'The Greatest Showman' is directed by Australian director Michael Gracey and is his first feature length debut. Gracey is also known for his work with special effects. This combination is vital for the all-singing, all-dancing cast of the movie as character Barnum sets up a circus full of the most talented and unusual acts he can find. Casting includes Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Zendaya and Michelle Williams.
P.T Barnum comes up with the concept for the American circus
Barnum, played by Hugh Jackman, is a man who finds himself out of a job when the company he works for goes bankrupt.
Married to a woman played by Michelle Williams and with children to look after, Barnum stretches the limits of his imagination and comes up with the idea for a circus. Set in Connecticut in the 1800's, Barnum sets out to find the strangest and most talented acts he can find.
His search brings him to Zac Efron and Zendaya, whose characters will later go on to perform in the circus and fall in love. Judging by the trailer, the character of Barnum is full of idealism and hope as he collects the various acts for his circus. The charismatic man will go on to make a fortune from his initiative.
Based on the life of P.T Barnum
The movie is a biopic about the life of Barnum, the founder of Bailey and Barnum Circus.
Real life P.T Barnum became a politician and an abolitionist later in his life. He was known to be a strange character and there are certainly a lot of moments of his life portrayed in 'The Greatest Showman' that people can draw inspiration from.
However, Barnum's life was not all fun and games. He had another, more sinister side to his character.
Throughout his life, he committed a series of questionable acts. He promoted minstrel shows which mocked black culture through songs and dances. He also jump-started his career by purchasing a slave and claiming that she had worked for George Washington as a nurse.
Fans are in for a real treat as Jackman takes to the stage after 'Les Misérables'.
The songs in the movie were written by Justin Paul and Benj Pasek. Paul won the Tony for best musical only a few weeks ago. Other members of the cast include Rebecca Ferguson and Paul Yates. 'The Greatest Showman' will be released in theaters come Christmas.
