Topic > 'The Greatest Showman' Review: A Barnum Circus Movie

Everyone loves a good musical. From catchy songs to conversations that lead to sudden bursts of singing and dancing, musicals are made to capture the audience's attention through entertainment but also contain a message behind every lyric and movement. The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya and Michelle Williams, tells the story of a man named PT Barnum and his journey to becoming "the greatest showman." Directed by Michael Gracey, this film is made to tell the story of Barnum's life and how the Barnum Circus came to be by incorporating the use of music but also including scenes showing all kinds of emotions (love, anger, sadness, joy). The Greatest Showman is an amazing film that uses its platform to showcase and send messages to audiences about the importance of making dreams come true, having self-love through hardship, showing loyalty, and the importance of getting back up after a fall. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Coming from a difficult childhood doesn't stop PT Barnum (Hugh Jackman) from pursuing his dream. When the flashback begins, a young Barnum is shown looking at a "Showman" costume and hat. The showman's hat can be seen as something symbolic, as it can represent Barnum's dream and is something that is seen throughout the film. It is clearly shown that Barnum grew up with his father as part of lower class society, but ended up on the streets as a teenager after his father's death. As time goes by Barnum still stays in touch with his childhood crush, Charity (Michelle Williams), and as an adult manages to marry her even though Charity's father disapproves. Although they live a simple life, Barnum wants more, so he tricks the bank into lending him money to buy a building for the circus and a house for his family, thinking that this is the only way he can be happy or feel that he's getting something. . Barnum is so determined to create something bigger and unique that those closest to him see him as too ambitious or greedy, thinking he is putting his dream above anyone else's. Although they are constantly treated badly, the circus performers learn throughout the film to be happy with their differences. Between James Bennett's terrible reviews and protests from people calling them "freaks," circus acts faced discrimination and bullying just for being part of the circus. It is proven that the protests continue to increase, more and more people join, becoming more violent each time. Nonetheless, circus performers continue to present shows, proving that they do not shy away or feel intimidated by protesters. Although they are able to hold their own under pressure, they feel the need to make their voices heard. It's clear that circus performers are tired of being treated the way they are, saying they aren't "afraid to be seen" and are "unapologetic" for being the way they are. Through difficulties and misunderstandings, loyalty remains an important component of the film from beginning to end. In an effort to create something extraordinary, Barnum tries to make his self-image greater than everyone else's and wants everything to benefit him. When they meet Queen Victoria, Barnum has the circus performers wear their costumes even though they are not actually putting on a show. Furthermore, once Jenny Lind's (Rebecca Ferguson) performance is a total success, he does not allow the circus people to take part in the after party, fearing that they will embarrass him in front of the upper class people. Although Barnum them.