It’s not often that I go to the cinema three times, yes three, to see a film. The Greatest Showman may be the only movie to hold this status since perhaps Harry Potter, which of course means it has sailed into my top three films. Usually I’m not a musical loving lady, but maybe Hamilton has changed me, whatever it is, I love this film and I can’t get enough of it.
P. T. Barnum is the star of the show, the inspiration for this fantastic piece of cinema that was in the brain of Hugh Jackman for nine years before it became a reality. Every moment in this musical is timed to perfection, the cinematography is beautiful, each second is so well chosen and edited. This film works as one continuous scene, it is flawless in it’s camera and editing and therefore entrances me. The colours, the actors, the plot, it transports the viewer into a new world, precisely what a film should do.
The music could be discussed as part of the film, or as something separate entirely. The whole album paints together a story of determination, pride and love. The songs are catchy, irresistible to a foot tap and very well written. When you watch the film and know the words to these songs, it’s almost impossible not to mime along. For the first week after my first viewing, I listened to the soundtrack a rough five times a day. It has such a mix of music, there’s slow, fast, upbeat, sad, empowering and all sorts!
This film delivers such an important message of being who you are an embracing that. There’s a song in the middle of the film ‘This Is Me’ that is such an encouragement to love who you are and never be ashamed. There are people all over the world who all look very different, this film highlights how our differences make us unique in the most perfect way.
Every time I watch this film I notice new things, new characters, new moments that are hidden from obvious view. It’s beautiful to still be taking away something different from it after three watchings. I urger anyone with a heart to go and watch this films, there are parts of it that I cannot control my emotions during, moments that send me over the edge. The mark of a strong film for me, is one that makes me feel what the director intended, and I’m sure this one does!
