Tick, Tick… BOOM!
Directed by: Lin-Manuel Miranda
Runtime: 115 minutes
Tick, Tick… BOOM! is based on Jonathan Larson’s autobiographical play (of the same name) that explores his struggles and triumphs in the theatre world in New York. The film, staring Andrew Garfield as Larson, embraces the play’s performance and emotion—though at times, at the expense of its adaptation to the medium of film. However, Garfield’s performance left me wanting to learn more about Larson’s journey, and the film ultimately provides a heartfelt opportunity for a new generation of fans to know this tragic creative.
Andrew Garfield’s performance as Jonathan Larson is an incredible transformation. After recent industry events have put renewed focus on Garfield’s role in The Amazing Spiderman series, I was pleasantly surprised to witness his talented singing ability as well as his ability to embody Larson physically. Garfield’s electric energy translates wonderfully to emulate Larson’s passion and the sense of urgency in everything he creates. Jonathan Larson is your typical creative, driven by his dreams of making it big on Broadway, leaving little room for others in his life. His life is consumed by his recent musical project, Superbia, which he is hoping will be recognised by influential producers and spark his illustrious “big break”. Garfield navigates the complexities of the role with ample likeability, while still remaining true to Larson’s personality. It’s hard not to root for this character, even though he makes poor decision after poor decision. The chemistry between Larson and his girlfriend Susan, as well as his best friend Michael, becomes the heart of the film and embodies the two warring sides of the creative; his never-give-up attitude, and his desperately need for validation.
The musical numbers (also Larson’s original works) are beautifully suited to the emotional needs of the film, but otherwise less ingrained in its major moments as a typical musical would strive for. Tick, Tick…BOOM! was originally a stage play by Larson that featured these songs and gained him some minor recognition on Broadway, and director Lin-Manuel Miranda seems to want to embrace the messy, chaotic energy rather than perfectly match it to a new medium. The first few songs take place on the stage with his cast members just as it did in the original stage play. While it is understandable why Miranda wanted to play homage to original performances and recreate some famous moments, the film medium could have offered many more opportunities (just like In the Heights) to bring new life to the musical numbers. One of the musical numbers set at the Moonlight diner is the exception of this, veering into the experimental with slow motion shots, freeze frames and a changing set. Had these risks been taken a little more often, the musical numbers may have had a greater impact.
Throughout the film, there are hints at the play Rent (which he would later release to great acclaim) but it never takes the spotlight from his story. The film touches on the AIDS epidemic, acknowledging how its emotional toll on Larson likely influenced the creation of the famous musical. While it would have been great to see how Rent was created, or to see a few more hints at how this play came to be, the film doesn’t seem interested in this passage of his life (leading to his tragic and untimely death); instead, it wants to focus on how the play Tick, Tick… BOOM! became a real reflection of himself in a typically fake theatre world.
Tick, Tick… BOOM! ultimately achieves its goal as a biography by showing the story of its subject vividly, though it misses several opportunities to better embrace the film medium. Still, the film thrives through Andrew Garfield’s vital performance as Jonathan Larson and the clear respect Miranda shows for Larson’s legacy.
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