Film review: Hamilton

Photography by Joan Marcus

‘Who lives, who dies, who tells your story?’ Why Lin-Manuel Miranda’s ‘Hamilton’ remains vitally important during the COVID-19 crisis. Writes Evie Robinson.

Theatre doors across the world have now been closed for over four months. With the current barrier up against live theatre, the online release of the Broadway production of “Hamilton” on Disney Plus has been long-awaited and widely anticipated by the theatre community. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s original musical tells the story of the Founding Fathers of America, from their public lives in fighting for American independence, governing the politics of a free America and creating the US constitution, to their personal lives, love affairs, children and family legacies. The musical perhaps strays from tradition by employing rap and hip-hop style music, thus making it more engaging for a wide range of audiences both young and old. Without a doubt, “Hamilton” has had an incredible impact on audiences all over the globe, and with its recent online release, the hype surrounding the award-winning show has once again been renewed.

A key facet of the show’s success as a show is its focus on the importance of storytelling. Critics have suggested that naming the show ‘Hamilton’ with the absence of this key Founding Father’s forename emphasises that there are more stories to be heard than only that of Alexander. We meet his wife, Eliza, his son, Philip, and all those affected by his backstory, actions and legacy. The pertinence of individual stories is reflected in the mechanics of the show. Every cast member is absolutely vital, and the ensemble really do carry the show. On frequent occasions they form parts of the set with their movements and bodies, move props between one character and another and initiate transitions between scenes. A particular example is female cast member of the original Broadway show, Ariana Debose, who has the unique ensemble role of “The Bullet.” After being the first character to be killed by British forces on a charge of suspected espionage, she becomes the omen of death in the show, engaging in different ways with several major characters before they come face-to-face with death. This is the beauty of seeing the production online. When I saw the show for the first time in the West End in 2018, this detail is something I did not notice. But now having the chance to watch the production online at any given time, one begins to notice so many intricate and incredibly clever details woven into the story and the way in which it is told. The value of the show’s ensemble is reflected in the curtain call too; only Miranda and Philippa Soo (Eliza Hamilton) take a short individual bow and are soon joined by their cast members to take several collective bows. This was something I noticed in the West End production, and I really loved it; so often ensemble actors are disregarded or under-valued, and they truly are such an integral part of any show. 

The show has a wonderfully diverse cast, with actors of colour playing the majority of the roles. Many critics have focused on the casting in “Hamilton,” particularly the choice to cast Black actors to play the Founding Fathers, who, everyone knows, were white men. Miranda spoke of his pride regarding the show’s cast in an interview with the New York Times back in 2015:

“This is a story about America then, told by America now, and we want to eliminate any distance. Our story should look the way our country looks. Then we found the best people to embody these parts. I think it’s a very powerful statement without having to be a statement”

In the current political climate and in the wake of the death of George Floyd, race remains an ever-important issue. It seems “Hamilton” was ahead of its time; Miranda’s retelling of events actively works to be inclusive, advocating for everyone to see a part of themselves reflected in the stories of the Founding Fathers of the US.

Alexander Hamilton spends his entire life fixated on how he will be remembered. Even his wife Eliza dedicates her life to honouring her husband’s legacy, despite the hardship she suffers at his disposal (perhaps this confirms that behind every powerful man, there is an even more powerful woman!). “Hamilton” asks the question of what it means to have a legacy and be remembered. At a time when many countries have been called upon to confront their colonial pasts, the show serves as a poignant reminder that history remains just as important in the present.