The Five Act Structure of the Greatest Showman - Film Review

Three and five act structures are key devices used in effective storytelling. They give narratives and stories a pleasing base structure upon which the weave the elements to create a unique viewpoint. The Greatest Showman has a clear five act structure used beneath all the songs and showy costumes to make it stand up as a narrative.

Act 1 - Childhood

We see the challenges that Barnum went through as a child. It shows him as a poor tailor’s son struggling to make ends meet. It shows him meeting Charity for the first time. It also shows his father getting ill and eventually passing away, and how he had to beg on the streets for food. Towards the end of the act we see Barnum heading off to make his fortune on the railways. 

Act 2 - Attempt One

We see Barnum come back a wealthy man to marry Charity. They build a home together and have two daughters. Barnum is working at a trading company, but they all get fired when the company’s flotilla sink. Barnum uses the bonds for the flotilla to get a large loan in order to buy and set up a wax museum of “curiosities”. The Museum fails. 

Act 3 - The Birth of the Circus

Barnum forms the first version of his circus. He goes about the town searching for unique individuals. It becomes successful very quickly. Barnum buys a mansion for his family. He meets wealthy director Phillip, and gets him to get them all invited to England to meet Queen Victoria. While there Barnum meets Jenny Lind who comes back to America with him. Phillip’s parents reject Anne because she is black. 

Act 4 - Self-destruction

Barnum goes on tour around the country with Jenny, abandoning his Circus. Jenny makes advances on Barnum which he rejects, so she kisses him on stage in front of the press and quits. Phillip confronts a growing group of protestors and they set fire to the theatre. Phillip runs inside to find Anne. She is found safe so Barnum runs in after him. Barnum saves Phillip and carried him out of the burning building. He is taken to the hospital. 

Act 5 - Rising from the ashes

Barnum and the performers sit in the remains of the theatre. Charity leaves Barnum over the kiss. The troupe brings Barnum round and he makes up with Chastity. Barnum and Phillip use Phillip’s money to rebuild the Circus in a big top tent. Barnum realises all he will ever need is his family.