Hansen struggles to measure up to success of stage musical

Some musicals just don’t belong on the big screen; case in point -  Dear Evan Hansen. Hansen features the story of a titular high school student, struggling with depression and anxiety. After a letter he wrote for himself as a coping exercise falls into the hands of the parents of Connor Murphy, who recently took his life, Evan fabricates a relationship with Connor to become closer to his family. Although the musical is well liked and highly regarded, the movie has not yielded the same results. Long before it was released, the trailer triggered people, especially when they saw that original cast member, Ben Platt, would be starring in the title role. People were very concerned about this choice and believed he was too old for this part. However, criticizing the casting of one part feels like questioning the upholstery in one cabin of the Titanic. Why waste time on patterns when this cinematic ship is plunging to the depths?

The plot of the musical itself proves a significant issue. Insensitive to those actually struggling with depression and anxiety, it clumsily addresses those who have experienced the struggles of a suicide within a family. While the musical helps broadcast this sensitive issue smoothly by creating more of a dark comedy, the movie attempts to take the more serious route. As the musical shows all sides of the story, the movie essentially paints the main character as a hero, while constantly attempting to bring down the real victim of the story.  There are several points where characters reflect on Connor's life, only focusing on the mistakes he has made rather than recognizing the fact that Connor was going through something vastly difficult and hard to endure alone. The depiction of mental illness as something that possesses and brings out the absolute worst in people rides on harmful stereotypes regarding mental health. 

The way Connor was portrayed wasn’t the only issue. Evan’s mom, Heidi, is a single mother working as a nurse trying her best to provide for her son. As Evan starts to spend more time with the Murphy’s, he spends less time with his own mother. Heidi makes several attempts to try and reconnect with her son, but has difficulty doing so as she often has to cancel plans with him in order to work. While this could be seen as disappointing, Evan whines as if she is neglecting him, while she is only trying to support him and set up his future. The show tends to disregard the hard parts that parents go through. The failure to either educate viewers on suicide OR entertain them with a plausible plot stands as grounds for cinematic negligence.

One of the most concerning aspects of the movie to fans were the casting choices. More specifically, the casting of Platt as Evan Hansen. His age was given a lot of attention. Being 27 while playing a 17-year-old just doesn't make much sense. Of course in film, most teenagers aren’t played by actual teens, due to child labor laws, but most of the time the age difference is around five years at most. Most adults cast as teens usually have young faces. While Platt does look fairly young, he definitely does not pass as a modern adolescent. In the movie this is really apparent. There are some scenes where Platt’s facial expressions make him look much older than all of the other actors. Platt’s age wasn't the only thing that upset viewers as many viewers did not agree with the way he was chosen to be the protagonist. 

Marc Platt, a producer of Dear Evan Hansen, brazenly cast his own son as the lead, wrapping both arms around nepotism. Being the original Evan Hansen, it’s likely difficult seeing another person play that part, especially when one is so well known for it.  Despite the age issue, Platt did a fairly good job in the role. His vocals were spot on as usual, and his acting wasn’t too bad either, but Ben Platt himself just didn’t fit as a highschooler due to the fact it has been almost 10 years since he actually was one. Besides the casting of Platt, the other choices were more fitting. Colton Ryan, who played Connor Murphy, did his character justice. His vocals really matched well with Platt’s. Kaitlyn Dever (Zoe Murphy), gave a more edgy aspect to Zoe, giving her that needed character development. However, the connection between Zoe and Evan is just not there. The relationship manages to be both awkward and quite uncomfortable to watch. Fortunately, redemption arrives through the outstanding actress, Amy Adams, who did a fantastic job portraying Cynthia Murphy, a grieving mother.

Of course, what is a musical without the  music? The soundtrack from the original is loved by many musical theatre buffs. However, when it came to the big screen, it just wasn’t the same.  First of all, there were a few songs that were cut, one of them being “Does Anybody Have a Map?” This song is sung by Evan’s mother as well as Connor’s mother. The song represents the two mothers who worry for their children and how they don't exactly know how to support them. It really helps set up the entire story as well as giving the characters more background and personality. There were other songs that were cut, but they were not as important as this one. Another dissatisfaction was with the music and the transitions from the dialogue to the song. This issue occurred in every single tune, making it sound choppy and unprofessional. Despite those few problems, the vocals were very good, as well as a new song that was included. The new song, “The Anonymous Ones” sung by Alana (Amandla Stenberg, Everything, Everything), who became a close friend of Evan, is about her journey and struggles with her own anxiety and depression.This song gives her character more depth and personality. It helps break the normal stereotype of someone with anxiety and depression. Ironically, the music was one of the least enjoyable parts in the musical.

Although the music may be a little rough, the vocals are outstanding. One of the better aspects of the movie is the acting as the actors really captured the personality of their characters. Their facial expressions while singing really show the audience exactly how they are feeling. One of the songs portrayed really well was “Requiem.” This song represents how the Murphy family is coping with Connor’s death. The parallels between how people view them differently and pity them adds so much to the story.  Evan’s only ‘friend’ Jared, played by Nik Dodani, gives a comedic value to the film. During “Sincerely Me”, a song about Evan Writing fake letters from Connor, Jared’s sly remarks give his character much more personality. Connor’s expressions and actions during this song were completely out of character, which was exactly what this song needed. Connor being perky and goofy helps show how Evan was fabricating this relationship. 

Obviously, there are some flaws when one views the film in reference to its antecedent musical. However, unlike the Titanic, lifeboats prove unnecessary. This ship will no doubt sail on through streaming services near you.

by Erin Fox

Oshkosh West Index Volume 118 Issue 2

November 1st, 2021