Based on the partly autobiographical stage musical by Jonathan Larson: the musical creator (Larson played by Andrew Garfield) is in the process of creating the musical "Superbia" and faces various ups and downs in life and in the theatre industry while in and out of the creative process. The story takes place in New York in the early 1990s.
Like "Cabaret" (released in 1972), TTB uses a device of songs being performed on stage in front of a live audience which reflect events of the main story interwoven with the story itself. The device works very well.
For those of us who lived through the 90s, the film is a great reminder of things good and bad. The passionate creativity is perfectly on display. But so is the unfortunate rampant materialism and consumerism of the time (which would accelerate toward our current times including phone addictions). This is best on display in some scenes in the second half involving Jon's friend Michael (Robin De Jesus) who left the creative scene and became successful in the corporate world. One hilarious scene involves a focus group followed by a more profound argument between the two long-time friends which reflect Michael's past struggle before making an important life change and changes yet to come.
The main story also includes breakout musical scenes. The standouts include "Sunday" (beautiful in many ways) and "Therapy" in which Jon is at a difficult point in his relationship with his girlfriend, Susan (Alexandra Shipp).
Garfield is phenomenal in the main role, perfectly conveying the hyper-stress that accompanies the demands of the creative process, financial difficulties, and conflicts in relationships. His is one of cinema's greatest performances in recent times. And director Lin-Manuel Miranda guides with the perfect combination of dynamism, energy, passion and imagination - all of them in great supply.
Without giving much away: Larson's struggles in the creative world, as depicted in this story, might explain what would happen a few years later which adds even more emotional weight to this excellent film.
One of the most under-rated films ever! - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 10 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Acting by Andrew Garfield.
Like "Cabaret" (released in 1972), TTB uses a device of songs being performed on stage in front of a live audience which reflect events of the main story interwoven with the story itself. The device works very well.
For those of us who lived through the 90s, the film is a great reminder of things good and bad. The passionate creativity is perfectly on display. But so is the unfortunate rampant materialism and consumerism of the time (which would accelerate toward our current times including phone addictions). This is best on display in some scenes in the second half involving Jon's friend Michael (Robin De Jesus) who left the creative scene and became successful in the corporate world. One hilarious scene involves a focus group followed by a more profound argument between the two long-time friends which reflect Michael's past struggle before making an important life change and changes yet to come.
The main story also includes breakout musical scenes. The standouts include "Sunday" (beautiful in many ways) and "Therapy" in which Jon is at a difficult point in his relationship with his girlfriend, Susan (Alexandra Shipp).
Garfield is phenomenal in the main role, perfectly conveying the hyper-stress that accompanies the demands of the creative process, financial difficulties, and conflicts in relationships. His is one of cinema's greatest performances in recent times. And director Lin-Manuel Miranda guides with the perfect combination of dynamism, energy, passion and imagination - all of them in great supply.
Without giving much away: Larson's struggles in the creative world, as depicted in this story, might explain what would happen a few years later which adds even more emotional weight to this excellent film.
One of the most under-rated films ever! - dbamateurcritic
RATING: 10 out of 10
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS:
Directing by Lin-Manuel Miranda
Acting by Andrew Garfield.