Lots
of enthusiasm and energy highlight this fanciful imagining of legendary showman
P.T. Barnum in this excellent musical featuring Hugh Jackman in a well-rounded
performance.
P.
T. Barnum (Jackman) is a dreamer who envisions big things and a better life
with childhood sweetheart, Charity (Michelle Williams). Unemployed, he improvises a new kind of entertainment drawing from unusual, shunned individuals
with physical oddities, which grows into a circus of performing artists who are
shown to have feelings and form a bond amongst themselves. Barnum then partners
with playwright Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) who is smitten by a black, female
trapeze artist, Anne (Zendaya). As news and
popularity of the unique performers spreads, trouble comes from locals who
dislike the ‘freaks’ as well as art critics who resent the fake show. When
tragedy strikes the circus, Barnum and Carlyle are at a crossroads.
Jackman is
marvelous as the triple threat performer singing, dancing, and acting with
gusto and bravado.
His Barnum is more idealized showman than a con artist. He is well supported by Williams (Mudbound, All the Money in the World in
one year!), while Efron and Zendaya shine as would be lovers.
The film hums along
at an excellent pace with beautiful, fluid camerawork, rapid edits (and
seamless transitions), and sharp choreography.
There are a number of standout
musical numbers featuring tuneful songs amid colorful sets and costumes. The songs are melded seamlessly in a
natural expansion of plot and mood, no easy feat.
Directed
with zeal by Michael Gracey and written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon (Dreamgirls, Beauty and the Beast), the film deals with various themes including
class disparity, racism, and discrimination. It’s an old fashioned musical that incorporates contemporary themes for
an MTV audience. Well executed.
***1/2
of ****stars
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