Edit
Storyline
"Hamilton" is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and show tunes, "Hamilton" has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater--a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Captured at the Richard Rodgers Theater on Broadway in June 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way.
Written by
The Walt Disney Studios
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Taglines:
Experience the Original Broadway Production
See more »
Edit
Did You Know?
Trivia
Alexander Hamilton always calls Aaron Burr "sir" in the show, a term of respect typically used during this time frame for people in positions of authority or for elders. However, Hamilton and Burr are about the same age and Burr never was in a position of authority over Hamilton. Lin-Manuel Miranda stated that he did this in order to highlight the wealth and class gap between Burr and Hamilton and to show the vulnerability of Hamilton's position compared to Burr because of this.
See more »
Goofs
Hamilton was not fired from his position at the Treasury by John Adams; he resigned in 1795, two years before Adams took office.
See more »
Quotes
[
first lines]
King George:
Ladies and gentlemen, this is your king, George III. Welcome to "Hamilton." At this time, please silence all cell phones and other electronic devices. All photography and video recording is strictly prohibited. Thank you, and enjoy *my* show.
See more »
Crazy Credits
The Walt Disney Pictures logo is synced up to the sound effects from "Ten Duel Commandments" (the ticking clock, explosions, gunshots and DJ disc scratches).
See more »
Soundtracks
Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story
Performed by
Phillipa Soo,
Chris Jackson,
Leslie Odom Jr.,
Daveed Diggs,
Okieriete Onaodowan,
Renée Elise Goldsberry,
Anthony Ramos,
Daveed Diggs and
Okieriete Onaodowan
Music and Lyrics by
Lin-Manuel Miranda Copyright © 2015 5000 Broadway Music (ASCAP)
Administered by WC Music Corp.
See more »
Greetings again from the darkness. You know what it's like when people start talking about some great new restaurant that just opened (think back to pre-pandemic)? And then you start to hear your friends and co-workers raving about it ... best 'steamed broccoli' (ok, insert your favorite entrée) I've ever tasted! Having been burned many times with high expectations, you remain skeptical, but make the reservation. Well, that's been me with "Hamilton." For almost 5 years, the hype was just too much. Surely folks were caught up in the frenzy, and peer pressure was such that no one would admit it wasn't all that. So, now I'm here ... throwing myself at the mercy of the Theater Gods. Thanks to Disney Plus, I only needed to invest a little (ok, a lot) of time, rather than a few hundred dollars for a ticket. This is me humbly admitting I was wrong. The show is fantastic, and I only wish my first viewing had been a live performance.
Unfortunately (because of what I mentioned above) this can't be a comparison of a live stage performance and the film version. Instead, this will briefly outline what I noticed in the movie. First, and I believe this is key, the original stage director Thomas Kail is back to direct the film. It should be noted that the film version is a blend of a couple of recorded live shows, plus some recorded songs seamlessly edited in. This is the original cast doing what they do best, and the edits are imperceptible. Second, the main cast is filled with dynamic performers. In many stage shows, one or two actors are head and shoulders above the others. Not so here. At a minimum the top seven actors are as skilled and fun to watch as any you've seen. Third, this is a true musical in that the songs drive the story. Some of the early songs require serious concentration to catch the lines, but even if you miss some lyrics, the gist of what's happening is pretty clear. These aren't so much catchy sing-along types, but you'll easily recall the scenes when you hear the songs again at a later date. We see a perfect melding of music-performance-story.
Of course most everyone knows that Lin-Manuel Miranda is the creative force behind the show. He credits writer Ron Chernow's book on Alexander Hamilton as the inspiration for the production, but it's Mr. Miranda that appeared on every talk show for a couple of years, and he also performs as Alexander Hamilton. Daveed Diggs has dual roles as the flamboyant Marquis de Lafayette and the equally flamboyant (at least here) Thomas Jefferson. Renee Elise Goldsberry takes over the stage with her powerful voice as Angelica Schuyler, and Chris Jackson is a dominating physical presence as George Washington. Jonathan Groff (from "Mindhunter") is absolutely hysterical and unforgettable as King George III, both through song and strut. Everyone will have their favorite performers, and truly they are all exceptional, and I'd like to point out the two that took my breath away. Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton has a pristine voice that will bring tears to many eyes. She may not be as involved with the political elements of the story, but in the most emotional moments, she is front and center. Lastly, the passion Leslie Odom Jr brings to his role as Adam Burr is beyond description. He may be the "villain", but he makes Burr accessible and easy to understand ... plus Odom is a terrific singer and performer, and he lights up the stage.
It's easy to overlook the dance and stage choreography since it's never over-the-top, but the dancers are terrific and the performers make great use of the single set - although props are regularly brought in and taken away. Perhaps what really makes this click as movie entertainment is the expert use of cameras and editing. We see the full stage when we should, and we are offered close-ups when it's most effective. I do hope to catch the live show at some point, but if my Hamilton experience is limited to this cinematic version, well ... "that would be enough."