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Quickie Movie Review: 'The Greatest Showman'

19th-century showman P.T. Barnum takes over the silver screen in this stunning movie-musical. But does it favour fantasy over fact in Barnum's pursuit for success?

By Cait CPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Above: Trapeze artist Anne Wheeler (Zendaya) twirls with playwright turned ringleader Philip Carlyle (Zac Efron)
"There's a sucker born every minute."

American showman P.T. Barnum is said to have expressed this particularly greedy phrase at some point in his career, although there is no significant evidence to prove it. Even so, it isn't too difficult to imagine the man who spent his lifetime promoting fraudulent acts and exploiting his troupe of misfits as having uttered this once or twice.

But that is not the Barnum Michael Gracey's movie-musical, The Greatest Showman aims to convey to its audience.

Instead, actor Hugh Jackman brings to life a P.T. Barnum whose passion and enthusiasm for showmanship creates a circus of brilliant attractions, begging the world to revel in the amazing spectrum of human ability rather than focus on perceived differences.

After having fiercely clawed his way out of a poor beginning, Barnum achieves massive success from his show in which such acts as the Bearded Lady, the Dogman, and sibling trapeze artists are put on display. He ignores consistently poor critical reviews from a particularly displeased critic and focuses on creating the most magnificent, awe-inspiring show he can summon.

All the while, his devoted wife Charity (Michelle Williams) pleads for him to enjoy what he's built for himself and appreciate all he's accomplished. Barnum, however, is desperate for more, risking his family, his fortune, and his friends in his pursuit for greatness.

The real P.T. Barnum made his fortune by exploiting misfits, going as far as enhancing their deformities or differences for the sake of entertainment. There was also a case in which he went on a year-long tour with an African-American woman he insisted was 161 years old, and the last living connection to George Washington, as she had been his nursing "mammy."

The woman, Joice Heth, was a slave and didn't see a cent that was made during the 12-month tour.

This is quite the far cry from Jackman's character, whose circus of "oddities" are meant to be celebrated and appreciated. This Barnum seeks social approval after a difficult childhood at the bottom of the social pyramid, and likewise seeks the same approval for those hired by him.

Considering its lack of historical truth, perhaps it is sooner the musical numbers than the story that makes The Greatest Showman such a dazzling spectacle.

The commanding score was composed by Oscar-winning musical duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the team behind last year's lyrically stunning film, La La Land. The impressive ballads see powerful performances by the film's talented actors,

Actress Keala Settle, who plays the Bearded Lady, offers a particularly passionate rendition of the song, "This is Me" which is already seeing award attention. It has been nominated for "Best Original Song-Motion Picture" at the 2018 Golden Globes, no doubt to see nominations at the Academy Awards.

The choreography in the movie is simply amazing as well, often combining stylish dance with breathtaking physical feats. This is perfectly exemplified in the scene above in which Zendaya and Zac Efron execute a romantic trapeze performance. The end result is a sort of elegant ballet choreographed from the rafters that will leave viewers breathless.

The film perfectly times its scenes with sensational musical numbers, never feeling slow or too drawn out in either. The songs range from seemingly bohemion folk to enchanting ballads. Of course, the impossibly talented Jackman is perfectly suited for either.

Personally, I felt this a spectacular musical that captivated my attention and consistently made my feet bounce, wishing I were a part of the incredible dance sequences performed on the screen. The acting was superb. Even Efron, whose acting style is usually more akin to immature, frat-boy comedy, perfectly managed to channel an emotional, dramatic performance.

Whether desiring an awe-inspiring circus spectacular, a dramatic love story between a poor acrobatic artist and an aristocratic playwright, or simply an arresting musical experience, audiences will certainly leave the theatres feeling thoroughly satisfied.

Unless, of course, they're expecting a critical lens on P.T. Barnum's disgusting exploitation of oddities, in which case they might be disappointed.

My rating: 4/5 stars

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About the Creator

Cait C

22. Journalism student. Bit of a mess.

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