The Greatest Showman (2017)
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The story
In the 19th century, a young man named P.T. Barnum dreams of something more than his humble life as a tailor's apprentice. After a series of setbacks, he secures a loan to open the Barnum's American Museum in Manhattan. When the museum's attendance dwindles, Barnum begins to incorporate 'freak' performers into his show, creating a spectacle that draws massive crowds but also sparks public controversy. As his fame grows, he navigates the complexities of fame, the demands of his growing empire, and the personal costs of his ambition, all while trying to balance his personal relationships with his public persona as a visionary showman.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In the 19th century, P.T. Barnum and his wife Charity live a humble life in New York City until Barnum's ambition leads him to create a spectacle. After his job is lost, he opens a museum and eventually transitions into a circus, incorporating 'freak' performers to boost attendance. He partners with Phillip Carlyle and manages the famous Swedish singer Jenny Lind. As Barnum's fame grows, he becomes increasingly distant from his troupe, who eventually find their own strength. After a series of events including a fire that destroys his circus and a public scandal involving Jenny Lind, Barnum faces the loss of his mansion and his wife's temporary departure. However, he finds inspiration in his troupe and reconciles with Charity. He rebuilds the circus as an open-air tent show, eventually finding a balance between his public success and his private life, ultimately allowing him to spend more time with his family while Phillip takes over as ringmaster.
- First release year
- 2017
- Runtime (minutes)
- 105
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Michael Gracey
- Writers
- Jenny Bicks · screenplay; Bill Condon · screenplay; Jenny Bicks · story
- Cast and characters
- Hugh Jackman · P. T. Barnum; Zac Efron · Phillip Carlyle; Michelle Williams · Charity Barnum; Rebecca Ferguson · Jenny Lind; Zendaya · Anne Wheeler
- Genres
- musical; period drama
- Themes
- ambition; identity; inclusion; the cost of fame
- Tone and mood
- spectacular; romanticized; uplifting
- Setting
- 19th-century New York City
- Premise and plot tags
- musical; biographical; historical fiction
- Source material / true-story basis
- Original story by Jenny Bicks
- Reception
- The film received mixed reviews from critics, who praised the performances, music, visuals, and production values, but criticized its artistic license and overdramatic story. It was a box-office success.
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 6/10 · scale: 10 · review count: 263; Metacritic · score: 48 · scale: 100 · review count: 43; CinemaScore · score: A · scale: A+ to F; PostTrak · score: 4.5 · scale: 5
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Best Original Song · Won; Academy Awards · Best Original Song · Nominated; Grammy Awards · Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media · Won; Golden Globe Awards · Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy · Nominated; Golden Globe Awards · Best Actor – Musical or Comedy · Nominated
- Production trivia
- The film was originally scheduled for release on December 25, 2016, but was moved to avoid competition with La La Land.; The soundtrack album achieved 11 consecutive weeks at number one in the United Kingdom.; A stage musical adaptation of the film is in development by the Disney Theatrical Group.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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