THE GREATEST SHOWMAN


Despite the charisma of Hugh Jackman, in “The Greatest Showman” he is undercut by a leaden screenplay and incongruous pop music for a 19th century story, adding up to dullness. The irony is that P.T. Barnum, played by Jackman, was supposed to present larger than life attractions to a public agog at his showmanship.

The by-the-numbers screenplay by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon touches the ups and downs of Barnum’s personal and professional life, including going bankrupt at one point and his determination to recover. Director Michael Gracey dutifully tries to whip up excitement, but is also sabotaged by the leadenness of the script.

Putting pop songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, who did the lyrics for “La La Land,” into a 19th century setting is an odd mix that destroys any sense of place and time. There was only one number in the film executed with unusual panache. That is when, undoubtedy aided by the effects department, Barnum’s sidekick, Phillip Carlyle, played by Zac Efron, sings a duet with acrobat Anne Wheeler, portrayed by Zendaya, while they are twirling around on ropes and reaching dangerous heights as they affirm their love through song. The sequence sparkles with originality,

Rebecca Ferguson plays the renowned singer Jenny Lind, whom Barnum promotes, but who leaves in a huff when, as depicted here, he rejects her romantic advances. Michelle Williams does her best with a thankless role as Barnum’s jealous but loyal wife. Roaming through the film is Paul Sparks as renowned writer and editor James Gordon Bennett, at-first skeptical but then a supporter.

Also in the cast are various examples of freaks in the Barnum entourage, with a bearded lady (Keala Settle) often in the forefront but looking totally phony. Instead of appearing as if she could use a shave, she looks as if the makeup department needs to provide a do-over.

Despite all of the obvious effort and professional know-how that went into the lavish production, “The Greatest Showman” is the sort of film that inspires restlessness instead of thrills. A 20th Century Fox release. Reviewed December 20, 2017.




Return to Previous Page