John Adams
July 7th 2009 10:32
TV Mini Series HBO 2008
Dir: Tom Hooper
Genre: American History, Biography, War, Costume Drama
Running Time: 7 Episodes of approximately 60 minutes each duration.
Executive Producers: Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman
Screenplay: Kirk Ellis
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I have wanted to review this miniseries for some time. This 'journey' series covering fifty years of United States history observed through the life of John Adams is without a doubt one of the finest historical productions ever made for public viewing. Each episode covers a particular period of Adams life, his perspective on the unfolding American story, his family and relationships, his frustrations, his victories and his sadness and losses both personal and political. The most poignant and wonderful part of this production is the way in which Paul Giamatti as Adams and Laura Linney as Abigail Adams bring their extraordinary love story to life. Abigail Adams was wife, mother, political adviser, friend and lover of her husband and rightfully holds a special place in the history of the creation of the United States.
As a costume drama this series has no equal. The design and the look of this series is both studied and crafted with an eye to detail. From the homes, public spaces and clothing of the era, to the everyday implements. This series makes ordinary an extraordinary depth of research in every scene. All that is missing is the stench of the age, the smells and odours of a world without bathing, dental hygiene and a daily change of underwear. The look of this series is awe inspiring.
The script, based on the stunning book by David McCullough, and using the cadence and language of the era, is a delight to listen to. It makes one rue the demise of the English Language, ironically in the hands of contemporary America. Every episode is a gem in its own right, and each episode so well crafted, you have no choice but to want to see what happens next. This is how history should be: accessible, gripping and dramatic. The cast and crew have created a work here that will stand the test of time, it will be used in American History classes for generations to come.
This series is not the West Wing in wigs, it is both sophisticated and accessible in its story telling and entertainment. It assumes an audience of intelligent souls willing to share and inhabit a world long gone, but one that belongs to all of us. The messages of John Adams era, writ loud in this production are as valid today as they were when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
I loved the way the cut and thrust of the politics of the time has been portrayed, with a keen eye on the nonsense that still prevails in today's political institutions. The characters, which are wonderfully made up as the people they represent, create a sense of being a fly on the wall as American history unfolds.
This telling of American History is done with great dignity and honesty. It is a beautiful work, of deep conviction and a great deal of humour. If you have not seen this series, I commend it to you.
5/5
Dir: Tom Hooper
Genre: American History, Biography, War, Costume Drama
Running Time: 7 Episodes of approximately 60 minutes each duration.
Executive Producers: Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman
Screenplay: Kirk Ellis
[
Trust no man living with power to endanger the public liberty
As a costume drama this series has no equal. The design and the look of this series is both studied and crafted with an eye to detail. From the homes, public spaces and clothing of the era, to the everyday implements. This series makes ordinary an extraordinary depth of research in every scene. All that is missing is the stench of the age, the smells and odours of a world without bathing, dental hygiene and a daily change of underwear. The look of this series is awe inspiring.
The script, based on the stunning book by David McCullough, and using the cadence and language of the era, is a delight to listen to. It makes one rue the demise of the English Language, ironically in the hands of contemporary America. Every episode is a gem in its own right, and each episode so well crafted, you have no choice but to want to see what happens next. This is how history should be: accessible, gripping and dramatic. The cast and crew have created a work here that will stand the test of time, it will be used in American History classes for generations to come.
This series is not the West Wing in wigs, it is both sophisticated and accessible in its story telling and entertainment. It assumes an audience of intelligent souls willing to share and inhabit a world long gone, but one that belongs to all of us. The messages of John Adams era, writ loud in this production are as valid today as they were when the Declaration of Independence was signed.
I loved the way the cut and thrust of the politics of the time has been portrayed, with a keen eye on the nonsense that still prevails in today's political institutions. The characters, which are wonderfully made up as the people they represent, create a sense of being a fly on the wall as American history unfolds.
This telling of American History is done with great dignity and honesty. It is a beautiful work, of deep conviction and a great deal of humour. If you have not seen this series, I commend it to you.
5/5
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