THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

[jo]

I've thought about the length, too. But they should have pushed ahead with the actual second trailer...and then extract teasers like the above maybe for TV spots or wherever they are used. Otherwise, people might think that the short clip is the second trailer, for people who do not know what to expect.

The first teaser introduced the characters and then gave an alert for the first trailer. Very smooth and very well done. I am afraid this "supposed" teaser served not much purpose at all - it didn't even seem like a very cohesive putting together of clips. Sorry

And unlike the use of THIS IS ME ( which was an excellent choice to attract people because of the song message as well as to relate it to one of the central themes of the movie itself), the song background (Rewrite the Stars) for this one was somewhat messy ( partly maybe because it was not a good quality upload) and could have been better presented to relate it to the scenes being shown.

I guess I am concerned not just for awareness of the movie... but also to send the correct signals that the movie may be awards-worthy, too.


Jo

[jo]

If they delay the release of a second trailer any further ( if ever they will release it) -- it will already be almost time to premiere the movie - LOL! Besides, the movie screeners have probably already been sent out to the Golden Globes people anyway, so there is no big-deal-secret anymore.

Fox Marketing -- what are you doing

You were so good with the marketing of LOGAN!

Hurry and drop the second trailer now!!


Jo

[qwerty]

Nov 12, 2017 7:18:29 GMT -5 jo said:

I've thought about the length, too. But they should have pushed ahead with the actual second trailer...and then extract teasers like the above maybe for TV spots or wherever they are used. Otherwise, people might think that the short clip is the second trailer, for people who do not know what to expect.

The first teaser introduced the characters and then gave an alert for the first trailer. Very smooth and very well done. I am afraid this "supposed" teaser served not much purpose at all - it didn't even seem like a very cohesive putting together of clips. Sorry

And unlike the use of THIS IS ME ( which was an excellent choice to attract people because of the song message as well as to relate it to one of the central themes of the movie itself), the song background (Rewrite the Stars) for this one was somewhat messy ( partly maybe because it was not a good quality upload) and could have been better presented to relate it to the scenes being shown.

I guess I am concerned not just for awareness of the movie... but also to send the correct signals that the movie may be awards-worthy, too.


Jo

I agree the whole teaser was so messy. It was too fast. And i dont understand why there isn't any HD teaser released on the internet? i hope fox knows what they're doing

[qwerty]

Nov 12, 2017 7:32:25 GMT -5 jo said:

If they delay the release of a second trailer any further ( if ever they will release it) -- it will already be almost time to premiere the movie - LOL! Besides, the movie screeners have probably already been sent out to the Golden Globes people anyway, so there is no big-deal-secret anymore.

Fox Marketing -- what are you doing

You were so good with the marketing of LOGAN!

Hurry and drop the second trailer now!!


Jo

I wonder why fox is so late on these promos. I get that they are getting the hype for the audience but my gosh, its already mid november and we don't have a second trailer yet whereas jumanji already got so many promos ahead. Plus, the promos and PR is not enough in my opinion. Once they release the second trailer on the internet, believe me, it will create more buzz. So i dont know what's taking so long to release the second trailer. If they wanna campaign this at the Oscars and the audience they need to hurry up with the promos

[hughmanity]

Oops Jo - didnt see you posted!  Well anyway the article on the costume design helps clarify for me, a casual student of historical fashion,  why the looks are not EXACTLY period specific.

[jo]

[jo]

variety.com/2017/film/news/james-mangold-greatest-showman-re-shoots-1202646576/

James Mangold Helped Oversee ‘Greatest Showman’ Reshoots, Post-Production (EXCLUSIVE)

Brent Lang
Senior Film and Media Editor
@brentalang


CREDIT: 20th Century Fox

James Mangold came to the aid of his old pal Hugh Jackman at a critical moment during the making of “The Greatest Showman.” The “Logan” director was enlisted to help oversee a week of reshoots on the lavish movie musical last fall after 20th Century Fox, the studio behind the film, became concerned that Michael Gracey was overwhelmed with the scope of the picture.

Gracey, who is making his feature film directorial debut with “The Greatest Showman,” had an extensive resume of commercials work, but struggled to adjust to the pressure of calling the shots on an $84 million film. It was also determined that he could use a veteran’s assistance with the post-production process.

To that end, Mangold helped edit the picture. He was given an executive producer credit for his work and was paid a seven-figure salary for his contributions.

A source close to the studio disputed any notion that Gracey had lost control of the picture. The source said that Gracey directed all of the principal photography and the re-shoots, noting that the filmmaker was on the set and in the editing bay throughout the production. Mangold’s input, though extensive, was likened to more of an advisory role.


Mangold’s selection made sense on several levels. He had handled musical numbers in 2005’s “Walk the Line” and enjoys a long association with Jackman. The two men have worked together on three films — “Logan,” “The Wolverine,” and “Kate & Leopold.”

The film’s testing improved after reshoots were incorporated.


“The Greatest Showman” opened Wednesday and is one of Fox’s big holiday season offerings. It centers on P.T. Barnum, the legendary circus promoter, and his rise from street urchin to society fixture. Along with Jackman, the cast includes Zac Efron, Zendaya, and Michelle Williams. Reviews for the film have been mixed, with some critics dinging the picture for its plotting and pacing, but it did pick up three Golden Globe nominations, including a nod for best musical or comedy. Audiences also seem to like the movie better than reviewers, having handed it an A CinemaScore.

Gracey worked on the picture for seven years, as “Greatest Showman” struggled to get a greenlight. He first met Jackman on the set of a 2010 Lipton Iced Tea commercial.

Mangold and Fox both declined to comment on this article.

Ramin Setoodeh contributed to this article.

Why does this make feel better?

That FOX did support all efforts to give audiences a crowd-pleasing movie but bearing in mind that artistic quality is still well-served.

Not only that, the studio is rumored to be spending even more money to market the movie compared to its production budget!

Critics may be giving it mixed reviews ( currently at 49% at RTomatoes and 47% at Metacritic) but audiences are responding well ( Cinemascore rating of "A", Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score of "86%", IMDB Users Average Rating of 7.8 and Metacritic User rating of 8.1 .

Jo

[jo]

When I was trying to analyze what could have gone materially wrong with SHOWMAN, I thought it had to do with Michael Gracey's direction, given his inexperience in filmmaking. He did not have any experience in the story-telling aspects of filmmaking and his forte was with spectacle ( especially VFX), big production numbers (have you seen his ads?), and maybe being very good in creating an artistic vision. With of course the advantage of hindsight, maybe he could have been hired at a slightly lower level and a more experienced director asked to direct the movie.

Guess who I had thought who might have filled the bill -- James Mangold!

Because he is a deep thinker when it comes to filmmaking! I have followed his twitter messages and interviews with so many references to filmwork which has inspired him, because he is able to handle varied genres very well including musicals ( if you can call Walk the Line one), because his latest Jackman work ( LOGAN) was inspiring on all levels ( the freshness of the approach, the excellent link with the earlier Wolverine and the Prof X characters, the dramatic resonance of the movie, the spectacle of action scenes without being too heart-sickening offensive), his track record of getting even award-winning portrayals from his leads like winners JPhoenix and AJolie, his ability to conceive of strong and appealing storylines and also the ability to write screenplays, and of course his professional relationship with Hugh ( going back to Kate and Leopold).

I guess it was an easy decision for Fox to do. LOGAN made the money that could finance the reshoots ( the sale of the BLuRays alone would have enriched the coffers a lot -- something like $40 Million in the US alone), Mangold is a tested director whose ego is in the quality of his work and not in the publicity surrounding an "auteur" efforts, Hugh needed support for this passion project for all his attachments with Fox over a long period... and I have a feeling that the money that went to Mangold was also additional bonus for his dedication to and success with LOGAN!

Jo

[jo]

A well-reasoned out reply to the Variety article on the reshoot --

Mark Geraghty says:
December 21, 2017 at 12:40 pm

Irrespective of the scope of the work James Mangold was engaged for on The Greatest Showman, it’s encouraging to see a studio adopt a sensible approach for a “Big Budget” first-time Director. A mentor system is used in many corporate environments and, at the surface, it seems making a product that can cost 8 & 9 figures AND requires quick returns because of its limited life cycle, the appointment of James Mangold seems like a very sensible commercial decision. The fact he’s a good filmmaker is a pretty big bonus.

Having seen The Greatest Showman, the film doesn’t feel like a James Mangold movie. It’s a very solid piece of entertainment and all those involved, including Michael Gracey, should be proud of their work. The majority of the musical set-pieces are genuine toe-tappers and should appeal to broad audience. The film is the perfect answer for anyone who’s had their fill of the Star Wars saga…

[jo]

Hugh's heart must be very full -- from all the admiration he has gathered from so many whom he has touched or inspired! Colleagues, friends, and fans!

Worth more than a thousand Oscars! Is there a Nobel Prize for being an excellent example of homo sapiens!

[njr]

Saw it yesterday afternoon and really enjoyed it! The songs were great and Hugh was fabulous!

Nancy

[jo]

Dec 22, 2017 8:15:01 GMT -5 jo said:

Hugh's heart must be very full -- from all the admiration he has gathered from so many whom he has touched or inspired! Colleagues, friends, and fans!

Worth more than a thousand Oscars! Is there a Nobel Prize for being an excellent example of homo sapiens!

The friendship and professional regard continue --

http://instagram.com/p/Bdz_Y_hD1Hm

Hugh, the musician


Jo

[jo]

http://instagram.com/p/Bd0CjogBdbU

I've always thought the real best friends during and after the film project have been Hugh and Keala


*In that workshop video of Keala singing THIS IS ME, towards the latter part she confessed that she was getting nervous and stepped towards where Hugh was sitting. She extended her hand (it was shaking a little)...and Hugh immediately realized that she was looking for moral support. Hugh extended his hand to Keala for that reassuring touch! Then Hugh turned red, swept in the same emotional moment as Keala. What a bonding moment for two professionals and friends!

*When they were in rehearsals and Hugh celebrated his birthday with singers/dancers, I remember an Instagram image posted by Keala suggesting what kind of cake Hugh enjoys ( not sure but I thought she did bake something for him ).

*During filming and after Keala performed THIS IS ME ( we saw Hugh almost teary-eyed and cheering on the sidelines) -- and the following day, Keala was greeted in her dressing room with a beautiful bouquet of flowers -- and it was supposed to have come from the producers ( it is common knowledge that Hugh is the uncredited producer of this project).

*They were playing backgammon on the set and I thought it suggested that they really enjoyed each other's company.

*Hugh was so enthusiastic talking about Keala at the LA CinemaCon, saying she will be the breakout star!

*Eventually, in a media interview, Hugh shared about Keala's impressive workshop performance and delighted in telling about how FOX CEO/Chairman Stacey Snider rose and hugged Keala after she sang THIS IS ME and told her that Keala has just signed her first major motion picture contract!



Now Hugh is looking like a benevolent uncle showing off his protege's talent!


Jo

[jo]

http://instagram.com/p/BdwV26-h0eg

[jo]

http://instagram.com/p/Bdsue6qh8kA

[jo]

Reposting from the WORKSHOPS thread --

[njr]

Posted this in The Beatles/Music thread, but it is apropos here too:

Jan 10, 2018 23:50:51 GMT -5 njr said:

Paul McCartney took his daughter Stella to “The Greatest Show On Earth” in 1974. Note her button!



Nancy

[jo]

SPOILER ALERT********SPOILER ALERT********SPOILER ALERT*********SPOILER ALERT


Posting this again ( originally posted on Fan Reaction thread) --

Hope the internet police is not looking -- but this scene brings on so much joy! And (joyful) tears



I wish Fox did not limit what they submitted for award consideration to THIS IS ME... FROM NOW ON equally deserves the honor for its message, its joyous execution, and its role as the eleven-o-clock number in the movie!

Love this song and scene


Jo

Can't get enough of this scene ( including the one that precedes the dancing...when PT realizes in a moment of introspection what has happened and his role in it...and realizes what he must do)! Tears!

Jo

[jo]

Another talent of Hugh Jackman discovered from this extended scene --

He can run like LOGAN ( as when Wolverine was running uphill in the final battle)...and sing while doing it this time

Super-performer, indeed!


Jo

[jo]

SPOILER ALERT*******SPOILER ALERT*******SPOILER ALERT*******SPOILER ALERT



Another scene which was so different and so startling in its precise execution!

[jo]

It is not just the song by itself, but the context in which the song was delivered in the movie storyline!

[hughmanity]

Somewhat technical,  but an interesting insight into some of the visual effects and how they were achieved.

vfxscience.com/2018/01/16/the-greatest-showman/

[jo]

Thanks for that link, hughmanity.

No wonder the IMDB crew list for SPECIAL and VISUAL EFFECTS is very long --

www.imdb.com/title/tt1485796/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast

Michael Gracey's forte is in this category and he must have given a very strong vision of what and how he wanted these creative elements for the movie. Critics did not even have a word for this key element now in filmmaking for movies like this!

This reminds me of how Darren Aronofsky created a distinctive look for THE FOUNTAIN, when he had so little in terms of resources. It is really the creative vision of the director which can add so much beauty to the whole area of filmmaking now. The Greatest Showman should be given recognition for harnessing these creative, albeit technical, elements to give the audiences a realistic but very pleasurable viewing experience. It doesn't mean to impress per se ( like blockbusters such as Star Wars or Wonder Woman) but they serve only to heighten the visual impact of the storytelling!

Jo

[jo]

We thank you too, Hugh Jackman, for the commitment and dedication you gave to this project!

http://instagram.com/p/BeGorqxDzoz

[jo]

'Greatest Showman' film stirs new interest in PT Barnum

The Associated Press



Published: Jan 20th, 2018 - 11:15am (EST)Updated: Jan 20th, 2018 - 11:15am (EST)
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Hollywood film on the life of the founder of the Barnum & Bailey circus is stirring new interest in P.T. Barnum.

The man portrayed by Hugh Jackman in "The Greatest Showman" was also a state legislator, philanthropist and mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut.

Bridgeport's Barnum Museum has been adding guides to help accommodate an increase in visitors since the film started playing last month in theaters. The Ringling Circus Museum in Sarasota, Florida, also has seen more people taking interest in Barnum and asking to speak with their historian.

Circus historians also have found sport in picking apart where the man as depicted by a singing and dancing Jackman diverges from the true story of Phineas Taylor Barnum.