the most unique and brilliant behind-the-scenes film I’ve ever seen. It shows Michael’s genius in every aspect of his power of initiative and creativity. Calling this man a genius is an understatement. He puts the notes in the cradle and caresses the music beyond reality.

I cried from the pure joy I felt from the gift of his God-given talent. No one will ever be like him, not even for eternity. And we have this piece of film to remind us, again and again, that such a man once lived. God kissed him. God gave him relief and didn’t waste it—he loved it with everything. Michael knew how to put musical notes together, every small and delicate piece, and create magic with them. The word ‘genius’ is too small for him. I wish words could express what I feel.

You owe it to yourself—and to those you love—to watch this film again and again. Remember it and tell yourself, ‘I saw a genius in my lifetime.’ I loved a genius while he was alive. God was very kind to me. I will always love Michael with all my heart, and you will too—even if you don’t feel that way right now.

I hope my words aren’t taken as anything other than humility. I’m sure you know what I mean. But go and watch this film again and again. I wanted to repeat this.

I love you. I remember that Michael loved you. He was completely up to date—and so is the message that exists in his songs. If you pay attention to the lyrics, the words are like a modern-day prophet’s plea, begging us to listen to him and to what he is asking us to hear. I don’t use the word ‘sermon’ because it’s unpleasant, but listen—hear his message. Listen to the message in Black Or White, Man In The Mirror, and the inspiration behind We Are The World. We must take his message about responsibility seriously. We can’t waste his life. He always lived with love. Remember this. Remember him, and thank God for having him and for his genius.

Kenny Ortega did a masterful job. You see Michael’s work from A to Z in this film. Michael is a genius when working with dancers. Mr. Ortega captured Michael in different moods and states. You will see it with your own eyes. Michael’s genius becomes visible to you thanks to Kenny Ortega and his team’s efforts in this film.

I truly believe this film should be nominated for awards in every field that you can imagine.

Source: eMJey / AP / larrykinglive.blogs.cnn.com / twitter.com/DameElizabeth