Why ‘The Greatest Showman’ Captured the American Imagination

The success of The Greatest Showman is nothing short of astonishing. The movie musical starring Hugh Jackman brought in a paltry $8.8 million when it opened a few days before Christmas. The next week, it earned nearly twice that amount, a rare feat for Hollywood today. Propelled by word of mouth and by repeat viewings, the movie is still performing well, and the soundtrack now sits on top of the U.S. music charts.

The Greatest Showman tells the story of P. T. Barnum and the beginning of the circus, with its death-defying stunts, exotic animals, and parade of human “oddities” and “freaks.” The story of Barnum’s career and his desire to care for his family is carried along by one catchy song after another, with lyrics from the team that contributed to La La Land.

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