The upcoming HBO miniseries "John Adams," has the promise of being a potential blockbuster, as the production budget of $100 million and a reputed strong attention to "detail" and "authenticity" could make this a tremendous achievement.
David McCullough, whose rendition of the historical story won him the Pulitzer Prize, said, "I don't think any film that's been done about this all-important part of our [national] story has ever been done with such authenticity." Tom O'Neil, writing for the LA Times on Gold Derby, says he hops that McCullough's assertion is true.
I agree with his concern that this hopefully isn't primarily a "classic, butt-smooching, flag-waving treatment" of Adams and American history.
It's not that we need another anti-American film, but the money and effort put into this project will hopefully result in a rich tapestry of the nation and man in an extraordinary part of our history. Showing Adams as being a flawed human, and with his known traits and characteristics, against the backdrop of that time, would be a breath of fresh air.
While we all have to concede a film that is too dark will be watched by no one but the absolutely faithful historians, which wouldn't amount to much viewership, the key for the success of the film to me would that they at minimum keep the spirit of who the man was, as well as his wife Abigail, who had a fascinating role she played through her fiery personality and influence.
Having said that though, because the writer of the book says right out that this is an authentic account, it does put pressure on the series to deliver that authenticity. If it evens comes close, it'll be a tremendous accomplishment. Hopefully they've committed to that reality.
Of course the problem for the majority of Americans is they won't know whether it's really authentic or not, because they have no idea of American history at that time. That's even more reason to me that they at least give a good showing and representation of the spirit and actions of the times in an entertaining way. If it turns into a major fiction, it'll really be disappointing.
The one thing that offers hope it could be a great story told with at least some authenticity, is the length of the miniseries itself, which will be presented in seven installments, starting Sunday, March 16, at 8 p.m. EST. From there it will be aired on 9 p.m. through April 20. You can see the full schedule at this website.
Producing the series is Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, with Tom Hooper directing. Scripting the project was Kirk Ellis, who was also the co-executive producer of the series. Playing the lead role of John Adams is Paul Giamatti, with Laura Linney playing his feisty wife Abigail.
HBO also has set up a web site specifically for the series, giving a lot more information, interviews and a community section to let them know your impressions of the series.
Trailer for John Adams
Director, actors, others, Commenting on project
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