Is "The Greatest Showman" a Musical? Let's Dive In!
Hello there, music lovers! Today, we're going to explore a question that's been floating around the internet: is The Greatest Showman a musical? Now, grab your top hats and let's dive right in! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and is the greatest showman a musical.
What's the Buzz All About?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let's set the stage. The Greatest Showman, released in 2017, is a live-action musical drama film inspired by the life of P.T. Barnum. Directed by Michael Gracey, it stars Hugh Jackman as Barnum, with a supporting cast including Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya. The film was a massive hit, grossing over $434 million worldwide, and its soundtrack became a global phenomenon.
Now, About That Musical Bit...
So, is The Greatest Showman a musical? Well, yes and no. Let us explain.
The Obvious: It's a Musical in Spirit
If you're thinking about The Greatest Showman and not humming "This Is Me" or "The Greatest Show," you might be living under a rock. The film is filled with catchy, show-stopping numbers that will have you tapping your feet and singing along. The soundtrack, composed by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, is as much a character in the film as Barnum himself.
The songs are seamlessly integrated into the narrative, advancing the plot and expressing the characters' emotions. This is a classic musical trope, and The Greatest Showman embraces it wholeheartedly. So, in spirit, it's most definitely a musical.
But Wait, There's More...
However, if we're being pedantic, The Greatest Showman isn't strictly a musical in the traditional sense. Here's why:
It's Not a Period Piece
Traditional musicals often take place in a specific time period and use music to reflect the era's style. The Greatest Showman, while inspired by real events, is a modern take on Barnum's life. The music and dance numbers are contemporary, not period-specific. This is why you won't find any ragtime or Victorian waltzes in the soundtrack.
It's Not a Musical-Only Format
Unlike La La Land or Mamma Mia!, The Greatest Showman isn't a musical from start to finish. It has plenty of dialogue-driven scenes and dramatic moments without music. The songs are used sparingly but effectively, making each number feel special.
So, What Gives?
The Greatest Showman walks the line between musical and drama, using music to enhance the storytelling without relying on it exclusively. It's a unique blend of genres that works incredibly well, appealing to both musical theatre fans and casual moviegoers.
Why the Confusion?
Given all this, why the confusion about whether The Greatest Showman is a musical? Well, it's all about expectations. When people think "musical," they often imagine Les Misérables or The Sound of Music - films where characters break into song at the drop of a hat.
The Greatest Showman subverts these expectations, using music in a more subtle, contemporary way. This might throw off some viewers, leading to questions about whether it's "really" a musical.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, The Greatest Showman is a musical in spirit, with a fantastic soundtrack and clever use of music in the storytelling. However, it's not a traditional musical in format, with plenty of dialogue and drama in between the songs.
So, next time someone asks if The Greatest Showman is a musical, you can give them the full story. And who knows? You might just convert a few new fans in the process!
Now, go forth and belt out "This Is Me" at the top of your lungs. You know you want to!