ironhorse_iv Review of Hamilton

Hamilton (2020)

I was mostly satisfied with this musical that turn the world upside down. It was a good watch.

[9/10 · 16 June 2021]

From its 2015 opening at off Broadway. The interesting new take musical by Lin Manuel Miranda about American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton received grand acclaim from both critics and audiences. The historical hip hop sung and rapped through show became so popular that for its several month-engagement, the event was always sold out. Because of that, those like myself whom were unlucky to find tickets had to wait years to witness that story. In 2020 that day finally arrived as Disney gain a live stage recording of the show. Rather than put that copy in theaters during the pandemic, they wisely put the viewing through their video on demand streaming service. It was an instant success as it became one of the most watched straight to streaming title of that year. While I was somewhat disappointing that it was just a three normal stage recording that happens to be stitch up together by editor Jonah Moran and director Thomas Kail rather than a sweeping new epic film full of extravagant real-life locations, expansive special effects and a large ensemble cast. The piece is certainly no cheaply done camcorder recording of a bare stage community theatre production. In the course of over three days of shooting, the movie captured the visual lighting and choreography very well. To add onto that, it was very well edited. The only clue that the movie was filmed from multiple shows was how Eliza Hamilton (Phillipa Soo) hair look between certain scenes. Yet it's really not that noticeable. I also dig that the movie more perspective. The overhead bird eye shot is one of them. It really works to show the out of body's experience of key moments in the play. 'Hamilton' as well feature some impressive turntables that rotate the stage floor that cleverly function to give a deeper meaning to the historical musical. It allows two scenes to play out at the same time symbolize the literally and mentally duel oppositive nature of the characters on stage; while the camera and the performers mostly remain stationary. If there was movement, the turntables gave a very surrealism visual moment of fate. One such example is the eye of the hurricane and the rewind sequence of the wedding told in the point of view of supporting character Angelica Schuyler (Renee Elise Goldsberry). Choreographer Andy Blankenbueller deserves a lot of credit for these amazing footwork movement on these turntables. Another cool thing that I notice after rewatching was how the stage's scaffolding represented the building of America. The brick work gets taller and larger as the play goes on. The background ensembles were also clever easter eggs. I like how one of them Ariana DeBose plays a key symbolism figure that always foreshadow death without once having an official title. Nonetheless, perhaps the greatest thing about this show is the theme of dual acting! The fact that nearly all of 'Hamilton' supporting performers plays multiply roles is awesome. It adds so much depth to the production. Especially full of energy and natural charismatic Daveed Diggs taking the role of friend and foe Thomas Jefferson and Marquis de La Fayette. Although some of the dual acting can be a bit awkward such in the case as actor Anthony Ramos performing as a small child after a good showing as John Laurens. The way he acts as Phillip, kinda makes it look the son was mentally challenged. To add onto that, the actual homosexuality rumors about Hamilton and Laurens being lovers also kinda hurts Ramos performance as Phillip, as viewers might forget that he's playing a new character. The relationship could come across as incest. As for the performers playing one title character. I have to say Leslie Odom Jr (Aaron Burr), Christopher Jackson as George Washington, Lin Manuel Miranda (Alexander Hamilton) and a cameo of Jonathan Groff returning as King George III really made this show worth a watch. As for the fact that a multiracial cast are playing the mostly white forefathers. I found the few mocking moments of outdated white stereotypical mostly harmless. It's certainly not as bad as the majority of whitewashing practices happening throughout the history of Hollywood. Yet I do get why some people think of the choice as racebending. It does seem like a gimmick. Still in the end although the play was based on historical events and people, using some dramatic license to rewrite history like that to hook modern audiences in was truly unique. Miranda did a good job making it entertaining. He adapted out certain key characters that would overtake the spotlight or hurt the pacing. Another thing Miranda did is make those who surround Hamilton's ideas a lot clearer; which in real life are a lot more questionable such in the case toward slavery and war, but perhaps the biggest historical inaccurate has to be the events that leading up to the famous duels. In real life, there was a lot more hesitation. Regardless I did like the uses of foreshadowing as counting to ten is the same melody used in previous songs. Talking about music. I love the different styles from 1960s British Invasion pop, standard epic rap battles of history to slam poetry. Too bad George Clinton's like funk wouldn't be incorporate into the play without disrupting the narrative. The break the fourth wall moments were also clever like Jefferson handing out a pamphlet even if it was future president James Monroe that led the investigation that almost cause a duel with Hamilton. A duel that was only prevented by of all people, a little more ambitious and less villainous Burr. Indeed "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story". It really shows in the portrayals of characters regardless of history. Nevertheless, this play is lot better than '1776' and 'Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson' big time. Overall: Don't throw away your shot! Go see this musical. It's really good. If you had. You'll be back for sure! It's worth a rewatch.