The Greatest Showman Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A poor guy fakes it ’til he makes it, exploiting marginalized people in the process, but hey, at least there’s singing!

🍿 The Greatest Showman: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Early Life and Dreams

The film opens with P.T. Barnum as a performer, then flashes back to his childhood. He’s the son of a tailor and is infatuated with Charity, the daughter of his father’s wealthy clients. Despite their different social classes, young Barnum and Charity dream of a life together. As they grow, they stay connected and eventually marry, raising two daughters. However, Barnum yearns for more than their humble life. He wants to provide Charity with the life she deserves, sparking his ambition and the drive to create something extraordinary.

The American Museum and Circus is Born

Barnum loses his job and, taking a massive risk, obtains a loan to purchase a museum. Initially, the wax figures fail to draw crowds. It’s his daughters’ idea to feature something ‘alive’ that inspires Barnum to seek out unique individuals, people considered ‘freaks’ by society. He assembles a group of performers, including a bearded lady, a dwarf, and other individuals with unique characteristics. Despite facing protests and criticism, ‘Barnum’s Circus’ becomes a sensation, challenging societal norms and celebrating individuality.

Pursuit of High Society and Jenny Lind

Driven by a desire for acceptance from high society, Barnum partners with Phillip Carlyle, a playwright. He then seeks to elevate his reputation further by managing Jenny Lind, a world-renowned Swedish singer. Lind’s performances bring him the social standing he craves, but at the cost of distancing himself from his original troupe and his wife. This ambition ultimately leads to personal and professional turmoil.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman): The ambitious showman who rises from poverty to create a world-renowned circus, blurring the line between reality and fiction.
• Charity Barnum (Michelle Williams): Barnum’s supportive and loving wife, who provides a grounding force amidst his pursuit of fame and success.
• Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron): A wealthy playwright who joins Barnum’s circus, seeking excitement and finding love with Anne Wheeler.
• Anne Wheeler (Zendaya): A talented African-American trapeze artist who faces societal prejudice while developing a romance with Phillip Carlyle.
• Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson): A world-famous opera singer whose association with Barnum brings him acclaim, but also tempts him away from his family.
• Lettie Lutz (Keala Settle): The bearded lady who inspires others to embrace their uniqueness

💬 Memorable Quotes

• P.T. Barnum: “Everyone’s got a act.” – Barnum observes that everyone has something unique to offer, setting the stage for his inclusive circus.
• P.T. Barnum: “No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.” – This quote encapsulates the film’s message of embracing individuality and celebrating uniqueness.
• Lettie Lutz: “This is me.” – The iconic line from the anthem of self-acceptance, powerfully delivered by Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz.
• P.T. Barnum: “The noblest art is that of making others happy.” – Barnum’s philosophical perspective of prioritizing people’s entertainment and happiness

💰Box Office

• Budget: $84,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $174,340,174
• Worldwide Gross: $469,064,959

💥 The Greatest Showman Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely swept away by the music and energy of this film! The songs are so catchy, and the dance numbers are incredible. While I know it takes liberties with the real story, I couldn’t help but get caught up in the spectacle and the message of embracing what makes you unique. It made me feel inspired!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of musicals”
  • “Families looking for uplifting entertainment”
  • “Those who enjoy stories about overcoming adversity”
  • “Viewers who appreciate colorful visuals and catchy songs”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Brief depictions of societal prejudice and discrimination”
  • “Some scenes with protests and minor violence”
  • “Romantic themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “A flashy biopic that portrays Barnum as a champion of the downtrodden just as much as the profiteer that he was. The writers of La La Land’s incredible soundtrack follow it up with a disappointing set of songs that all sound the same. There is a solid cast and they all do fine.
• The Atlantic: “The movie sanitizes P.T. Barnum, transforming him into a feel-good hero while downplaying his exploitative practices. The music is catchy but generic, and the plot is predictable. Overall, it’s a visually appealing but ultimately shallow experience.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “The Greatest Showman tries hard to be uplifting and spectacular, but its shallow storytelling and historical inaccuracies detract from the experience. While the musical numbers are energetic, the film lacks depth.

Audience Reactions

The music is phenomenal and the choreography is amazing.: Most viewers praise the movie’s high-energy musical numbers and uplifting message.

The cast is fantastic.: Viewers agree that the cast members were all amazing in their roles.

Overall Consensus: A visually stunning and musically engaging film, but criticized for its historical inaccuracies and shallow storytelling.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Original Song)- 2018

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Hugh Jackman spent seven years developing the project, and it was his passion that kept it alive through various production hurdles.”
• “Loren Allred provided the singing voice for Rebecca Ferguson’s character, Jenny Lind. Ferguson lip-synced during filming, but Allred’s vocals were used in the final cut.”
• “The choreography blends contemporary and period styles to create a unique visual spectacle, reflecting the film’s modern sensibility despite its historical setting.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Greatest Showman?

The Greatest Showman is available to stream on platforms such as Disney+. You can also rent or purchase the film on demand from services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Greatest Showman, you might like these similar films:

• Moulin Rouge! (2001): Both films are visually stunning musicals that blend modern music with period settings, celebrating love and artistry.
• Chicago (2002): Features a similar blend of music, dance, and spectacle, examining themes of ambition and fame in a historical context.
• La La Land (2016): Also from the same songwriters, is a modern musical about pursuing dreams and finding your place, sharing themes of ambition and romance.
• Newsies (1992): A high-energy musical with a focus on community, fighting for what’s right, and the power of collective action, reminiscent of the circus troupe’s camaraderie.

🛒 The Greatest Showman Related Products

• The Greatest Showman [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack]: The complete soundtrack featuring all the hit songs from the movie. Get the digital version to listen to it anywhere.
• The Art and Making of The Greatest Showman: Go behind the scenes with this stunning art book, featuring concept art, set photos, and interviews with the cast and crew.
• The Greatest Showman Blu-ray: Own the film on Blu-ray for stunning visuals and bonus features, including behind-the-scenes content and sing-along versions.
• Funko Pop! Movies: The Greatest Showman – P.T. Barnum: Add this adorable P.T. Barnum Funko Pop! figure to your collection, capturing the character’s charm in miniature form.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Greatest Showman features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Greatest Show” – performed by Hugh Jackman, Keala Settle, Zac Efron, Zendaya & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
• “This Is Me” – performed by Keala Settle & The Greatest Showman Ensemble
• “Rewrite the Stars” – performed by Zac Efron & Zendaya
• “Never Enough” – performed by Loren Allred

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

GOLDEN BUZZER! Loren Allred shines bright with ‘Never Enough’ | Auditions | BGT 2022

Check out this incredible performance by Loren Allred on Britain’s Got Talent. She’s the original voice behind ‘Never Enough,’ and her performance is absolutely breathtaking. You won’t believe how she brings the house down and gets the Golden Buzzer! #BGT #GoldenBuzzer #LorenAllred

WE FORCED A GREATEST SHOWMAN HATER TO SING-A-LONG (AND HE LOVED IT) 🎙

Ever wonder what it would be like to force someone who hates ‘The Greatest Showman’ to sing along to it? Well, these guys did just that, and the results are hilarious! Join them as they break down the movie, point out hidden details, and try to convert their guest into a Showman fan. #TheGreatestShowman #Commentary #SingAlong

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