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This Is It (2009) movie poster

Characters & Themes

This Is It (2009) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2009 · 111 min · Spanish
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Directed by
Kenny Ortega
Starring
Michael Jackson

This documentary provides a revealing look at Michael Jackson’s preparations for his comeback concert series at London’s O2 Arena. Featuring extensive behind-the-scenes footage, it captures the meticulous creative process of a legendary artist. Viewers gain unprecedented access to over 100 hours of rehearsal footage, witnessing Jackson’s dedication as he perfects his iconic songs and stage production, offering a unique insight into his artistry and vision.

On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (1)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like This Is It
  8. 8 Every angle
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1 main characters · contains spoilers

This Is It Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of This Is It (2009), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Michael Jackson

    Michael Jackson, often referred to as the 'King of Pop,' is depicted as a passionate and dedicated artist striving for perfection in his performances. His charisma, talent, and innovative ideas shine throughout the rehearsal footage, showcasing his influential role in the music industry.

    • 🎤 Singer
    • 🌟 Icon
    • 🎭 Performer

Last updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:39

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Setting

Where and When Does This Is It Take Place?

The setting of This Is It (2009): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

2000s

This film is set during the late 2000s, a period characterized by a significant evolution in music and concert experiences. It reflects the transition from traditional live performances to elaborate productions that incorporate advanced technology and multimedia elements.

Location

Los Angeles, California

The movie primarily takes place in Los Angeles, a vibrant city known for its rich music and entertainment industry. Famous for Hollywood and its iconic venues, Los Angeles serves as a backdrop for Michael Jackson's grand concert preparations, emphasizing the city's blend of creativity and performance.

  • 🌆 City
  • 🎤 Music Venue

Last updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:39

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3 major themes

This Is It Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is This Is It (2009) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Music & Performance

    The film showcases the passion and artistry of music and performance, focusing on Michael Jackson's rehearsal process for his concert series. It highlights the dedication required behind the scenes to bring vibrant music to life on stage.

  • Environmental Awareness

    Through the performance of 'Earth Song,' the film addresses critical themes of environmental awareness and the impact of humanity on the planet. Jackson's message resonates with concerns about global warming and the importance of preserving nature.

  • Legacy

    A prominent theme in the film is Michael Jackson's enduring legacy as the 'King of Pop.' The footage not only illustrates his artistic genius but also serves as a tribute to his influence on music and culture, celebrating his lasting impact on fans worldwide.

Last updated: December 31, 2024 at 17:39

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Character & theme questions

This Is It Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about This Is It (2009): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where was Michael Jackson preparing to perform in This Is It?

Michael Jackson was preparing to perform his concert series at London's O2 Arena. While the documentary primarily shows rehearsal footage filmed in Los Angeles, the concerts themselves were scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena in London.

  • o2 arena
  • london
  • concert venue
  • performance location
Q2

When does This Is It take place?

The film is set in the late 2000s, specifically during Michael Jackson's final rehearsals in 2009. This period marks a significant era in music where elaborate concert productions began incorporating advanced technology and multimedia elements.

  • 2009
  • late 2000s
  • era
  • time period
  • rehearsals
Q3

What does Michael Jackson's 'Earth Song' represent in the film?

In This Is It, 'Earth Song' serves as a powerful statement on environmental awareness. The performance addresses themes of climate change, deforestation, and humanity's impact on the planet, reflecting Michael Jackson's commitment to using his music for social commentary.

  • earth song
  • environmental
  • climate change
  • nature
  • message
Q4

How does This Is It portray Michael Jackson's legacy?

The documentary celebrates Michael Jackson's enduring status as the 'King of Pop' by showcasing his artistic genius and innovative vision. It serves as a tribute to his profound influence on music and culture, preserving his lasting impact on fans worldwide through his meticulous creative process.

  • king of pop
  • legacy
  • influence
  • cultural impact
  • artist
Q5

What city does This Is It take place in?

This Is It primarily takes place in Los Angeles, the city at the heart of the entertainment industry. Los Angeles serves as the backdrop for Jackson's intensive rehearsals, emphasizing the city's association with creativity and world-class performances.

  • los angeles
  • california
  • setting
  • location
  • rehearsal studio
Q6

What are the main themes explored in This Is It?

The film explores several key themes including music and performance, environmental awareness through 'Earth Song,' and Michael Jackson's legacy as an artist. It highlights the passion and dedication behind the scenes required to bring elaborate stage productions to life.

  • themes
  • music
  • performance
  • artistry
  • creativity
Q7

What does This Is It reveal about Michael Jackson as an artist?

This Is It reveals Michael Jackson as a meticulous perfectionist with an innovative artistic vision. The footage showcases his charisma, creative genius, and demanding standards as he perfects his choreography, music, and stage production for his comeback concerts.

  • artist
  • perfectionist
  • creative vision
  • choreography
  • rehearsal process
Q8

What kind of concert experience did Michael Jackson plan for his This Is It shows?

Michael Jackson planned an elaborate, technology-driven concert experience for his This Is It series. The production incorporated advanced multimedia elements, sophisticated choreography, and intricate stage design, representing the evolution from traditional live performances to high-tech spectacle productions.

  • concert production
  • stage design
  • multimedia
  • technology
  • performance

Movie threads

More Movies Like This Is It, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes This Is It tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Bittersweet Legacy Documentaries like This Is It

Behind-the-scenes looks at iconic artists, tinged with the sadness of what might have been. Discover movies like 'This Is It' that explore the final creative endeavors of iconic artists. If you enjoyed the mix of celebratory rehearsal footage and poignant context in this Michael Jackson documentary, you'll find similar stories of artistic genius and bittersweet legacies here.

  • documentary
  • behind-the-scenes
  • bittersweet
  • reverent
  • melancholic
  • celebratory
  • Tone: hopeful, bittersweet, reverent
  • Pacing: steady, observational
Why these movies?

The story pattern: Stories in this thread follow a linear, often behind-the-scenes path, documenting an artist's intense preparation for a major project. The narrative is built on a foundation of incredible creative energy and dedication, but is shadowed by the viewer's knowledge of an impending, often tragic, conclusion that gives the artistry a deeper, more sorrowful meaning.

Why they belong together: Movies are grouped here because they share a specific emotional recipe: a hopeful and energetic tone focused on creation, combined with a bittersweet or melancholic undertone born from real-world context. They provide a unique, reverent look at genius while carrying a significant emotional weight.

Movies about High-Stakes Creative Process like This Is It

Stories driven by the intense, passionate pursuit of artistic excellence. Explore films similar to 'This Is It' that capture the intense energy and dedication of a creative process. If you were fascinated by the behind-the-scenes look at Michael Jackson's perfectionism and the high-stakes preparation for a major show, you'll enjoy these stories of artistic ambition.

  • dedicated
  • perfectionism
  • energetic
  • behind-the-scenes
  • passionate
  • artistic vision
  • Tone: hopeful, dedicated, passionate
  • Pacing: steady, building
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative pattern revolves around the journey of creation, often leading up to a major event like a concert or performance. The primary tension is not external danger but the internal pressure of achieving perfection, managing a large team, and overcoming logistical and artistic challenges under a tight deadline.

Why they belong together: These movies share a high-intensity vibe derived from creative passion rather than physical action. They feature a steady pacing that builds anticipation, a hopeful tone centered on problem-solving and vision, and a deep focus on the details and sacrifices involved in ambitious artistry.

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Movies Like This Is It

Similar movies to This Is It: the same genre, themes or kind of story. Each one comes with its own plot summary, timeline and ending explained.

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Every angle

This Is It (2009) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about This Is It in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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