Tick, Tick... Boom!
Tick, Tick... Boom! is a 2021 American musical drama film directed by Lin-Manuel Miranda and starring Andrew Garfield, Alexandra Shipp, and Robin de Jesus. The movie is based on the semi-autobiographical musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, the late composer of the hit Broadway musical, Rent. The film premiered on Netflix in November 2021 and received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, and music.
Plot Summary
The movie is set in 1990 and follows the story of Jon (Andrew Garfield), a struggling composer who is approaching his 30th birthday and feels like he's running out of time to achieve his dreams of making it on Broadway. Jon works as a waiter at a diner and spends his free time writing music and trying to get his work noticed by producers and investors.
As Jon's 30th birthday approaches, he begins to question his life choices and whether he has what it takes to make it as a composer. He is also dealing with the pressures of his girlfriend, Susan (Alexandra Shipp), who wants him to settle down and start a family, and his best friend, Michael (Robin de Jesus), who is leaving New York City to pursue a career in film.
Throughout the film, Jon reflects on his past, including his relationship with his parents, his former roommate who died of AIDS, and his struggles as a young composer trying to break into the competitive world of Broadway. As he navigates these challenges, Jon begins to realize the importance of staying true to himself and his art, even in the face of rejection and uncertainty.
Themes
Tick, Tick... Boom! touches on several themes, including the struggles of artists trying to make it in their respective fields, the importance of staying true to oneself, the pressures of societal expectations, and the impact of loss and grief on one's life.
The movie also explores the theme of time, with Jon feeling like he's running out of time to achieve his dreams, while also reflecting on the passing of time and its impact on his life and relationships.
Musical Numbers
As a musical, Tick, Tick... Boom! features several musical numbers that showcase Jonathan Larson's talents as a composer and lyricist. The songs range from upbeat and catchy to poignant and emotional, and they effectively capture the film's themes and characters.
Some of the standout musical numbers include "Sunday," a powerful song about the passage of time and its impact on our lives, "No More," a heartbreaking ballad about the loss of a loved one, and "Louder Than Words," a rousing anthem about the power of art and creativity.
Performances
The performances in Tick, Tick... Boom! are outstanding, particularly that of Andrew Garfield as Jon. Garfield expertly conveys the character's emotional depth and complexity, and his singing and acting skills are on full display throughout the film. Alexandra Shipp also delivers a strong performance as Susan, Jon's girlfriend, portraying her character's conflicting desires and fears.
Robin de Jesus is also excellent as Michael, Jon's best friend, providing comic relief and emotional support to the main character. Other notable performances include Judith Light as Rosa Stevens, a wealthy theater producer, and Vanessa Hudgens as Karessa, a pop singer who Jon admires.
Also Check Cheer up the family with an old cherry pie!
Direction and Cinematography
Lin-Manuel Miranda's direction of Tick, Tick... Boom! is energetic and creative, effectively capturing the spirit of Jonathan Larson's music and lyrics. The film's use of vibrant colors and imaginative set designs also adds to its overall visual appeal.
The cinematography by Alice Brooks is also impressive, with dynamic camera work that enhances the emotional impact of the musical numbers and the character interactions.
