Film Reviewer
Twentieth Century Fox and luxury cruise line Cunard hosted the world premiere of The Greatest Showman on flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 on Friday, December 8, 2017 while the luxury liner was docked in Brooklyn, New York. This was no ordinary premiere but this is no ordinary film as Cunard broadcast the red carpet event LIVE from the ship in real-time with a Facebook livestream, giving viewers an opportunity to be part of the show. The movie was distributed nationwide by 20th Century Fox on Wednesday, December 20 to box office history.
Brilliantly directed by new filmmaker Michael Gracey, this magnetic combination of song, dance and spellbinding dancing has the reel whirl reveling in the songs by Academy Award winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (“La La Land”). The dramatic musical stars quintessential showman, Academy Award nominee Hugh Jackman who plays P. T. Barnum, the flamboyant showman and founder of the traveling Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, in the film. Jackman was joined by co-stars Zac Efron, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Keala Settle, and a host of others along with an award-winning creative team on the red carpet for the spectacular opening.
DEETS: The Greatest Showman is a bold and original musical that celebrates the birth of show business and the sense of wonder we feel when dreams come to life. Inspired by the ambition and imagination of P.T. Barnum, the fresh new musical tells the story of a visionary who rose from nothing to create a mesmerizing spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. The riveting story transports the audience back to the 1800s and follows the journey of the incomparable showman and his quest to transform show business. Throughout the musical, Barnum puts the spotlight on exceptional but misunderstood people, calling on them to perform their uncanny talents in his show even despite some public backlash. The luxury ship was the perfect place for the premiere as it paid homage to Barnum’s many transatlantic trips
The movie resonated around so many social issues. “The message in the movie is acceptance of everyone, regardless of their age, shape, gender, or race,” expressed Efron. “To be proud of who you are and accepting of yourself is important as well.” Adding to the memorable aspects of the film are the musical numbers by songwriters Pasek and Paul, who always get it right by captivating each character’s individuality and compassion.
Zendaya, who stunned on the red carpet in a tulle floor-length gown by Viktor & Rolf added, “Joy is the first thing that comes to my mind when I watch the film. A huge part of it is leading with your heart and letting love be more powerful than anything.” The dazzling premiere came to an explosive end as fireworks illuminated the sky and could be seen from miles away.
The Greatest Showman boasts an award-winning creative team: Michael Gracey (director); Laurence Mark, p.g.a, Peter Chernin, p.g.a, Jenno Topping, p.g.a (producers); Jenny Bicks, Bill Condon (screenplay); Jenny Bicks (story); John Debney, Joseph Trapanese (score); Benj Pasek, Justin Paul (songs) Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Keala Settle (stars); Seamus McGarvey (cinematography); Joe Hutshing (editor); and Chernin Entertainment, Seed Productions, Laurence Mark Productions, TSG Entertainment (production companies). (Photos by Getty Images for 20th Century Fox)
By Audrey J. Bernard
