The circus is one of the most mysterious and most stunning places in the world. Everyone sees the circus in their own way: for someone, the circus is a place where you can laugh enough, for others – a place where you can enjoy a kind of art. The Circus always amazed with its diversity and play of colors. However, few people thought that the circus hides the real life, the life that we are used to living. What could be going on out there? To find out about this, Cecil B. DeMille offers us with his painting “The Greatest Show in the World”.
Plot
The young director of the world’s largest circus is tasked with an eight-month tour of America to present his show. Their performances amaze one another. But behind this beautiful show hides the inner experiences and serious problems of the characters, which can lead to a real tragedy.
Game of actors
Honestly, I can’t say that the actors made a complete furor on me. I'm not saying that the actors played badly or unnaturally. They just didn’t strike with their replicas or attempts to portray their hero as the most dramatic. I can only praise the actors for their numbers that they had to perform, at least those that they definitely had to perform without a backup.
Director
Cecil B. DeMille is a talented director who knows how to turn his paintings into a real work of art. However, in the late years, his films became somewhat idealized. That’s what happened with The Greatest Show in the World. The film itself is interesting to watch, you enthusiastically watch the dynamics of the development of the main characters, their feelings and thoughts. Speeches are generally a separate item. Flying gymnasts keep you so tense that sometimes you want to close your eyes. However, I was confused by a few things. First, the reaction of the audience: well, it is impossible that everyone without exception laughs at all the numbers. Second, the behavior of clowns: what is the point of endlessly walking in the same makeup? I think you will understand what I said.
Scenario
To be honest, I was somewhat embarrassed that the film won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay of a Feature Film. In the plot and in the script as a whole, there were some points that left questions behind. So, for example, I was confused by the behavior, or rather, the feelings of the main character, who then met with the director of the circus, then with the Magnificent Sebastian, then again with the director. I didn’t know which one she had more feelings for. However, the script has one advantage: it depicts the behind-the-scenes life of circus performers.
Result
The Greatest Show in the World is an unusual film. On the one hand, it can seem simple and inconspicuous, the only thing that attracts is amazing performances. Nevertheless, the film presents us with the difficult and sometimes tragic life of the “residents” of the circus, demonstrates their experiences, secrets and even closeness to their death. In general, if you are a fan of circus movies, then this film is for you.
7 out of 10