“Lately I’ve been
hearing this sound everywhere I go. Like a tick, tick, tick”
How often do you fear Time? How often do you worry that
you’ve not done enough? How often do you fear Death? How often do you worry
about being a Failure?
Are you afraid to chase your dreams and to take the path
least known? Are you afraid that the next pebble you step on will make you
drown? Are you afraid of beginning because you know you will quit? Or are you a
fearless young prodigy just trying to be understood?
Well, this biographical musical is just the one for you.
Is Tick Tick Boom
Based on a True Story?
The tick tick boom movie is in fact a semi-biographical film
about an aspiring composer, performer, lyricist and playwright named Jonathan David Larson. The musical film portrays the daily struggles of an artist to earn
a decent living and to sell his art.
Larson believes in himself and his art but that would not
put bread on his table. The film shows a raw insight of an artist facing
personal and professional dilemma when he is forced to choose between a stable
life with his partner or his art, with an uncertain future.
Tick tick boom is based in 1990 and throws light upon the
social problems during those years. Homosexual relationships were frowned upon
and considered illegal in the United States, the consequences of which were dealt
by the HIV/ AIDS patients.
The cast of tick tick boom has brilliantly showcased almost
all aspects of an artist’s life. Andrew Garfield blends into the role of
Jonathan Larson, while Susan Wilson plays his girlfriend, Alexandra Shipp,
depicting the plight of a woman who is in love with an artist. Vanessa Hudgens
plays Karessa Johnson, Larson’s colleague and vocalist.
You Get To a Certain
Age and You Stop Being a Writer Who Waits Tables and You Become a Waiter With a
Hobby
The movie begins with Larson being concerned about turning
30. Just like any other millennial, Jonathan Larson fears that he has been a
failure and not had a single successful musical in spite of working for seven
years on his passion project.
Representing art in the most authentic form, the film
sketches a real picture of the life of an artist when Larson faces writer’s
block. Although he wished he could be 29 forever, Larson does not give up on
his project, even if it means to live in poverty. He teaches an important lesson
to all aspiring artists: Your art knows
you more than you do yourself. Give up on art, you lose yourself.
What Is the Point of
Money if You’re Not Going to Spend It on the People That You Love?
An important aspect in the life of a struggling artist is
his support group, his group of friends and family. Larson is deeply attached
to his friends which is showcased when two of his friends are hospitalized. He
throws parties for his friends when he can barely afford three meals.
It highlights the importance of true friendship when Larson’s
close friend, Michael is concerned about his financial stability. Michael helps
Larson by not only motivating him, but also by showing him the real truth of
the life he has chosen to live.
I Am the Future of
Musical Theatre
One of the most striking features of the film is how well
Jonathan’s character is written, a perfect blend of optimism and authenticity.
Larson is not over confident about his art, nor is he undermining his craft.
There is a balance between the highs and lows of his life as shown in the film.
It has perfectly portrayed the condition of artists who
continue to work tirelessly for their dying art. Theatre was unrecognized
during the 90’s but the conviction of one man was enough to keep the art alive.
Indeed a motivation to all the artists who wish to pursue the road not taken.
You Just Keep
Throwing Them Against the Wall and Hoping Against Hope That Eventually
Something Sticks
Jonathan Larson was hanging on by a thread: Hope. The hope
of being understood someday, the hope of selling his art, the hope that he is
able to do what he is good at for the rest of his life. He never gave up even
when he had an opportunity to have a stable job.
The transparency and heartfelt dialogues have been able to
capture this emotion in the most exquisite way that resonates with every
artist. Besides, the movie is highly inspiring for those kids who are afraid to
break the norms and dream.
An artist is not born overnight. It takes years of
resilience, patience and discipline to develop an art. Their job is simply underestimated.
It is time we reach out to them, promote their art or just support their efforts
because it is art that we resort to at the end of the day.
“We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read
and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race
is filled with passion. Medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble
pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, this
is what we stay alive for”- Dead Poets Society
Written by Jerusha Patel
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