tick, tick… BOOM!
tick, tick… BOOM! (2021)
The problematic capitalisation of the title aside, this film tells the true story of Jonathan Larson, a musical theatre composer who tragically never got to witness the impact of his art.
Larson created the hit Broadway musical Rent; the smash rock opera which ran for 12 years and won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score. In a cruel twist he passed away on the morning of Rent’s first Off-Broadway performance at 35. No spoilers there; The film opens with this caveat in an attempt to cushion the devastation for the audience allowing us to feel uplifted rather than doomed.
Larson composed and performed this autobiographical musical detailing his growing anxiety at turning 30; his fears of not achieving the level of success as his hero Stephen Sondheim, the pressures of juggling a demanding job while pursuing your passion and his failing relationships with both his girlfriend and best friend, both of whom appear to be surrendering to a life of corporate stability.
From the off the songs are infectious and inspiring. I was astonished to learn these current and fresh anthems had been written 30 years ago.
Directed with clear affection by hip hop theatre royalty Lin Manuel Miranda (In the Heights, Hamilton and Oscar nominated for Moana) it is a transparent love letter to his home city of New York and the entire Broadway community. Musical nerds will have the most fun spotting all of their favourite legends making cameos.
The DNA of Rent is rife throughout. From the epic rock stompers through to the pin-drop quiet of aspirations being snuffed. The juxtaposition of impoverished dreamers against an ambitious landscape of skyscrapers and greed and the ever present weight of the AIDS crisis enveloping the spirit of this creative company.
As Jonathan Larson this is Andrew Garfield’s show. What a lead. Winning a Tony award (and my heart) in Angels in America, he was robbed of an Oscar nom in The Social Network and oddly rewarded with one in Hacksaw Ridge, he is far more at home here. Equally at ease behind a piano or the counter of the Moondance Diner he exudes joy and succeeds in bringing Larson’s frustrations and charm to life. And who knew he could sing like this? Makes me sick.
Thoroughly nostalgic, always joyful and occasionally very stressful (I genuinely thought I might throw up at one point) this is a celebration of all things Broadway and despite the ultimately tragic ending it succeeds in being an inspiring reminder to keep on going.
9 Thumbs Up!
