Hamilton Movie - Hip Hop Film Flop

Hamilton The Movie creates a modern tragedy and legend as only Broadway can, but falls well below the standard of spectacular cinema. It has all the frantic energy of the “Jesus Christ Superstar” film (1978) but lacks the psychologically compelling camera angles indicative of a troubled personality. The romantic idealism of the revolutionary students poignantly portrayed in “Les Mis” is evident but the breakneck camera movement didn’t pause long enough for the audience to reflect on sentimental scenes.

The story is surprisingly thorough, clarifying the tragically shortened life and times of “an immigrant” from the island of Nevis. Alexander Hamilton (and chorus) rap their way through his improbable rise through the political ranks as he becomes close to General and then President George Washington amid the vivid foot-tapping descriptions of America’s 18th century origins.

The show starts at a rapid pace and inconceivably builds upon it, barely pausing between numbers. The pacing of the singing/rapping maintains a nearly continuous pace, rarely interrupted even for brief dialogues or monlogues, as in traditional musicals, that typically lead to a new song.

As a musical, Hamilton delivers plenty of catchy tunes but perhaps too many, some of which literally flow into each other, occasionally creating dissonance rather than the intended harmonies. No hauntingly delicate numbers like “Bring Him Home” or “Think of Me” balance the hard-hitting, tongue twisting lyrics. The complexity of the rhymes defy the ability of my mouth to form words with such rapidity. The set, which was rather dark and staid, was hardly altered for the majority of the performance, creating a stifling and dismal visual background. The inclusion of the actual clapping audience was distracting and totally eliminated the sense of immersion unique to film.

As a film, there was a lot to be desired. Essentially, this is just a taping of the musical (with multiple takes and new camera angles). No additions of “movie magic” such as additional visuals, transitions or subtitled were added to create a more cinematic effect. The lack of unique film perspective raises question about the marketing of “Hamilton the Movie” when it’s really “the Musical” with a couple of not very engaging camera angles.

As a performance, Hamilton takes theater to a stratospheric level. The small stage is well-utilized with constant movement by a number of players, pushing the action forward at a “not a good time to go to the restroom” pace. The reimagining of the founding fathers as both people of color and personalities beyond bland facts electrifies American history as never before. Who would have thought that a drooling George the III would steal the show?

The (in)famous ticket prices of the Hamilton musical excluded even many loyal theater-goers from experiencing the live performances, ironically contradicting the financial ideals of Hamilton. Then with Lin-Manuel Miranda’s departure and the introduction of Hamilton musicals in multiple cities, hopes rose that more people would be able to see it. But again, scalpers reigned over ticket pricing wherever the show popped up, barring entry for many. When rumors about a Hamilton movie began to circulate but no release date was set, hopes again fell.

But in the end, this highly anticipated Disney+ premiere, necessitated by the pandemic, was certainly worth the wait and numerous dashed hopes of the public. The somewhat tardy film premiered at an auspicious time - the day before Independence Day 2020. Luckily, cliches about the 4th of July are not to be seen or sung in this musical retelling of the often under-mentioned Alexander Hamilton.

Hamilton the Movie finally gives everyone a chance to see its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, in all his Hamiltonian glory (a documentary exists about why he created the show). While it didn’t take full advantage of the film format, it certainly delivered on an intimate theater experience puncutated by a sense of urgency and emotional investment that makes us believe that maybe Thomas Jefferson could rap his lungs out.

Hamilton the Movie is now streaming on Disney+.