Set Design & Symbols in The Greatest Showman

The Greatest Showman came out in 2018. The movie starred actors Hugh Jackman, Zack Efron, Anne Wheeler, and Michelle Williams, and grossed four-hundred thirty-five million dollars worldwide. With its impeccable graphics, leading actors and actresses, a harrowing tale which fit the American-dream narrative, its success was understandable, although it received negative criticism for an inaccurate depiction of the protagonist, P.T. Barnum, who could be slated for being a con-artist and exploiter. But thankfully the promotion of inclusivity in the story appealed to the liberal viewers. Today, I rather want to explore the creation, for I feel remiss if we don’t homage the set design and music. ​

The costume design tells its own story as the plot unfolds. At one point Barnum wants Philip Carlyle’s clout in order to appeal to aristocrats so that his daughters can be “proud” of their family name. The song “The Other Side”shows how costume design reflects the plot. At the onset Carlye wears a black pin-striped vest while Barnum wears a gaudy silk solid-blue vest. Barnum argues in melody for Carlye to risk his reputation to be “a free man”: “So trade your typical for something colorful” (37:12). Carlyle’s black vest represents the “typical” working class of elites. In the middle of the song Barnum persuades Carlye to become a junior apprentice. Barnum loops a matching paisley blue scarf around his neck as Carlye fetches his own scarf. You will notice that Carlyle’s scarf is mauve. These colors have a stark contrast similarly to blue and red. They symbolise Carlyles acceptance into the carnival. Furthermore, the dance sequence promotes voice of the symbols, as Barnum and Carlye return to the backstage of the carnival, and they swap scarves and matching top hats (blue and mauve) and finish each other’s lines, “welcome to the other side,” solidifying Carlye’s allegiance to the carnival.  Costume design plays a role in the plot. 

American composers John Debney and Joseph Trapanese reverse the meaning of the main theme, “The Greatest Show,” to focus on the significance of the central message: Family. The movie invites viewers into the wonders of carnival with Barnum’s vision of entertainment. Drums resound, colorful dancers fill the stage, and trapeze artists place themselves in danger; the amalgamation begs for attention. However, by the end of the film, when Barnum realises family is more significant in his life, a piano rendition of a “The Greatest Show” plays diegetically as Barnum sings softly. The single instrument but complex phrases parallel the cinematography: Barnum’s daughters perform on stage in the dance recital. Using a single instrument creates intimacy in the scene. The piano is one instrument that can capture the beauty and complexity of family relationships. Similarly, the motif sings over the arpeggiated notes.The higher octaves further create a softer melody similar to a music box. It is intimate like Barnum’s relationship with his family. The lighting and the camera also capture this intimacy with its low lighting and highlighting their rosey faces. When Barnum sings the motif, “It’s everything that you want. It’s everything that you need. And It’s right here in front of you,” the contrast from loud to a gentle melody highlights the significance of family. ​

There are more mysteries in the movie to unpack like set design. They show the austerity in work culture. The symmetry and the repetition of Barnum’s office space show the rigidity of company life. Long desks are rowed four at a time all the way to the horizon point. The camera takes a wide angle to capture the absurdity. The set designer further shows futility of company work culture through a sudden shift to a gravesite that appears to be strangely designed, made out of faux gaudy material, similarly to Volker Scholndorff’s rendition of Death of a Salesman with Dustin Hoffman and John Malkovich. There is also a stark contrast to the neighboring building. Trapped in their cubicle are other salary workers. Then, there are bars which pervert the spectators' view. Altogether they symbolise confinement in work culture. Surely Barnum allegorises the hardship of the salary man, especially in this scene when he pitches his carnival dream to his manager; and he eventually escapes through the American Dream. ​

Costume, song, plot and set design speak their own realities in the story, and they add wonder upon closer look. Perhaps the success of The Greatest Showman outshines the details and effort that goes into producing a movie, and so today, I would like to applaud designers for adding these mysteries for all types of viewers - thespians, musicians, artists, dancers, workers, children and family members.​

John Tang - 2 January 2022