The Greatest Showman directed by Michael Gracey is one of my most favorite musicals of all time. This film is based on P.T. Barnum’s life (Hugh Jackman). He was a famous businessman and started a three-ring circus that was filled with people who were labeled as “freaks”. However, that was far from the truth. Throughout the film one can really appreciate the artistic beauty of diversity within our communities. Despite the judgements of others for their unique appearances they continue their celebration of being different. Unfortunately, none of that was true in real life.
Many people have critiqued this film by stating that P.T Barnum actually lived a cruel life and mistreated his workers (even circus animals) poorly. P.T Barnum was even exploited as a man who was a part of slave ownership. Due to the animal cruelty, the animal rights protests led to P.T Barnum’s circus closing after a run of over 140 years. Many critics also stated that Hollywood once again glamorized another life like P.T. Barnum who was not a kind man at all as he is portrayed in the movie. They even had to villainize the wrong characters such as critic James Gordon Bennett Sr. (Paul SParks) and Jenny Lind (Loren Allred). James Gordon Bennett Sr. was in reality a notorious writer and Jenny Lind never had a romantic affair with P.T Barnum. All in all, the wrong portrayals between some of the characters show how there was a huge injustice in some screen writings in the spotlights of Hollywood.
So why should anyone watch or support this film? The answer is the unbelievable songwriting from Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. In addition, the singing from its outstanding cast can really fill one’s heart with inspiration to accomplish anything that they ever dreamt possible. This film had such a legendary cast who delivered such phenomenal musical performances. The song lyrics also had some of the most heartfelt messages you’ll ever hear in a musical. I also would have never imagined that Hugh Jackman could sing, dance and be such a charismatic performer. Jackman’s transition from the fearless Wolverine to P.T. Barnum is remarkable.
During the making of this film, Michael Gracey said he had one of the most unforgettable moments of his life during Keala Settle’s performance on the notorious song This Is Me. He said, “it was one of those moments that will stay with me the rest of my life.” This self-love anthem has been celebrated across the world. This song gives society the opportunity to learn how to let go of all judgements from others and embrace your true inner self. Don’t let your voice go unheard. Don’t let anyone diminish the beauty of your light that makes you shine brighter than everyone else.
