The Greatest Showman, a classical story of an underdog
THE GREATEST SHOWMAN -2017- Dir. Michael Gracey//Starting: Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Hugh Zackman
The Greatest Showman, an American musical drama directed by Michael Gracey and written by Bill Condon and Jenny Bicks, is based on the true story of P.T. Barnum — a prominent showman, politician and businessman — who is well-known for founding the Barnum and Bailey Circus. The film brings the audience to the heart of mid-19th century New York: a rather immersive experience made possible through great lead actors such as Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, and our favorite, Wolverine Hugh Jackman. I would give the movie a rating of 95% for its excellent production as well as a theme that pulls on the heart strings of its spectators. The Great Showman is a film that embodies the ideals of acceptance and respect and is a quintessential example of a self-made, successful underdog: the message that lies behind the amazing story and acting is one that surely is not worth missing.
The movie first starts out with a bang as the famous showman P.T. Barnum dances and sings in a circus setting, but then fades and progresses chronologically, and starts out when P.T. Barnum and Charity Hallet, his soon to-be wife, are young children. While this part of the story is most likely a fantasization by Jenny Bick, the story writer, it sets an amazing precedence for the rest of the film that follows. The beginning screenplay portrays a love story between P.T. Barnum, a poor boy who lost his father, and Charity Hallet, the daughter of a well-to-do businessman. Charity’s parents who believe that P.T. Barnum is terribly incompetent to marry their daughter, do not approve of the relationship. Soon the movie progresses to their adulthood, where they finally marry and happily settle in a humble apartment in New York, eventually having two daughters. However, their normal life takes a turn when Barnum is fired from his work. He strongly believes that this is not the life that he promised Charity, although she herself proclaims that she has all that she wanted. Their lives take a turn when Barnum decides to take a $300,000 loan and buy a Wax Museum, which turns into a great success as a circus. Later, Barnum manages to contact Jenny Lind, a world-famous vocalist, and promises to pay her a hefty amount per concert of the tour beforehand. But Jenny leaves the tour uncompleted, and leaves Barnum in a financial crisis. Just about the same time, the museum he left behind home has burned down. Through the help of the old circus group, who had felt betrayal at first when Barnum left, helped make Barnum realize that his true happiness came from his family, because they were his true dream.
The messages that lies behind the storyline of this film is powerful and worthwhile knowing. It preaches the values of acceptance and respect, as well as the values of an underdog. Barnum had given the so-called “freaks” a home, the circus. They face adversity by those who call them “freaks” and discriminate against them, but they are able to endure it because they have a family. Barnum is directed to these group of people as a joke by a cynic, but he seeks these people for his show. The relationship that Barnum creates with the circus crew demonstrate the need for respect and love despite minor differences, and the show that Barnum creates prove that every talent has a place in the show biz. However, Barnum himself is also a subject of discrimination, because he is the agent who sought these people. A faction of protestors treats them disrespectfully because of the respect and love that they receive from spectators. Here, the audience clearly understand that Barnum is an underdog. He made everything he had from nothing. Despite the strong adversity and objection he faced, he kept going. He was, by definition, a competitor who was thought to have little chance to win, as Charity’s parents portrayed. However, with a loan from a bank — signed with a fake collateral — he was able to reach his dreams as a successful showman and businessman.
The musical number is another component of the film that is quite appalling and sets itself apart from other films, which includes: The Greatest Show, A Million Dreams, Come Alive, The Other Side, Never Enough, This Is Me, Rewrite the Stars, Tightrope, From Now On. These songs truly guide the audience to fully appreciate the film’s purpose. Through each song, an audience member is able to understand the emotions that the writer sought to portray. It is an instrument of expression that plays a significant role in the plot of the story as well, because it makes it easier for the audience to understand the significant parts of the story. The songs also have a catchy tune to it, which keeps the audience immersed.
All in all, the movie exhibits the important themes of love and respect. It also provides its audience with a quintessential example of an underdog: P.T. Barnum. Even in the face of adversity and despair, one can always find a small candle that can light up a dark room. The plot is followed by several musical compositions that serve to entertain the audience as well as add more meaning to the movie’s circus setting.
Michael Gracey’s The Great Showman is a 9.5/10.
