Grade 9 IEB Film Study - The Greatest Showman Vocabulary

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering characters, themes, songs, and technical film terms from the Grade 9 IEB study notes for The Greatest Showman.

Michael Gracey

The director of the musical drama film The Greatest Showman.

P. T. Barnum

The ambitious, creative, and charismatic main character who becomes obsessed with fame but eventually learns that family and acceptance matter more.

Acceptance & Belonging

A main theme illustrated by characters like Lettie Lutz and Charles Stratton, showing that those judged by society deserve respect.

This Is Me

An empowering and triumphant song about self-acceptance that uses close-up shots and bright lighting to create an emotional connection.

Ambition & Success

A theme explored through Barnum's pursuit of fame, which causes him to ignore his circus family and focus on high society.

The Other Side

An energetic song featuring fast editing and movement where Barnum convinces Phillip Carlyle to join him in the circus.

Charity Barnum

A character representing love, loyalty, and family values; she keeps Barnum grounded and reminds him of what truly matters.

A Million Dreams

A hopeful song that utilizes warm lighting to symbolize imagination, ambition, and the encouragement to dream big.

Phillip Carlyle

A character who starts as wealthy and judgemental but undergoes a character arc where he learns acceptance and falls in love with Anne Wheeler.

Anne Wheeler

A trapeze artist who symbolizes courage, equality, and the breaking of social barriers.

Rewrite the Stars

An emotional song exploring forbidden love and social prejudice, using trapeze ropes and swings to symbolize risk and uncertainty.

Close-Up

A camera shot used to show emotions clearly, such as showing pain and confidence during the song 'This Is Me'.

Long Shot

A camera shot used to show the setting and movement, highlighting the excitement and spectacle of circus performances.

Tracking Shot

A film technique where the camera follows movement to create energy and make the audience feel involved.

Mise-en-scène

A key film term referring to everything visible in a scene, including lighting, costume, props, setting, and positioning.

Foregrounded

What is most important or noticeable in a scene; for example, performers are positioned this way in 'Come Alive' to show confidence.

Symbolism

When objects or actions represent deeper meanings, such as the circus representing acceptance, freedom, and community.

Juxtaposition

The technique of showing contrasts, such as the difference between the rich upper class and the circus performers.

Mood

How the audience feels (e.g., inspiration, sadness, excitement), created through music, lighting, camera work, and acting.

Come Alive

A joyful and liberating song that uses fast-paced editing and bright lighting to show people becoming confident when accepted.

Never Enough

A dramatic song conveying the idea that fame and success can never fully satisfy a person.

Warm Colours

Gold, red, and orange tones used in the film to symbolise passion, excitement, and dreams.

Dark/Cold Colours

Blue and grey tones used to represent isolation and sadness.