What 'The Greatest Showman' Missed
Start writing a post
Entertainment

What 'The Greatest Showman' Missed

The origin of Barnum's show is darker than we know.

67
What 'The Greatest Showman' Missed
Becky Phan

So I finally joined the majority and got to see The Greatest Showman in theaters. I know, I know. Hugh Jackman's latest film has been in theaters since December 20th. Most everyone has seen it and formed their own opinions. I'd like to say I have a good excuse for waiting so long but honestly I just like seeing movies with hardly anyone in the theater, makes the viewing experience more enjoyable. But any who, I went in to this movie with the highest of expectations. As someone who eats up any and all musicals, I was chomping at the bit to see this movie, eagerly awaiting to absorb the breath taking numbers I have been enjoying from the soundtrack (thank you Apple Music).

Once the credits had rolled and my boyfriend and I were exiting the theater, I was alight with energy and overjoyed with the story that had unfolded before my eyes. As my boyfriend and his family can attest, I was talking about the movie and singing its songs all weekend ("This Is Me" will be the anthem of my soul until the end of time). But as I sat down to write my better late than never review, I came upon dark problems that lay beneath the cinematic story of the "greatest show on Earth". After watching the big screen P.T. Barnum's story unfold, I became interested in the real story because as we all know, Hollywood likes to take a story and fantasize it and what I found shook me to my core.

In an article on Smithsonian.com titled "P.T. Barnum Isn't the Hero the "Greatest Showman" Wants You to Think" by Jackie Mansky, she details the truth of Barnum's start in the world of showmanship. One detail of his dark beginnings that Mansky cites from Barnum's autobiography is where he discusses his rental of an enslaved elderly African American woman named Joice Heth and propagating her to the public. Barnum did not always tell the same story when he had her on display but one he would tell frequently was that she was the oldest woman in the world and was at one point in time George Washington's slave. Mansky discusses that he would keep Joice working 10 - 12 hours a day, eventually leading to her death. Even more sickeningly, Barnum charged a fee and welcomed spectators to view Heth's autopsy, making her a spectacle even in death.

The truth of Barnum's beginnings grows even darker after his time exploiting Joice Heth but Hollywood chose to pick out the highlights of the story to sow together fact and fiction to make a movie that ensures viewer enjoyment. This presents a problem. The film The Greatest Showman presents viewers with a heartwarming story about finding your place in the world. Barnum is presented as an admirable anti-hero and this portrayal sends the message to audiences that he is praiseworthy and respectable when in fact the real Barnum exploited the unwilling and turned involuntary participants into sideshow attractions for him to profit off of.

I commend the cast and crew of the film for creating a soundtrack that will stay in my heart for years to come and fabricating a story that made audiences, including myself, smile. However, I warn readers to look past films for truth and do a little research. Hollywood will put a golden spin on dark origin stories often turning wicked historical figures into golden hearted cinematic icons to turn a profit.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

52486
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

33726
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

956481
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181322
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments