VOA标准英语2009年-Michael Jackson Returns in 'This Is It'

By Penelope Poulou
Washington
31 October 2009

 
Michael Jackson in the new movie "This is It"
Four months after Michael Jackson's sudden death, a film on his final days has opened around the globe. The movie called "This Is It" will play for two weeks only but may be extended.

The film, part documentary part musical concert, is based on Jackson's rehearsals¹ for his London stage performances. They were scheduled for July but cancelled because of his untimely death.

Director, producer Kenny Ortega stitched together the 2-hour film from 120 hours of behind the scenes footage. "This is like a little backstage pass, a private peak into a creative process of a great genius," he says.

Jackson is electrifying². His moves are sharp. His musical sensibility flawless. His rhythm is so precise he's like a metronome.

Jackson was plagued by scandal, debt and rumors³ of failing health, and many questioned whether he could pull off a grand comeback.

But according to Ortega, Jackson envisioned his concerts as his crowning achievement, the spectacle to end all spectacles. "We had new technology with video, costuming, lighting⁴ with sound, with pyrotechnics. I came to know very quickly that Michael liked things hotter, bigger, louder," he says.

The film shows Jackson in top shape. Immersed in his work, he was the creative spirit behind a supercharged production showcasing the hits of a lifetime.

People waited in line for hours, in the rain, outside a Washington DC movie theater, hoping for tickets to the only screening before the sold-out premiere.

They were not disappointed.

On its opening day worldwide, the film topped the box office, raking in $66.6 million. But it's not only about money. The movie reaffirms Jackson's genius and gives a glimpse of his comeback, had there been one. Fan or no fan, one leaves the theater heartbroken at the loss.

1 rehearsals   

n.练习( rehearsal的名词复数 )；排练；复述；重复

参考例句：

• The earlier protests had just been dress rehearsals for full-scale revolution. 早期的抗议仅仅是大革命开始前的预演。
• She worked like a demon all through rehearsals. 她每次排演时始终精力过人。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 electrifying   

v.使电气化( electrify的现在分词 )；使兴奋

参考例句：

• The dancers gave an electrifying performance. 舞蹈演员们的表演激动人心。
• The national orchestra gave an electrifying performance of classic music. 国家交响乐团举行了一次古典音乐的震撼性演出。 来自辞典例句

3 rumors   

n.传闻( rumor的名词复数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷v.传闻( rumor的第三人称单数 )；[古]名誉；咕哝；[古]喧嚷

参考例句：

• Rumors have it that the school was burned down. 有谣言说学校给烧掉了。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Rumors of a revolt were afloat. 叛变的谣言四起。 来自《简明英汉词典》

4 lighting   

n.照明，光线的明暗，舞台灯光

参考例句：

• The gas lamp gradually lost ground to electric lighting.煤气灯逐渐为电灯所代替。
• The lighting in that restaurant is soft and romantic.那个餐馆照明柔和而且浪漫。