The story of P.T. Barnum, a name nearly everybody will know even if they have scant knowledge, as I had, of the truth behind his rise to celebrity through the 'invention' of the circus. Of course, we all accept that a film like this - even more especially since it's a musical - will play fast and loose with historical veracity, but once I got into the required mindset I thoroughly enjoyed the experience - and was quite overawed that it was young Aussie director's (Michael Gracey) very first full-length feature film - whom I suspect may have had generous helpful suggestions from his friend, the likewise Aussie main star.
Despite it being an 'original' true story, you can predict the trajectory that Barnum's (Hugh Jackman) fortunes will take, with all the usual ups and down, difficulties, successes and disaster - with a final flourish of a phoenix-like rising from the ashes (literally!).
Reviewers have said that the songs are indifferent and forgettable. I thought they were better than that - particularly the two or three upbeat numbers, infectiously toe-tapping stuff with precision-like and spectacular choreography very much in the pop video mould, but not at all worse for being that. I wasn't alone in the audience in being quite transported by the visual and aural spectacle of it all, with Jackman at the centre of several of the set pieces, showing off (as though we didn't already know) that he can sing, dance and move with aplomb and dexterity, like the very best of them.
At the film's close it was one of those occasions when the audience applauded - and I dare say that many of them there had not realised that they were about to be subjected to that medium, so derided by some, of being a musical! (Credit due to song-composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul).
The drama of this mid-19th century, New York story, after a brief, flashbacked childhood experience, starts with the jobless and impecunious Barnum's marriage to the daughter (Michelle Williams) of disapproving, wealthy parents, when he has his brainwave of a show of what are, in effect, human 'freaks', he only getting financial backing for his plan by straight deceit. Now parents of two little girls, his wife, rather than offering unqualified support to him, holds back on her reservations as long as his venture brings in the money. He acquires a capable assistant - Zac Efron (also hoofing nimbly and singing ably) - but whose attraction to another young lady in the troupe brings displeasure down on him from his own parents. Then more fraught episodes take place with opera singer Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson), the 'Swedish Nightingale', vastly famous in Europe whom, on a visit to London to perform for a youngish Queen Victoria, Barnum decides to take back to introduce her to American audiences, which he does with great success. Mrs Barnum, not best pleased with the development of his new 'acquaintanceship', has her suspicions.......
The energy and interest in the film kept me absorbed almost throughout. Only once did my attention come anywhere near to flagging - in the song of the Bearded Lady - but that was exceptional.
Beforehand I'd had slight reservations about whether we were going to be shown performing animals, but they really only properly appear in the lavish final routine, and even then they are hardly 'performing' as such, being more background-like figures - and furthermore I wouldn't be at all surprised to be told that they were all CGI creations anyway.
This was a goodie to end the year on. I can't agree with most of the reviews I've seen who are so forward with their 'so what?' indifference to it. I liked it much more. And it's a pity that, in error, I posted my Top 10 of the year before I saw it. When compiling my favourites I'd made the rash assumption that this wouldn't feature in it. Okay, it may not have actually made it into my ultimate ten choices, but I think it would have been on the shortlist as a real possible. I'm not going back to change things now - it's not that make-or-break anyway. (Or is it?) Suffice to say that in my books 'The Greatest Showman' rates a solid.............8.
Interesting to read your take on it Ray. The Guardian I think said it was an uninspired plod through Barnum's life. When I make a decision to see a film based on a trailer I make a point of not reading any reviews before I go. It is my decision alone and not to be influenced by any critics. Since starting film-going again this year I have found that the critics often appear to think they are gods! I am glad you enjoyed the film so much.
ReplyDeleteI suppose that the contours of Barnum's life have become very much of a film 'norm' is what makes it 'uninspiring'. Rachel. Apart from it being about starting a circus, you could transfer the geography of what happens, successes and frustrations, onto the life of any ambitious man or woman. But what this film does is it handles it all with unabashed confidence, and has the guts to go all out for the big screen set-pieces, and it does mostly work. Yes, I enjoyed it in spite of a reviews-engendered apprehension that I wouldn't, and am pleased that I wasn't put off by some sniffy critics - and, indeed, some members of the public. I got the impression that the vast majority of the audience I was seeing it with were on the same side as me. I wasn't aware of anyone walking out, even if they'd only belatedly realised it was a musical.
DeleteI'd say that if you're not anti-musical (as many still are, though I suspect a lot of them daren't admit to others that they like them) then seeing this is a 'must'.
I hated the musical from the 1980s but this looks a bit of a joy Raymondo....if it's showing in Broadstairs I may nag the Prof to go and see it.
ReplyDeleteYou'll be referring to the musical which Michael Crawford (succeeded by Jim Dale) did here and on Broadway, J.G. - which I never got to see though would like to have done so. But in any case, forget all that. This is new material - and if you're a fan of glitz, as I know you are, this should thrill you AND the Prof.
DeleteHugh Jackman and his Huge Ackman spark my interest any time.
ReplyDeleteI got kind of a Moulin Rouge vibe from the trailer.
I know by now what a HUGE fan you are of our Hugie, Bob - as I am too. With that in mind, I doubt if you'll feel let down by him in this dazzler of a film.
DeleteI was indeed reminded of Baz Luhrmann (yet another Aussie!) at several points in this, a director whom I like a lot in any case. Yet it doesn't feel stolen from his style. Do see.
I plan to go see this since the department store I work for did our holiday theme, tied in heavily with the film. I had a great time, which I blogged about with the store displays, and we were treated to a very lengthy preview back in early December to the movie. Hugh Jackman is a pretty regular good actor I feel....and I surprising find Zac Efron very entertaining. Some roles he probably shouldn't have taken...like Bay Watch...yikes!!! But over all he's a feel good actor that I seem to enjoy.
ReplyDeleteI would also like to wish you Raybeard a jolly and Happy New Year to you! Always a treat to read your comment over at Anne Marie's joint.
Thanks for this contribution here and your view of my own comments, M.M. I must say that your comments too I always look for as they are always tend to be pertinent, succinct and worth thinking on.
DeleteHugh J. lifts any film for me. He has a star presence which outshines some celebrities of equal or some few of even greater stature, always delivering in style - which he does in this film, and with bells on!
Of course I knew of Zac Efron before but in this he shows that his talents extend beyond 'mere' dramatic acting. I never knew that he had it in him.
Here's wishing you too the happiest of New Years - and however 2017 turned out for you (though mine I'd rather forget) I hope next year turns out to be an improvement - far better in fact.
I don't regularly comment on your film reviews. Thanks so much for this one. I hope to get to see it one of these days...
ReplyDeleteI guessed that your little peeks here might be a little more frequent than your comments, Mitch, though you don't really have to say anything at all. As long as I can direct you to something that you MAY enjoy and might otherwise have missed - as is exactly the case with this film.
DeleteI read every one. I just don't have anything worthwhile to offer (although that only stops me when it comes to book and film reviews).
DeleteThanks, Mitch. You've just made my.....YEAR! And Happy New one to you, S.G. and D & M.
DeleteBest wishes for a Happy New Year, Ray! I know you are missing your babes who have gone on; I don't think we ever stop missing our pets who have passed on, though, do we? Always in our hearts.
ReplyDeleteMay we all have a wonderful 2018!
Much appreciated, Elle - thank YOU and I really do wish you and those around and close to you a 2018 like you'll remember for all the right reasons.
DeleteYou're correct in that there hasn't been one single day in the last six months when I haven't thought of my two loved, departed little friends, first Blackso in July then Noodles in November - and much more than a passing, fleeting thought, but deep yearnings to have them back. But since that can't happen I've got to think that I'll be meeting them again, even though it's hardly likely. Anyway, it was an honour to have had their complete trust and, especially with Blackso, demonstrative affection on a moment-to-moment basis. (Noodles must have had some negative experience early on which held him back, but I loved him no less,)
Yes, ever and ever in our hearts. But you've been through it all as well so let's unite in our emotions.
Do have a glorious New Year - and thanks once more for your kind message - from me and Patchie (currently snoozing on my bed).
Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHug.
Thank you so much, F.B. Your wish is particularly valued as it comes through recent tears, though I know how you're seeing past what had to be done. I take great comfort in your wish, and I most sincerely wish you ALL and only the best for 2018, everyone in your household, two legs and four. Hugs back to you in return.
DeleteHi Ray - first of all your eloquent writing and syopsisizing (I know, I guess I just made that up) is truly worthy of the syndicated press in my humble opinion. I am totally on the same page with you on this review. To me a wholly entertaining bitter/sweet tale with a lot of heart. I wouldn't have gone were it not for a loose association I have with Bob Rumnock who played the banker. Thanks for your reviews and all the very best to you in 2018.
ReplyDeletePat
Thanks Pat. You're another who doles out praise on my film posts which I think is wholly undeserving (I wonder who the other one can be?) but I must take your words at their face value and try to assume that it isn't tongue-in-cheek as I feel that would be its due. I've said before that I cringe when I have to re-read them later to check out something which someone else refers to. But let's let that lie.
DeleteI'm pleased you like this film as I was truly wondering why so many reviews are putting it down. How would they have preferred it to have been done? Aside from the predictability of its story-line (even though it was 'true-ish') I thought the earnestness of the acting meant that it wasn't as hollow as it could have been - and the songs were better than one might have expected. Good that you were drawn to see it because of a tangential involvement, and even better that you have no regrets about having done so.
Wishing you too a fine, happy, prosperous and healthy 2018 (all I'm asking for myself is a better one than last year was!). I'm sure we'll be talking again in times to come. Thanks again.
This film just doesn't look that great to me. I will probably wait till it makes its way to cable or streaming, which is how I see most films... Happy New Year!!! Thanks for all your support in 2017 and have a great 2018! Mark from TGA
ReplyDeleteThanks to you too, Mark. (Good to have a more personable name which I can address).
DeleteIt was first seeing the trailer for this film on the cinema screen which won me over as it felt so uplifting, so I'm a bit surprised when you say that it didn't look great. Assuming you didn't also see it there, maybe if you had you would have been a bit more enthusiastic. However, seeing it on a small screen is better than not seeing it at all though I have to say that this is one of those films which really demand big screen enhancement to convey the spectacle of most of the song and dance numbers. However, I hope I've helped to direct you to something which will give you a bit more than a modicum f pleasure.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2018 - and I do look forward to reading and learning (a lot) from your continued postings. Even if I don't comment on most of them yo can take it that I do read them, and am quite astonished at so much information you provide or point us to. It's people like me who are the grateful ones. May you take on many more followers this coming you. You deserve to.
ok - worth seeing !
ReplyDeleteWell, I certainly thought so, Dr Spo. If you take the time, money and effort I suspect you might agree.
DeleteHappy New Year! I love reading a good book or movie review. Thanks for sharing yours here. I hope you have a wonderful week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, A. If I can point you to a potential of entertainment pleasure for you then I'm more than satisfied.
DeleteA very Happy NY to you too - though this first starter week hasn't been so good for me up to now. But early days yet.
Just watched The Big Sick...I had to go back and read your review after I had watched it. I enjoyed it; Ray Romano and Holly Hunter were excellent. Could not stand the comedian "friend group"; maybe I am showing my age. The movie actually was nothing like I thought it would be but I still enjoyed it, maybe because I am a fan of Kumail N.
ReplyDeleteNext weekend I am off to see The Post. I am hoping I am not disappointed.
I couldn't recall having even seen 'The Big Sick' myself, Elle, and had to look up my own review to confirm that I had. Having done so I can still barely remember it, my difficulty telling its own story. But I'm glad that you liked it, and that it'll almost certainly linger in your memory longer than it has in mine.
DeleteI'm looking forward to 'The Post', mainly because anything featuring Streep plays well with me, and here with Hanks too - and as long as Spielberg keeps a tight rein on sentimentality then it has everything going for it. I may not get to see it for another three weeks yet, hopefully before, but go I shall!
If it were not for your enthusiastic review, I would have missed this. Loved it!
ReplyDeleteI was so disappointed that Jackman and the film got nothing at The Globes last night.
I saw Daniel Day-Lewis at the event and being that "Phantom Thread" is his final movie, I thought that he might win. But no. Looking at his extraordinary body of work, I am sure that this movie will deliver big time and a worthy end to his film career. Hope you plan to see this, as I am so looking forward to your review.
First of all, Paul, D.D-L - yes I too felt rather gutted at his not walking off with the Best Actor award last night (and moreso because he was actually there!), though this last(?) film of his doesn't open here until 2nd Feb. I most certainly WILL be seeing it.
DeleteIn view of his announced retirement (which I still hope he'll think again on, given his yet comparative 'youth') it would have been nice to have seen him given a general life-achievement award. Amongst contemporary British film actors - and nearly all deceased ones - his far too-small body of work, I'd say, is unrivalled by anyone else by a wide margin. Maybe he'll be recognised for either this film or more generally at the upcoming BAFTAS, something which is more likely to happen than either at the Globes or Oscars. Hope so.
(Btw: The current average rating for 'Phantom Thread' on IMDb site is an extraordinarily high 8.8, so looking good.)
Having said all that, though having only seen the trailer for 'Darkest Hour' (should be seeing the film itself next week), I have to say that Gary Oldman's transformation into Churchill looks about as exceptional as anything I've ever seen on screen, aside from computer-created monsters or other non-human entities. I'm pleased that Gary O. has at last received a long overdue recognition for something he's done and I have little doubt that his acting will justify the award.
Now 'Showman' - only last Friday on our weekly main BBC radio film programme, both the two presenters described it as 'utter dross', something which a high proportion of the public seem to agree with. I think it's one of those love/hate films and I'm so pleased that we both fall into the same category.
It did pick up one award last night - best original song for 'This is Me', a song I can't place right now but if I saw the film again (and I will) I'm sure to recognise it.
Thanks as ever for your input.