Theatrical release poster
by Peter J. O’Connell
The Greatest Showman. Released: Dec. 2017. Runtime: 105 mins. MPAA Rating:
PG for thematic elements, including a brawl.
The Greatest Showman’s main character is called P.T. Barnum, but the movie, directed by
Michael Gracey, is all “show” and tells us little about the actual, and quite
fascinating, life of the real man named P.T. Barnum. The Greatest Showman is simply a series of largely fictionalized
vignettes vaguely based on Barnum’s life, or just made up, strung together so
that flashy song-and-dance routines can be, as it were, “hung” from them. This
cinematic necklace is then presented for the audience to gaze at in the spirit
of holiday period spectacle.
The movie’s music, by
lyricists Justin Paul and Benj Basek—the two also write the music for the
recent La La Land—is enjoyable. If
not memorable, and the dance routines are definitely energetic, if not
particularly original. As Barnum, super-trouper Hugh Jackman brings both energy
and enthusiasm to his role. Zac Efron is rather bland as Barnum’s partner, and
Michelle Williams as P.T.’s wife, Charity, seems somewhat unfocused, unusual
for this gifted actress. Among the performers in Barnum’s show, the lovely
Zendaya—who did all her own acrobatics—is a standout, as is Keala Settle as the
“Bearded Lady.”
The film links two themes. One is the familiar
biopic formula of: talented person
(Barnum) struggles—with the help of a loved one (Charity)—to fulfill a dream
despite social disdain; achieves success; then is tempted to go down a bad
road; but—with the help of the loved one—returns to the right road; and lives
the dream.
The other theme is one of
contemporary resonance. Barnum is presented as a champion of democracy and
diversity. For him men and women of varied races and ethnicities, body shapes
and sizes, interests and attributes are not “freaks” to be mocked (as the movie
has mobs doing) but appreciated as “unique persons.” This theme is actually
true to Barnum’s life, even carried out in his political career. (The movie
doesn’t deal at all with P.T.’s election as a Connecticut legislator and Mayor
of Bridgeport. P.T. opposed slavery and secession and promoted the rights of
minorities, women, and consumers.)
The Greatest Showman is by no means the greatest movie musical ever, but it definitely
provides an entertaining 105 minutes—for children of all ages!
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