This was nominated for Best Song, which might seem like a less important nomination, but much like Beauty and the Beast and it's nomination in Costume and Make Up, a nomination in any category does reflect a certain quality to the film. And this film is a musical, after all, and so having good music is important.
The story is a telling of the Barnum story, the beginning of one of the most successful entertainment enterprises of its time and the man behind the big ideas. I am always surprised and impressed when I see Hugh Jackman sing and dance. The other movie that I saw him in this past year, Logan, exploited, shall we say, other aspects of his acting talents.
There is a lot of walking a thin line between the historical context of the 1920's and the sensibilities of the 21st century. There are those who will see this as a rose-colored-glasses view of what
was a pretty exploitive situation. But in a 19th and early 20th century
context, the circus and then vaudeville were welcoming places where
those who had skills or who were rejected by society could find a home.
Barnum put "misfit toys" onstage, saying, in essence, "Aren't they
amazing?” rather that "Let's point and stare." The tone is set by Jackman's inclusive delight at the parade of humanity
before him. It's a moment when ignored people are for the first time
really seen.
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