Tick, Tick... Boom!

Tick, Tick... Boom! is a soul-stirring, dynamic musical drama that graced our screens in 2021. The film is a cinematic adaptation of the semi-autobiographical musical of the same name by Jonathan Larson, helmer of the Broadway phenomenon "Rent". The drama, set in 1990, paints a poignant portrait of the budding stage composer, laboring incessantly on his work amid the ups and downs.

Directed by the award-winning creative genius, Lin-Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame, Tick, Tick... Boom! marks his feature directorial debut. Miranda’s unparalleled understanding and adroitness with musical theatre is writ large on every frame, turning it into a heartwarming tribute to Larson’s theater contributions.

The movie stars the astonishingly versatile Andrew Garfield in the leading role of Jonathan Larson. Known for his pragmatic performances, Garfield completely immerses himself into the character's psyche, embodying Larson’s passion, anxiety, and an unyielding ingredient of grit. His portrayal of a struggling artist battling time and his own insecurities is both powerful and relatable, injecting the narrative with a drive that pulls you into the heart of Larson's creative journey.

In the film, Garfield's Larson is grappling with the pressure of producing a successful play while the clock aggressively ticks towards his 30th birthday. The title metaphorically signifies Larson’s fear of fading time and growing age without reaching the pinnacle of his artistic potential. This constant fear of ‘running out of time’ forms the crux of his character and shapes the film’s intense and dramatic narrative path.

Alexandra Shipp excellently fits into the role of Susan, Larson’s supportive girlfriend, shedding light on the personal life and struggles of the aspiring artist. Shipp’s portrayal of Susan is strong and empathetic, bringing to life her character’s dilemmas around juggling love, career, and dreams in an unforgiving city. She effectively underscores the role of close relationships in an artist’s life and how the struggle not just affects the artist but also the ones holding their life together.

The talented Robin de Jesus delivers an exceptional performance as Michael, Larson’s best friend. He brilliantly brings out the contrasting character of Michael, who succumbs to the regular 9 to 5 life for stability, thereby providing a stark contrast to Larson’s uncertainty filled pursuit of artistic dreams.

Tick, Tick… Boom! is deeply invested in reflecting on the intrinsic conflicts of the creative process and the mental toll it takes on an artist. The film lays bare the struggle of balancing personal life with the consuming desire to create art. It also smartly examines the themes of gentrification, art commercialization, and the looming era of HIV/AIDS, threading them subtly into the narrative.

Featured against the backdrop of gritty New York, the film captures the city’s essence with an intelligently curated production design. Miranda employs a deeply immersive narrative style that vacillates between real-life and snippets of Larson's stage performances, further amplified by Tom Kitt's razor-sharp music score. The expertly choreographed sequences are packed with energy and lend the film an electrifying feel, further solidifying the harmonic structure of the narrative.

The screenplay by Steven Levenson, known for his work on the stage musical "Dear Evan Hansen", adds depth to the narrative and the characters. He scripts the dialogues in a way that carries forward Larson's legacy aptly and appeals emotionally to the audience.

Tick, Tick… Boom! is an emotionally resonant journey of an artist’s struggle. It is more than just a movie; it is a microcosm of the restless angst and relentless drive that resides in every artist, ticking away, akin to a time bomb. A beautiful ode to Jonathan Larson's life and dreams, the film serves as an inspirational hymn for everyone who is fighting their own ticking clocks while pursuing their passion.

The powerhouse performances, arresting narrative constructs, and a doffed hat to a beloved artist make Tick, Tick… Boom! not just a mere watch, but an experience, one that stays with you, like a melody whose echoes linger on long after the curtains are drawn.