“The noblest art is that of making others happy”
P.T Barnum
The Greatest Showman is a glimpse into the eclectic and eccentric world of one Mr Phineas Taylor Barnum, a man who gave the world sites, sounds, and experiences never seen or felt before, all with great flourish and flare to help the shows to exceed audience’s expectations and to gloss over the fallacy that was a PT Barnum show. The newest movie of Barnum’s life showcases the rise and fall and rise again of America’s most popular charlatan with all the grace and flare that musicals provide while offering hope, inclusion, and acceptance in a world struggling with all three to this day.
Hugh Jackman stars as PT Barnum, a man hell bent on being more than what he was in life, at all cost. Gathering interesting and exotic individuals from “around the world” and embellishing their talents, Barnum created an entire world of fantasy under one roof to help people forget their troubles for an evening, and to make a ton of cash from it. Public outcry, protests, and outright violence brings Barnum’s world crashing to it’s knees, and its only breathed back to life when those he left behind remind him of what’s actually important in life. That might sound a bit Disney-ish, but when it’s coming from a midget and a bearded lady, you listen, hard.
The visuals are stunning, the character interactions are smooth and genuine, the musical numbers are glorious yet endearing, and while it’s not historically accurate (there, I said it, although in its defense the movie doesn’t claim to be) it still shows both the light and shadows of Barnum’s character. If we did ratings, and Terry we probably should since I keep mentioning it, I’d give The Greatest Showman an 8 out of 10. Just a warning though; there’s no nudity, graphic violence, or swearing. I’ve read complaints that the movie was too “clean” or “vanilla” or “too much like a red state trying please a blue state.” I still don’t get that one but whatever, go see it and judge for yourself.
The Greatest Showman stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya
Official Trailer can be seen here
First image courtesy of Den Of Geek
Second from Joe My God