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The Greatest Showman

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Article Genealogy
Parent: P. T. Barnum Hop 3
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The Greatest Showman
NameThe Greatest Showman
DirectorMichael Gracey
ProducerLaurence Mark, Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping
WriterJenny Bicks, Bill Condon
StarringHugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson
MusicJohn Debney, Joseph Trapanese
CinematographySeamus McGarvey
StudioChernin Entertainment, Laurence Mark Productions
Distributor20th Century Fox
Released8 December 2017
Runtime105 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$84 million
Gross$435 million

The Greatest Showman is a 2017 American musical biographical film directed by Michael Gracey in his feature debut. Inspired by the life and legacy of P. T. Barnum, founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, the film is an original movie musical that celebrates the birth of show business. It features an ensemble cast led by Hugh Jackman and a soundtrack of original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.

Plot

The narrative follows the rise of P. T. Barnum from poverty, using his imagination and ambition to create a spectacle of unique performers, known as his "museum of oddities," which evolves into a world-famous circus. His partnership with affluent playwright Phillip Carlyle helps elevate the show's respectability, though Barnum's pursuit of high-society approval from figures like Queen Victoria and his association with singer Jenny Lind strains his relationships with his wife Charity and his troupe. The film culminates in a dramatic fire at his American Museum and a reaffirmation of his bond with his family and performers, celebrating the creation of a community for outcasts.

Cast

Hugh Jackman portrays the visionary showman P. T. Barnum, with Michelle Williams as his devoted wife Charity Barnum. Zac Efron plays the fictional aristocratic partner Phillip Carlyle, and Zendaya appears as the trapeze artist Anne Wheeler, Carlyle's love interest. Rebecca Ferguson portrays the renowned Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, while Keala Settle delivers a standout performance as the bearded lady Lettie Lutz. The supporting ensemble includes Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Austyn Johnson, and Cameron Seely as Barnum's daughters.

Production

Development began in 2009, with Hugh Jackman attached to star and produce. The project was set up at 20th Century Fox with Chernin Entertainment and Laurence Mark Productions. Director Michael Gracey, known for his work in visual effects and commercials, made his directorial debut. Principal photography commenced in New York City in November 2016, with significant soundstage work at Kaufman Astoria Studios in Queens. The film's choreography was led by Ashley Wallen, and its production design was handled by Nathan Crowley, aiming for a stylized, theatrical aesthetic rather than strict historical accuracy.

Music

The film's score was composed by John Debney and Joseph Trapanese, while its songs were written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Academy Award-winning lyricists of La La Land. The soundtrack album, released by Atlantic Records, debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart. Key musical numbers include the anthemic "This Is Me," performed by Keala Settle, which won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Other notable tracks are "The Greatest Show," "Rewrite the Stars," and "Never Enough."

Release

The film held its world premiere at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City on December 8, 2017, before its wide theatrical release in the United States on December 20, 2017, by 20th Century Fox. Its international rollout continued into early 2018. A significant marketing push included early previews of the musical numbers and a strong presence on social media platforms. It was later released on Digital HD in March 2018 and on Blu-ray and DVD in April 2018.

Reception

Initial critical reception was mixed, with criticism aimed at its historical inaccuracies and formulaic narrative, but praise for its performances, music, and energetic spectacle. It earned a nomination for Best Original Song at the 90th Academy Awards. The film proved to be a major commercial success, grossing over $435 million worldwide against an $84 million budget. It developed a strong cult following, with the soundtrack achieving multi-platinum status and driving a resurgence in popularity for musical theatre.

Legacy

The film is credited with revitalizing mainstream interest in the movie musical genre for a contemporary audience. Its anthem "This Is Me" became a global hit and an empowerment theme for various social movements. The success spawned a worldwide concert tour, "The Greatest Showman: Live in Concert," featuring the original cast and orchestra. The film's enduring popularity has influenced stage adaptations, with a West End musical in development, and cemented its status as a modern cultural phenomenon.