The Greatest Showman!

You’ve never seen a movie based on a true story quite like this before: it’s The Greatest Showman! No, it’s not technically a Disney film, but I believe it is actually a magical one, and it’s on the Disney Plus streaming service, so I rest my case. 

One of my all time favorite movies, the film is based on the story of P.T. Barnum, and relates the story of how he came to establish the first circus. The story revolves around Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, overcoming obstacles he faces while putting together a show and performing for audiences who come from all over. His show is filled to the brim with the most special, sometimes unusual, but always amazing people, including a bearded lady. This film completely embraces and lifts up the idea that everyone is special, no matter who they are or what they look like, and we all have magic in us. To me, the bearded lady, played wonderfully by Keala Settle, stole the show. Before I saw the film, I am ashamed to say that I had no idea who Keala Settle was. This was the first time I saw her in anything, and in terms of performers, she was the biggest take away, for both me and my mom, who is my partner in musical watching. If you need more proof of just how fearless and capable she is, feel free to watch this special look at the rehearsal for the song “This is Me” (box of tissues required): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLFEvHWD_NE. 

As you may have guessed already, there is a twist on this otherwise historically based film. It is indeed a musical. It may be a musical as one would see on the stage, but it’s a real crowd pleasing one at that! The song “This is Me”, performed by the bearded lady and company, is considered by many to be the film’s big anthem. I couldn’t agree more. I listen to the song whenever I need to have a little more power or inspiration in my day. Keala Settle kills it. The film’s amazing songs were written by Justin Paul and Benj Pacek, the songwriters of the award-winning Broadway show Dear Evan Hansen, and the award-winning film La La Land. The soundtrack of the film, as amazing, mind blowing, and emotionally stimulating as it is, isn’t  meant to completely cover up the speaking performances and real character portrayals of the actors. These aspects are also fabulous. 

Take Barnum’s character. Instead on getting into how Barnum was an animal abuser and womanizer, the film’s creators, and the performance from Hugh, made this version of Barnum out to be only selfish, wanting success and fame, and singing about it, too. I am not complaining though. I’m not going to insult Hugh Jackman on his portrayal of PT Barnum. I thought that he did a fantastic job in the role. He had to be selfish and needy for more of the fame and money his show was bringing him. As long as he was able to buy a big house for his family to live in and keep getting publicity and money, he was satisfied, no matter what it took to get himself there. This has to be who his character is for a good portion of the film, until it all falls apart –  his show, and his family life, specifically following his publicized infatuation with a fellow performer (Rebecca Ferguson). This caused his wife Charity, played by Michelle Williams, to return to her parent’s house. This is the moment when all seems lost to Barnum. The moment he realizes how wrapped up in the fame and fortune he was, to not realize what was always the most important thing to him: keeping those he loves, and who love him safe, happy, and close. That’s how the film came to the song “From Now On”. I have to say, that part of the film has to be one of the best choreographed sequences in a film ever. The absolute best is one of the other musical sequences of the film, during the song “Rewrite The Stars”, performed by Zac Efron and Zendaya. If you have seen or will see the film, and are wondering about who did the stunt work, as well as the singing and acting for this sequence of the film – it was all Zac and Zendaya! Impressive, isn’t it? 

Overall, this film not truly as factually accurate as people would hope it would be. So, if you want to know more about the true story of P.T. Barnum and his circus, research it! I also am able to admit that it wasn’t much of an action packed or suspenseful film. So, If you are a fan of Jason Bourne, this film may not hold your attention as it did mine. However, it’s entertaining features, in particular the music and choreography, is what makes it one of my very favorite movies. I highly recommend this one! Happy watching!