Review of The Greatest Showman (2017) by Sarah V — 03 May 2018

The Greatest Showman was one of my favorite movies that I have seen recently! The music and acting was fantastic and entertaining and it had a very sweet storyline. However, there were a few issues that I found with the worldview that it portrayed to it's viewers.

There were some great aspects of a good worldview in this movie. For example, the very prominent theme of acceptance; both of our selves and others, regardless of any and every difference. Every person is valued and appreciated for who they are by Barnum, and eventually by the rest of the members of the circus. Barnum displays unconditional acceptance for people in society who had never before been loved or appreciated. He hires members of all shapes, races, social classes, sizes. This movie has an overlying worldview that encourages the celebration of all humanity. We even see this in the relationship between Philip and Anne Wheeler. While others, even Philip's own parents and most people of society in this time, would have frowned upon this relationship, Philip and Anne learn and display the fact that love is so much more than skin deep and that no one should be loved based only on their physical appearance.

Another positive theme I saw throughout this movie was the importance and dedication of family members and the value of fighting to preserve the family unit above all else. I loved seeing this theme in a modern movie, especially because the idea of fighting for strong family structure is not something that we always see in modern movies. Throughout the movie, we see the importance of family underscored on various occasions. When Barnum is tempted by a female business partner, he faces a tough decision, knowing that if he turns her down, he will be financially ruined, but if he accepts her advances, he will be betraying the wife he loves so much. There are some great lessons here about what one should or shouldn't do in the name of success, and about the importance of marriage and family.

The main negative worldview I saw was that of relying on self. As a believer in Christ, I had a few issues with this part of the movie. When we look at Barnum, we see an underlying theme of individualism and narcissism throughout the movie. Every character in this movie must either be for Barnum, supporting him, or get out of his way. While this does show determination and drive on Barnum's part, it is a self-glorifying cycle that almost destroys Barnum when he allows this new confidence in himself to almost ruin his relationship with his workers and family members. Another issue I had with this movie was about half way through the movie, when the circus members, after being rejected from entering a party, barge into the party, breaking down the doors and singing "This is Me". While I do love the message of acceptance and equality, I cannot completely agree with the take that the writers took on this part of the movie. It leans heavily towards individualism and narcissism, which conflicts with Christian faith. I would say that I understand the point that was trying to be made, and since this film was not made from Christian producers or workers, I cannot be upset about the resulting views in this film. However, as a believer in Christ I see that our worth is unchangeably found in Christ alone, not in ourselves or what we are able to do for ourselves.