Welcome to Movies Philosophy, the channel where we explore the deeper meanings, iconic scenes, and timeless philosophies from some of the greatest films ever made. Whether it’s unraveling hidden themes or diving into powerful dialogues, we bring you cinematic insights that go beyond the screen. Today, we’re diving into The Greatest Showman (2017), a musical that celebrates the pursuit of dreams, diversity, and the power of acceptance. Let’s break it down!
The Greatest Showman is a vibrant musical drama directed by Michael Gracey that tells the story of P.T. Barnum, the legendary showman and entrepreneur who founded the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus. This film celebrates the pursuit of dreams, the beauty of diversity, and the strength of community, all set to a powerful soundtrack. While it takes creative liberties with history, it captures the essence of Barnum’s vision: creating something extraordinary from nothing.
Introduction
The movie opens with P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman) as a young boy from a poor family. His father works as a tailor for the wealthy, and during one of his visits, Barnum meets Charity Hallett (Michelle Williams), a young girl from a wealthy family. Despite their social differences, Barnum and Charity fall in love. After a long-distance relationship through letters, they eventually marry and start a family, but their life is far from the riches and glamour Barnum dreamed of.
Barnum works menial jobs to support his wife and two daughters, yet he never gives up on his dream of building a life filled with excitement and wonder. His imagination drives him to conceive grand ideas, even in the face of societal rejection. He promises Charity a life beyond their struggles, one of adventure and spectacle.
Barnum’s First Venture
After losing his job as a clerk, Barnum comes up with the idea to create a museum of oddities and curiosities in New York City. He purchases a building with a loan and fills it with wax figures, stuffed animals, and bizarre attractions. However, the museum fails to attract many visitors, and his dreams of success seem distant.
Determined to make his venture a success, Barnum shifts his focus from objects to people. He begins assembling a group of extraordinary performers: individuals who are outcasts or viewed as oddities by society. Among them are Lettie Lutz (Keala Settle), the bearded lady with an incredible voice; Charles Stratton (Sam Humphrey), a dwarf performer; Anne Wheeler (Zendaya), a talented trapeze artist; and others with unique abilities or appearances. Barnum’s collection of performers becomes the centerpiece of his new show, which he calls “Barnum’s Circus.”
The Rise of the Showman
As Barnum’s circus grows in popularity, it also attracts controversy. Critics, such as the upper-class critic James Bennett (Paul Sparks), dismiss Barnum’s show as a “circus of humbug,” accusing him of exploiting his performers for profit. Despite the harsh reviews, the public is captivated by the spectacle. Barnum’s show becomes a massive success, and his name is on the rise.
Barnum’s success brings new opportunities, and he partners with Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron), a playwright from a wealthy family, to bring the show to a more elite audience. Carlyle initially hesitates to join Barnum, as he is concerned about his reputation in high society. However, Carlyle is eventually persuaded and becomes a co-producer of the circus. In doing so, Carlyle falls in love with Anne Wheeler, despite the racial prejudices of the time, which create tension between them.
Temptations and Trials
Barnum’s ambitions soon grow beyond the circus. He craves acceptance by the upper echelons of society and sees his chance when he discovers Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson), a famous European opera singer. Barnum organizes a tour for Jenny across America, hoping that associating with her will gain him credibility with the elite and further distance him from his humble beginnings.
While Barnum travels with Jenny on tour, his focus shifts away from the circus and his performers. The more time he spends with Jenny, the more his relationship with Charity and his family deteriorates. Jenny develops romantic feelings for Barnum, but he remains committed to Charity. When Jenny realizes her feelings are unreciprocated, she sabotages the tour by ending it abruptly and publicly shaming Barnum, which leads to a scandal that nearly ruins him.
Meanwhile, tensions rise at the circus. Without Barnum’s leadership, the performers feel neglected, and the public’s disdain for them grows. A group of protesters even sets fire to Barnum’s circus building, burning it to the ground.
Barnum’s Fall and Redemption
With Jenny’s tour in shambles, his reputation in ruins, and his circus destroyed, Barnum hits rock bottom. He returns home to find that Charity and their daughters have left him, feeling abandoned by his obsession with success and fame. Barnum reflects on his choices and realizes that he had lost sight of what truly mattered—his family and the community of performers who had become his second family.
Barnum seeks forgiveness from Charity, who reminds him of the importance of the simple life they shared before the fame. With her support, Barnum decides to rebuild. He returns to the performers, apologizes for losing sight of them, and promises to rebuild the circus together.
With Phillip Carlyle’s financial backing, Barnum reopens the circus, but this time, he embraces a more humble vision. The new show is housed in a large tent, a move that later becomes iconic in the history of circuses.
The Final Show
The film concludes with Barnum realizing that the true essence of his success lies in the joy and wonder he brings to others, not in gaining the approval of society’s elite. He passes the reins of the circus to Phillip, symbolizing his decision to step back from the spotlight and focus on his family. In the final performance, Barnum embraces the sense of belonging he created for his performers and the audience, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual.
The final song, “From Now On,” reflects Barnum’s resolve to prioritize what truly matters in life—family, friendship, and the celebration of diversity.
Themes and Analysis
At its core, The Greatest Showman is about accepting yourself and others, no matter how different they may seem. The film champions the idea that everyone deserves to be celebrated for their uniqueness. Barnum’s journey from obscurity to success is also a commentary on the pursuit of dreams and the sacrifices that come with it. However, the film also highlights the dangers of losing sight of what truly matters in the quest for success—family, love, and a sense of belonging.
The performers in Barnum’s circus are outcasts, rejected by society for their differences, yet Barnum gives them a home and a platform to showcase their talents. Through Barnum’s journey, the film conveys the message that success is not about seeking validation from society but about embracing who you are and what you love.
Conclusion
The Greatest Showman is a visually stunning and emotionally powerful musical that reminds us of the importance of embracing our dreams, celebrating diversity, and prioritizing the relationships that matter most. With its unforgettable performances, dazzling musical numbers, and inspiring message, the film invites viewers to step into a world where the extraordinary is celebrated, and where being different is the greatest strength of all.