library.uns.ac.id digilib.uns.ac.

id

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION

The Greatest Showman is a musical film, which present a story with a theme

‘from rag to riches’, one of the American dreams. This movie is produced in 2017

when the fact of the society shows that ‘from rag to riches’ is just a myth and

difficult to achieve as an end. This research problematizes the American dream

raising question of how The Greatest Showman represents the American dream and

how this film romanticizes the myth. This research attempts to understand what the

writer and director of this film intentionally send the message of the American

dream myth too its to the audiences. Analyzing the mise-en-scene of the film, this

research finds out that The Greatest Showman film represents the problematic

American dream. Just as people believe in materiality as the symbol of success, the

American dream in this film is portrayed mostly as material occupation, higher

social status, and recognition from society. On the other hand, this film also intends

to convey an ideological message to the audience, especially the American public.

Although it is presented as musical genre, the Greatest Showman portrays

the American dream's through the characters’ thoughts, personalities, and decisions.

The narrative of the American dream illustrates Barnum's rags-to-riches. As the

story progresses, we can see the American dream manifested as material ownership,

higher social status, and a Barnum managed to move from a poor life to become

rich and recognized by the people of Manhattan and New York. The sign of richness

and the success of accumulating wealth is the scenes of Barnum buying a mansion
library.uns.ac.id digilib.uns.ac.id

complete with its supplies and, of course, a horse-drawn carriage as his possession.

He also managed to put on a show with Jenny Lind, which made Barnum's name

known and recognized by the higher social society.

Since the fact shows contradictory situation, the increasing number of

proverty and the difficulty for people to have social mobility, this films is more

alike to give escapism. Hard work as the key to success is no longer a value to come

out from poverty. Contradictory to the myth, today’s people tend to experience from

rich to rag. The Greatest Showman, however, shows several messages that are

suggestive for audiences who still believe in the American dream, such as self-

confidence and equality of opportunity, along with the values of trust and equality

of opportunity. What underlies that the American dream has the right to be owned

by anyone who believes in it. No matter what one's background is, the American

dream deserves to be anyone's hope and purpose.

Barnum came from a poor family. He was alone because his father died

when he was little. However, Barnum can prove that his past was not a problem

because he was willing to work hard, taking the opportunity, and believing in his

abilities. He did many things to succeed: working on railroad construction,

borrowing money to open ‘Barnum’s Museum of Curiosity’, and managing a show.

He worked hard without relying on any privilege, except his passion and

determination.

The love story of Philip Carlyle and Anne Wheeler represents equality in

society which is also an essential point in the American dream. Differences in social
library.uns.ac.id digilib.uns.ac.id

status and skin color become a big thing in their story. However, their love for each

other obscures these cultural barriers. In addition, the circus whose members are

outcasts also supports the realization of equality of opportunity. Even if they are

unique or even called ‘freak’ by the people, they can all work together in

entertaining shows. Moreover, the show is contagious and encourages them to join

in the happiness.

The Greatest Showman does not only convey the values of the American

dream, but also romanticizes it. As the fact says that relying on hard work,

determination, and passion is only a myth, and it is the reality people should accept,

the movie presents such a serious and problematic theme in the musical genre. At

the time this film was released, American society was in a state of pessimism about

the American dream. Several problems that are felt by the American people make

social conditions worse. Coupled with the presidential campaign and election which

at that time are actually divided the community, put the chaotic situation. Public

confidence in the government to realize the American dream is declining. Thus, this

film reminds the audience about the romantic memory of the past, when there were

still many chances to experience social mobility.

This film attempts to say that the American dream still exists for those who

believe in it. This is manifested through various scenes in the film, especially when

the songs. The 9 songs featured in this film include The Greatest Show, A Million

Dreams, Come Alive, The Other Side, Never Enough, This Is Me, Rewrite the Stars,

Tightrope, and From Now On. Every song has its own mood and feel, according to

the situation in the movie scene. The majority of the songs performed with passion
library.uns.ac.id digilib.uns.ac.id

serve to give the impression of solemnity enthusiasm and to motivate the audience.

The selection of songs in this film also clarifies the intent of The Greatest Showman,

which attempts to bring the audience escapism in a joyful and hopeful atmosphere.

In the end, this film can give relief to the audiences. This film takes the

audience into a fictional world that is uplifting and happy. With hope, American

society returns to the real world with renewed hope. This film provides relief from

the hustle and bustle of problems that occur in American social life. As director

Michael Gracey (2018) has said that audiences will bring home moments in this

film and they want to repeat the same joy.

library.uns.ac.id digilib.uns.ac.id