Lovers of circus, grandiose and musicals: this film is for you! This Wednesday, January 24, comes out The Greatest Showman, directed by Michael Gracey, a complete stranger who signs there a very pleasant work. Carried by an impeccable Hugh Jackman and charismatic troublemakers as possible, this work is, without revolutionizing the genre, frighteningly effective.
A dynamic, rhythmic and… strangely familiar
This is probably what we expect first and foremost from a musical: the rhythm. And we can say that The Greatest Showman does not lack it! From the beginning, the tone of the film is set: after a logo of Twentieth Century Fox a little outdated appeared on the screen, we are surprised by the intervention of a more modern logo coupled with a very catchy music. This is how the film manages to trap us and embark us in its story: by propelling us into its magical universe without the slightest concession. And it works! We are involved from the first minute in the plot, which is a real feat of staging. In short, a perfect introduction followed by a very effective staging.
One thing, however, is obvious when you look at some images of this film, namely its blatant resemblance to Moulin Rouge, one of the pillars of the modern musical. Between the imagery, the choreography, the deliberately artificial side and even the huge visible moon, we can hardly miss the reference. It doesn't bother at all because the film remains wonderfully executed from beginning to end. However, we can ask ourselves the following question: is it a desire of director Michael Gracey to pay tribute to a film that has marked him, or is it a desire of the studios to attach themselves to an imagery that the spectators know well? A must see, but one thing is certain: it works. Perhaps, however, it would have been good for Gracey to add a little more personal touch to his film, which hardly manages to stand out in terms of imagery. If it does not detract from the pleasure that the work provides, it can make us wonder if the film will manage to stay in time.
The enjoyable trap of glitter
If The Greatest Showman works so well, it is for a very simple reason mentioned above: the film traps us. We know that it is only rhinestones and glitter that are thrown in our faces. We know that the director plays with our good mood as P.T Barnum. But no matter! This film is a breath of good humor that touches the heart. In this sense, The Greatest Showman is a worthy heir of the troublemaker Barnum, since he plays with our naivety in a totally assumed way.All stratagems are used to shoe us like fish in the heart of this bubble of gaiety: staging, grandiose, rhythmic songs, emotions of all kinds… All this offers us a memorable patchwork that makes you want to be seen again, as it transmits optimism.
Perfect choreography, half-hearted songs
Who says "musical" says "songs and dances of all kinds" and The Greatest Showman is no exception to the rule. Regarding the choreographies: what a slap! Alternating between cabaret dances and others more contemporary, we are amazed from beginning to end. The coordination between the main dancers and the extras is simply mind-boggling, as well as some acrobatic scenes (especially the one between Zac Efron and Zendaya) are impressive. Add to that costumes perfectly in tune with these choreographies and you have an electrifying and colorful fireworks. Regarding the songs: these are mostly very good but nuances are necessary. In itself, many of the songs are rhythmic and even memorable. However, others are much more insipid in terms of both lyrics and composition (we think in particular of Michelle Williams' in the middle of the film). However, the whole remains very pleasant to listen to. We can also note an interesting thing: the song "This is me", quite classic and forgettable when you listen to it outside the film, takes on an inordinate emotional power once put in the context of the work. Proof (once again) that the context of a film matters!
Actors at the top of the top
The Fountain, Prisoners, Chappie, Logan… Hugh Jackman doesn't have much left to prove about his talent. Once again, the Australian actor offers us an impeccable performance, coupled with his aptitude for dancing and singing.
The secondary roles are not to be outdone and give the film all its strength. Zac Efron and Zendaya are as good individually as when they are together. The osmosis created between these two characters is perfect and hits the mark regardless of the stage of their relationship. As for the whole "menagerie of monsters", the talents are also there. We think in particular of Lettie Lutz, famous woman with a beard played by the unknown Keala Settle. The latter is simply perfect in her role and very touching from her first appearance on screen. It is also she who gives all the emotional power to the song "This is me", mentioned above. In short, a perfect panel of actors. A small nuance is to be indicated concerning Michelle Williams, playing the wife of P.T Barnum. This one is very good in her role it is not debatable. However, Williams is under-exploited on screen and this is a shame, when you know the extent of his talent. This does not detract from the success of the film but remains a little regrettable.
Not true to history? So what?
It would be easy to blame The Greatest Showman for a dime: the fact that he is not faithful for a penny to P's life.T Barnum. Besides the fact that the character of Barnum is extremely watered down (a little too much even), the historical facts are portrayed as the film wants to show us: in the most dazzling way possible.However, making this criticism would be misplaced for a simple and good reason: The Greatest Showman is not a biopic about P's life.T Barnum. It is a tale about how he created show business. And that makes all the difference from a scriptwriting point of view. The film is not sold for its realism, but on the contrary for the magic it exudes. So get comfortable in your seat and dream!
If The Greatest Showman is not free of all flaws, the magic works perfectly and offers us an experience as rhythmic as it is enjoyable. Enough to start the year 2018 in joy and good humor!
