Detailed Summary
Introduction and Setting
Hamilton is a 2020 American musical film featuring a live stage recording of the 2015 Broadway musical of the same name, created by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film is directed by Thomas Kail and stars Miranda as Alexander Hamilton. The musical tells the story of American Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, blending hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes to explore themes of ambition, legacy, and the complexities of history. The film is set during the American Revolutionary War and the early years of the United States.
The Story Unfolds
Act 1: Rise to Power
The first act follows Alexander Hamilton’s early life, his rise to prominence during the American Revolution, and his role in shaping the new nation.
- Opening: The musical opens with the song “Alexander Hamilton,” summarizing Hamilton’s early life as an orphan in the Caribbean and his journey to New York.
- Meeting Key Figures: Hamilton meets key figures such as Aaron Burr, Marquis de Lafayette, John Laurens, and Hercules Mulligan. He also forms a friendship with George Washington and marries Eliza Schuyler.
- The Revolutionary War: Songs like “Right Hand Man” and “Yorktown (The World Turned Upside Down)” depict Hamilton’s significant contributions to the war effort.
- Political Ambitions: The act concludes with Hamilton’s involvement in drafting the Constitution and his appointment as the first Secretary of the Treasury.
Act 2: Legacy and Downfall
The second act deals with Hamilton’s political career, personal scandals, and eventual downfall.
- Building the Nation: Hamilton’s efforts to establish a national financial system are highlighted in songs like “The Room Where It Happens” and “Cabinet Battle #1.”
- Personal Scandals: The Reynolds affair, in which Hamilton has an extramarital affair, and the resulting public scandal are detailed in “Say No to This” and “The Reynolds Pamphlet.”
- Family Tragedy and Political Conflict: The tragic death of Hamilton’s son Philip and the ongoing conflict with Aaron Burr culminate in the infamous duel between Hamilton and Burr.
- Legacy: The musical ends with “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” reflecting on Hamilton’s legacy and the impact he had on the United States.
Movie Ending
Hamilton concludes with a powerful reflection on Alexander Hamilton’s legacy and the ongoing influence of his work on American history. The final song, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” underscores the idea that while individuals may not control their ultimate legacy, their contributions and actions continue to shape the world.
Post-Credits Scene
There are no post-credits scenes in Hamilton.
Type of Movie
Hamilton is a musical drama that combines elements of biography, history, and musical theatre.
Cast
- Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton
- Leslie Odom Jr. as Aaron Burr
- Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton
- Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler
- Christopher Jackson as George Washington
- Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson
- Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison
- Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton
- Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds
- Jonathan Groff as King George III
Film Music and Composer
The music, lyrics, and book for Hamilton were written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical features a diverse range of musical styles, including hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes.
Filming Locations
Hamilton was filmed at the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway, New York City, during a live performance in June 2016.
Awards and Nominations
Hamilton has received numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Tony Awards: Won 11 awards, including Best Musical, Best Original Score, and Best Actor (Leslie Odom Jr.).
- Pulitzer Prize: Won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama.
- Grammy Awards: Won Best Musical Theater Album.
- Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
Behind the Scenes Insights
- Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired to create Hamilton after reading Ron Chernow’s biography Alexander Hamilton.
- The musical’s innovative use of diverse musical styles and color-conscious casting has been praised for its fresh take on historical storytelling.
- The filming of the live performance aimed to capture the energy and immediacy of the Broadway experience.
Inspirations and References
Hamilton draws heavily from Ron Chernow’s biography of Alexander Hamilton. The musical also incorporates various historical documents and events, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes
The final cut of Hamilton closely follows the original stage production. There are no alternate endings or significant deleted scenes in the filmed version.
Book Adaptations and Differences
While the musical is based on Chernow’s biography, it takes creative liberties in dramatizing historical events and characters for theatrical effect.
Memorable Scenes and Quotes
Key Scenes
- “Alexander Hamilton”: The opening number that introduces the main character and his journey.
- “My Shot”: Hamilton’s declaration of his ambitions and desire to make a mark on history.
- “The Room Where It Happens”: Burr’s realization of his exclusion from key decisions and his determination to gain power.
- “The World Was Wide Enough”: The tense duel between Hamilton and Burr.
- “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story”: The reflective finale on Hamilton’s legacy.
Iconic Quotes
- “I am not throwing away my shot.” – Alexander Hamilton
- “The room where it happens.” – Aaron Burr
- “History has its eyes on you.” – George Washington
- “Who lives, who dies, who tells your story.” – Ensemble
Easter Eggs and Hidden Details
- The musical features historical Easter eggs and references, such as Hamilton’s rivalry with Thomas Jefferson and his contributions to the Federalist Papers.
- The character of King George III provides comic relief while commenting on the American Revolution from the British perspective.
Trivia
- The original Broadway cast recording of Hamilton became a best-selling album and won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
- Hamilton was the first Broadway show to feature a hip-hop score and diverse casting to such a significant extent.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote many of the musical’s songs during his honeymoon and on breaks from other projects.
Why Watch?
Hamilton offers a unique and innovative retelling of American history through a contemporary lens. Its powerful performances, memorable music, and thought-provoking themes make it a must-watch for fans of musicals, history, and engaging storytelling.
Director’s Other Movies
Thomas Kail also directed:
- Grease Live! (2016, TV Special)
- In the Heights (2021, Producer)
Recommended Films for Fans
- In the Heights (2021)
- Les Misérables (2012)
- Rent (2005)
- The Greatest Showman (2017)
- Moulin Rouge! (2001)
