The truth in chapters of our minds

I have never been the most dedicated fan of Michael Jackson, in either his music or in his personal life and choices. I can remember that Michael Jackson was the first song that I recorded to a cassette tape from my radio and that the first tape I purchased for myself was Dangerous. In his later years, and my early adulthood, I felt that he had made great mistakes, mistakes that as an advocate of children I could not condone. In both cases I came late to his music stylings and lifestyle. One thing, however, that I did not come late to was his greatest film role, Captain EO.Captain EO, the special effects laden film featuring Michael Jackson and Anjelica Huston was directed by Francis Ford Coppola and produced by George Lucas. The feature opened to the public on September 12, 1986 at EPCOT Center as part of the Imagination pavilion, it would go on to have a successful world tour at Disneyland, Tokyo Disneyland, and EuroDisney. I can remember the first time I saw the film, I dove under my seat at the first signs of the Supreme Leader. The only things that could coax me back to my seat and to peak through my clenched fingers were the beats and Michael Jackson’s vocals of We Are Here to Change the World. Between his space-aged military jacket, rainbow powered shirt, and positive outlook as things became bleak, I was able to make it through that first, and subsequent, sittings.

Years later, as I began my search for Walt Disney World audio and video, Captain EO was certainly high on my list. You can view the entire film over at The Disney Blog.

Yesterday, Major Domo, Hooter, Fuzzball, Minor Domo, Idee and Odee lost their Captain. The larger world beyond lost a very tortured and conflicted individual. Whatever your personal feelings for the man were, Michael Jackson was a consummate entertainer and was one of the greatest forces music had ever seen. I hope that peace has finally found him. Now excuse me, I need to go belt out a few verses of We Are Here to Change the World.