‘The Greatest Showman’
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Headed off to see The Greatest Showman’, as the companion, and not the instigator. I did not have high expectations and suspected that this could be another Moulin Rouge (one of very few films that led me to walk out). When, at the very beginning, for no apparent reason, the actors burst into song, I began to think about the scathing review I would write. But, how wrong could I be. This film is very hard to fault.
This ‘American period musical drama’ is based on the true life story of P.T. Barnum, a man who on being fired from a white collar desk job turns to entertainment and pioneers the concept of the travelling entertainment troupe/circus. Playing the lead role, Hugh Jackman shows off his amazing versatility — dancing, singing and acting impeccably in virtually every scene of this film. His on screen, long suffering wife is played superbly by the lovely Michelle Williams and Rebecca Ferguson is perfect as the English singer who is the subject of his infatuation. However, the most memorable acting is that by the actors playing the ‘oddities’ who form part of this entertainment troupe, and who due to their physical abnormalities or even the colour of their skin, are employed to shock and entice spectators. As for the storyline – you’ll have to see for yourself – but let’s just say that it has sufficient twists and turns to make it interesting and never slow or dull.
But back to the music. I was delighted to discover that apart from one or two exceptions the songs in this film are nothing like faux classical Lloyd Webber songs, that in my view often spoil what would otherwise have been perfectly good spoken lines, and in which the lyrics rarely match the music, the way memorable popular songs do. Instead, the songs are adult-contemporary in style, yet manage to sound totally at home in the period and various location settings. This I consider to be one of the film’s greatest achievements. The songs themselves are contemporary and distinct in style. ‘Do yourself a favour’ and check out the official soundtrack. Also, the dancing is impeccably and originally choreographed, flawlessly performed, and consequently a delight to watch.
I left the cinema, glad that I had come along, imagining what a live performance would be like, pleased with the music I had heard, and inspired by the story. Above all, it was so good to discover that there is a genre of musical that sits between pretentious Lloyd Webber musicals and rock opera.
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