Music and the Fictive Dream - The Greatest Showman

 The Greatest Showman is a musical film released in 2018 and is directed by Michael Gracey. The film stars Hugh Jackman portrayed as P.T. Barnum of Barnum and Bailey's Circus. Co-stars Zac Efron and Keala Settle also play large roles in the film. The music was written by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul who are well known for writing the music for La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen (Pasekandpaul.com). The music in this film tells a story of Barnum's rise to fame, his inability to see what is truly important, the need for humanity and acceptance, and Barnum's return to joy. The lyrics' storytelling alone make for great pieces but the musical styling as well as performances by Jackman, Efron, and Settle make the music all the better. There are numerous songs that carry a deep message for the audience that really pulls you into the story. 

The song From Now On written by Pasek and Paul for the film is performed primarily by Hugh Jackman and tells of his eyes being blinded by the lights of success and fame but that "from now on" he will no longer live this way but rather appreciate what he has, his wife and two daughters.



The song starts off slowly while Barnam (Jackman) processes the realization that he already has everything he has ever wanted. The beat picks up and the song becomes what I like to call a "beards and flannel" type of folk music. Then it builds to an anthem like song that is delivered and chanted powerfully. The song was written with Jackman's charisma in mind (playbill.com). "We were channeling him as we were writing the song," -Justin Paul (playbill.com). The song is very dynamic and slowly builds a crescendo and then slows and quiets with a decrescendo. An interesting tidbit: when the film was being pitched and songs were being performed by the cast for executives, Hugh Jackman had had skin cancer removed from his nose the day before and had 80 stitches in his nose and was not supposed to sing according to his doctor (Nowtolove.com). The meeting was filmed and we get to witness Jackman unable to hold himself back and begins belting the song. That just goes to show the dedication and artistry that Jackman truly possesses. This musical and this song in particular deliver an important message and is much akin to a parable. The musical has even be interpreted by theologians and compared to a Christian message (Jasonbybee). My personal opinion is that the entire musical is just about general morality, acceptance of others, and being content.

The video of Jackman performing for the executives:


References: 

Blu-rayTM, BTYB The Greatest Showman on. “Stories behind the Songs from ‘the Greatest Showman.’” Now to Love, Stories behind the songs from 'The Greatest Showman' | Now To Love. Accessed 19 July 2021.

Fierberg, Ruthie. “The Pasek & Paul Song That Got Them Hired for Greatest Showman.” Playbill, 2017, The Pasek & Paul Song That Got Them Hired for Greatest Showman | Playbill. Accessed 19 July 2021.

Jason. “A Theological Interpretation of the Greatest Showman: ‘from Now On.’” Already & Not Yet, 10 Feb. 2018, A Theological Interpretation of The Greatest Showman: “From Now On” | already & not yet (jasonbybee.com). Accessed 19 July 2021.

PASEK AND PAUL. “PASEK and PAUL.” PASEK and PAUL, 2013, PASEK AND PAUL.

Comments

  1. Anya KurzbardJuly 28, 2021 at 9:06 PM

    It certainly sounds like a song that was written for him. His talent never ceases to surprise me, I admire the way he is able to put so much effort and dedication into each performance. The second video you provided really captures his raw vocal abilities. While vocal production makes it more enjoyable to listen to in a movie, it's evident that Jackman doesn't need much help with technicality or pitch regulation.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 2, 2021 at 5:31 PM

    I like your description of "From Now On" as beards and flannel folk music. I think it is truly fitting :) Your analysis of this work and The Greatest Showman is wonderful. I enjoyed the story you included about Jackman's 80 stitches (which is quite a lot of stitches, in my opinion) and his rebellious performance. Great work this week !!

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