The Inkling Volume 3

The Greatest Showman is a family film, designed for the holiday season. It’s a film about
friendship, individuality and bravery. What really impressed me was that director Michael
Gracey managed to get all of this across without making it fake or cringeworthy. Its rare to
find a book or film or anything else about love and family that doesn’t make me feel mildly ill,
but The Greatest Showman does it all. I’ve been told by many people, however, that the film
disregards the true history of P.T. Barnum, which is arguably more interesting and better
material. While I partly agree with this, I also think the plot of The Greatest Showman was
created to serve a very specific purpose, and it does this perfectly. It was written to be a holiday
family blockbuster, engaging but easy to follow, and that’s exactly what it is.
On the whole, the film’s plot was excellent. It had everything needed for a superb motion picture,
from life-threatening situations to uplifting moments and complicated relationships.
There was love, envy and ambition. What did disappoint me plot-wise was that the passing of
time sometimes didn’t quite add up; sometimes I was left wondering when and how the plot
got to the point it was at.
Even though I know very little about it, I could tell that the cinematography of The Greatest
Showman was brilliant. A scene that stands out to me particularly is when Barnum creates an
invention that sends light spinning around, much like a disco ball, and shows it to his daughters
at night. It really is shot to be a moment of magic. Similarly, the dance and acrobatic sequences
are all filmed masterfully: we are never lost in a maze of limbs, every movement is
captured memorably, in an explosion of colour.
Many film reviewers critiqued The Greatest Showman’s intentions, calling it ‘misguided’.
They said that what the film was meant to be got lost among the big names and big songs.
While I can understand where they’re coming from, I think they’re missing the point. The
Greatest Showman isn’t supposed to be revolutionary or deeply philosophical; it’s not supposed
to change the world. It is supposed to be entertaining. The film is entertainment at its
very best, and I dare anyone to walk out of the cinema not feeling happier than when they
walked in.
In conclusion, I believe The Greatest Showman is an excellent movie musical. It creates happiness,
and is perfect for this time of year. While the actors, cinematography, costumes and
plot are wonderful, it is the music that truly makes the film what it is: a celebration of good
musical theatre. I urge you, see this film: it might just be one of the greatest shows I’ve ever
seen.