Discuss The Greatest Showman
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Why be dishonest?
posted by Daddie0STAFFMOD on March 27, 2018 at 4:16 AM
I am gobsmacked that the film makers decided to "spice up" such a ridiculously engaging life story with dishonest narrative plotlines. I know there is always a bit of "filling in the spaces" or combining multiple people into a character, etc, but this seemed completely unnecessary. I was so disappointed to read things like this:
http://www.historyvshollywood.com/reelfaces/greatest-showman/ https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2017/12/greatest-showman-hugh-jackman-p-t-barnum-jenny-lind
I actually stopped the movie when Barnum made the quip about "circus" to the critic, so I could look into the etymology of the word (yeah, I'm a nerd). That led me to do a search for "The Greatest Showman facts" on a whim. I found the links above, among others. Needless to say, I was then frustrated as I resumed the movie and watched one after another falsehood introduced into what in real life is a truly bizarre and unique story for what I can only understand is no good reason. I mean, he's not beyond reproach, but why go that route? Anyone else have that experience?
Reply by Philippe LeMarchand
on March 27, 2018 at 5:35 AM
If I was worried about historical accuracy I'd be far more concerned about the portrayal of Barnum as someone who generally treated his performers well, if not with affection.
Reply by Daddie0
on March 27, 2018 at 6:50 PM
Yeah, I agree about the "exploitation" angle being valid. But to create the idea of a potential affair? Or to invent an understudy out of whole cloth just to bring a resolution? I mean there were so many really rich characters in real life that could have been explored instead.
As to the issue of exploitation, there is a conversation to be had, which is hinted at by the line,"they are laughing anyway...why not make them pay?" It's a different era, and it seems many were willing to cash in on their (mis)fortune for finances and fame. Again, I'm new to all this, and the Barnum research I did was one side benefit of the movie.
I'm not trying to make him a hero, I'm just disappointed by the unnecessary dishonesty.