The Greatest Showman

‘The noblest art is that of making others happy’ – P.T Barnum

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I only wish I could begin my post as well as Michael Graceybegan his showstopper of a film. I would never have an issue of attracting readers again.

‘The Greatest Showman’ is an indisputable display of pure entertainment, embellished with eleven striking songs composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who previously composed the songs for the latter hit musical ‘La La Land’. Even myself, someone who isn’t the greatest fan of musicals, found this romance-drama-musical hybrid to be undoubtedly a pleasure to watch. ‘The Greatest Showman’ is inspired by the true story of poverty-ridden Phineas Taylor Barnum and the birth of show business. This film is crafted for the whole family, on the surface it serves as the classic success story of a young man who, against all odds, conquers the world of show-biz and makes the greatest of names for himself. For this reason, there is no surprise Gracey carefully designed the darker elements, something that is more present in ‘Barnum’ the Broadway musical, composed by Cy Coleman. Nevertheless, Gracey deserves credit, the film is a celebration of diversity and begs a pressing message in todays society, the importance of supporting acceptance.

I must bring attention to the indelible introduction. The film unveils with the show-stopping title song ‘The Greatest Show’, a memorable accompaniment with stirring vocals and repetitive, heavy percussion, reminiscent of the classic Queen song ‘We Will Rock You’, played the successful part of mesmerising the audience. P.T Barnum (Hugh Jackman), dressed in a classical red ‘ringmaster’ coat and top hat, draws us in and takes on a whirlwind tour of everything we are about to witness. The work of Seamus McGarvey keeping every section entirely fluid and effortless. The whole ensemble encapsulated show biz, it was a display of pure enchantment. I quite literally couldn’t look away as we were moved throughout the heart of the performance, in and out of the centre ring. The only negative was the need to refrain myself from clapping along and stomping my feet to the ferocious tune – it’s always good to leave the cinema with dignity in-tact.

Hugh Jackman (Logan, Les Misérables) was chosen perfectly, alongside the rest of the cast, including Zendaya (Shake It Up, Spider-man: Homecoming) and Michelle Williams (Blue Valentine, Manchester by the Sea). When he is not sporting adamantium claws, Hugh Jackman is best known for his background in theatrical talents. Jackman’s natural ability to act, dance and sing made the film all the more charming, his portrayal of Barnum gives the character real heart, despite the controversy of what his business is based on. A similar credit must go to Zac Efron, who played Phillip Carlyle, the role begged memories of when he made his success in the hit teen saga ‘High School Musical’, but naturally, his character Phillip resurrected a much more impressive persona than ‘Troy Bolton’. The duo made for the perfect double act of charm and effortless ability – two attributes very important to the roles they played and it was no doubt that the audience lapped up their magnetism. The gang of ‘misfits’ are naturally the star in themselves, much like in the successful television series, ‘American Horror Story: Freak Show’. In particular the stand out characters being Tom Thumb (Sam Humphrey), the singing bearded lady (Keala Settle), who’s performance of ‘This is Me’ is enthralling, and trapeze artist Anne Wheeler (Zendaya).

Hugh Jackman’s bottomless charisma coupled with the choreography by Ashley Allen depicts a merriment of excellence, it was a pleasure to see that the choreography element was by no means abandoned as a crucial part to the film. One number that stands out for this would be ‘Rewrite the Stars’ performed by upcoming star Zendaya and Zac Efron, in which the characters Anne and Phillip recognise they are falling for one another, despite the struggles that may face them at the time. The piece is a beautiful combination of cinematic space, music and choreography that blend together magically to create what may be seen as arguably the stand-out moment in the film.

The most attractive part of the film is that for all the characters their lives depend on show business. It is no surprise that many critics will scoff at the plot in which Barnum takes advantage of unique individuals for his own gain. Nevertheless the energy and desire is infectious, the mixture of the highs and the lows are married perfectly in what turns out to be a genuine emotional rollercoaster. As an audience you wanted to clap at every victory, and cry at every loss. ‘The Greatest Showman’ is to be admired in its dedication to put on a great and big show.

“Do their smiles look fake?” P.T Barnum taunts at a disbelieving critic. Well, by the end of this film, your smile certainly won’t be fake either…