Tick, Tick...Boom! (2021) Film Review: A Heartfelt Musical Tribute to Ambition, Creativity, and the Pursuit of Dreams

 

Tick, Tick...Boom! (2021), directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda in his feature directorial debut, is a musical biographical drama based on the semi-autobiographical musical by Jonathan Larson, the creator of Rent. The film tells the story of Larson (played by Andrew Garfield) as he struggles with his dreams, his relationships, and the ticking clock of impending success in the competitive world of musical theater. Set in the early 1990s, Tick, Tick...Boom! explores themes of artistic ambition, self-doubt, and the sacrifices one makes for their creative vision. With powerful performances, dynamic music, and emotional depth, the film serves as both a tribute to Larson’s legacy and a reflection on the universal experience of chasing one’s dreams.

Andrew Garfield’s Standout Performance

Andrew Garfield delivers a remarkable and emotionally charged performance as Jonathan Larson. Garfield’s portrayal of Larson captures the raw passion, vulnerability, and frustration that defined the young artist’s life. Larson was a composer with dreams of making it big in the Broadway world, but he faced numerous obstacles, including financial insecurity, personal loss, and the pressure of creating something revolutionary before his time runs out. Garfield’s performance is full of energy and emotional depth, balancing the intensity of Larson’s creative drive with the sadness of his struggles.

Garfield's singing and dancing abilities, showcased throughout the film, add another layer to his portrayal of Larson, further immersing the audience in the character’s world of music and theater. Garfield's ability to convey Larson's internal conflict—torn between his desire for success and his fear of failure—forms the emotional core of the film, making it both heartwarming and heartbreaking.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Directorial Debut: A Musical Celebration of Creativity

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s direction of Tick, Tick...Boom! is vibrant and full of life, capturing the energy of Larson’s music and the emotional weight of his personal journey. Miranda, known for his groundbreaking work on Hamilton and In the Heights, brings his distinctive style to the film, blending powerful musical numbers with intimate, emotionally charged moments. The direction reflects Larson’s creative process, often blurring the line between fantasy and reality as he grapples with his vision and his self-doubt.

Miranda also uses innovative visual techniques to emphasize the characters' emotions, particularly Larson's internal struggle. The film’s quick pacing and energetic editing mirror Larson's frenetic energy as he rushes to complete his musical before his 30th birthday, while moments of stillness and reflection highlight his moments of doubt and personal growth. Miranda’s direction is heartfelt and engaging, making the film a celebration of Larson’s talent and vision, while also exploring the personal toll of the pursuit of artistic success.

A Powerful Musical Score and Songwriting

The music in Tick, Tick...Boom! plays a central role in conveying Larson’s emotional journey and the themes of the film. The film features both original songs from Larson’s Tick, Tick...Boom! and additional numbers from his other works, including Rent. The music is energetic, heartfelt, and at times, deeply introspective, showcasing Larson’s ability to create songs that express his deepest emotions and experiences.

The opening song, "30/90," sets the tone for the film, capturing Larson’s anxiety about turning 30 and his fear of never achieving his dreams. The fast-paced number is both humorous and relatable, immediately drawing the audience into Larson’s world of self-imposed pressure and ambition. Other standout songs, such as “Why,” “No More,” and “Come to Your Senses,” display the emotional range of Larson’s songwriting, shifting between upbeat and dramatic, while reflecting the character's internal battles.

The musical numbers are seamlessly integrated into the film, with Miranda’s direction ensuring that the songs never feel like interruptions but rather essential expressions of Larson’s psyche. Each performance is meticulously choreographed and staged, contributing to the film’s overall emotional impact.

The Supporting Cast: Essential Characters in Larson’s Journey

The film is not just about Jonathan Larson—it also explores his relationships with the people who supported him, challenged him, and shaped his journey.

• Alexandra Shipp
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