BY JADEN MOUNT
Released to theatres on December 20 of this past year, The Greatest Showman quickly became a hit movie in the United States and abroad. This musical-film stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Rebecca Ferguson in a tale of show business’ birth.
Ever since the trailer hit YouTube, I have been dying to see it in theatres. Hugh Jackman was already a favorite of mine from his part in Les Miserables, even though I did not initially expect this to be a musical. The name P.T. Barnum had never crossed my studies before. Thus, I did intentionally avoid any spoilers as well as the recorded history of Mr. Barnum.
Frankly, I could find little to nothing to dislike from the film. However, to keep the consistency of my last review, let’s break this up again between The Good and The Bad.
The Good
Exciting Soundtrack
From the very first to the final, The Greatest Showman features songs that can reach down to your very soul. Excitement, Determination, Joy, Loss, and Hope are just a few of the emotions displayed from the film. The top three I can easily pick out from this track is “The Greatest Show”, “Other Side”, and “This is Me”.
“This is Me” is sung by Keala Settle’s character, the bearded lady Lettie Lutz, after her and the rest of the circus crew are shut out of a wealthy celebration party by Barnum. The song easily tackles accepting who you are and not being afraid to be that person, no matter who disagrees. We even see the crew quickly confronting the protesters while returning to the stage.
There is also a quick piece with Anne Wheeler, played by Zendaya, staring down Phillip Carlyle, played by Zac Efron. For a quick spoiler, this is shortly after Carlyle removes his hand from Wheeler after seeing what can be assumed his parents looking at him. You’ll see this love blossom later on.
Well-Rounded Characters
I think there is always this fear with movies like these how only the main characters will endure hardship and change. For the sake of your enjoyment, throw that out of your mind for this film. Although Barnum and his family are the main focus, the story does not hold out the circus crew out like a spare fish. Lettie Lutz, Anne Wheeler, and Sam Humphrey’s Tom Thumb are the three main outcasts the audience sees the most.
The ambitious Barnum who came from nothing gains everything he ever wanted just to lose it all while his wife, Charity, remains humble with what she has. In the couple’s duet “A Million Dreams”, Charity says “You maybe be right, you may be wrong, but say you’ll bring me along…” Meanwhile, Lutz, Wheeler, Thumb, and their fellow outcasts construct a family out of the opportunity. Their confidence builds to accepting themselves whilst high-class and narrow-minded members society rejects them as freaks. Even Carlyle gives up his wealthy inheritance to become Barnum’s partner and be in love with Wheeler.
Tackling Self-Acceptance
One of the biggest issues in today’s society is being comfortable in your own skin. Frankly, this has been an ongoing issue inside anyone who is rejected by their fellow human beings. Anyone who is different, by choice or otherwise, is not lower than the next person. And once you accept yourself, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks; even if they are your own blood.
Family is Not Restricted to Blood
Continuing from the previous, family is a very open word. Many individuals, both here and abroad, have parents who gave birth to them and siblings to be related to. On the other hand, many don’t have either. You can build a family from individuals you have never met before, just like the circus crew did.
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The Bad
The Scandalous Jenny Lind
I cannot validate how much of this story is true, but I can absolutely not stand Rebecca Ferguson’s Jenny Lind story arc. Now, for all we know, it could be Director Michael Gracey’s intent to portray as a more ambitious, and even petty, character. You can especially determine what kind of person she is through her solo “Never Enough.”
Lind is one of the most specific antagonists of the story, character-wise. Her single action, which I will not spoil, costs Barnum most of his material wealth and, almost, his marriage with Charity.
The Verdict
Despite the terrible character of Jenny Lind, I would give this musical a nine out of ten stars. Stories like these are what display the true human spirit, especially when some humans despise or reject their fellow men and women.