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June 19, 2008
John Adams (2008)
Should I see it?
Absolutely.





Short Review: For some strange reason I kept expecting Adams to scream out at the Congress that he wasn't going to drink any %$#@ merlot.


HBO for all of its lowbrow content and stupid programming does distribute some very good films every once in a while. This seven-part mini-series is an absolute joy. Like Band of Brothers, another series released by HBO, this production is awe-inspiring in its scope and more importantly, its quality. Across the board this series is an impressive achievement that I can't recommend strongly enough.

The series follows the life of founding father John Adams (Paul Giamatti) from his days as an upstart lawyer in Boston to his final days, decades later, on his farm with his children. What this series is a very strong defense of the man. History hasn't been generous to Adams, who spends his time in the shadow of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington and Benjamin Franklin (which is how he spent good portions of his life). This series serves to concentrate on his sacrifice, his ideals and his hand in the creation of the most prosperous and generous country in the world. The film also serves to promote his wife Abigail Adams (Laura Linney) as a foundation figure during this time. Abigail, the first second lady and second first lady of the country, is presented as the "woman behind the man" who not only keeps the overly emotional Adams in line but guides his policies as well.

The sense of reality in the series is what struck me. The portrayal of John Adams is not flattering. He is shown to be an bitter and generally unpleasant man who is the victim of his colleagues' embarrassment and political plotting. He's like the guy at the office who known as the workhorse who everyone dumps work on knowing he'll do it. Sure he grumbles but he'll get it done. Then everyone forgets to invite him out to drinks after work. Adams was abused by his cohorts, then again, the film makes it difficult to find too much sympathy for him, after all, he was rather abrasive.

Kirk Ellis' scripts are hands down brilliant and he should get the credit he deserves. His handling of this epic tale is impressive. He spans huge tracts of time without stumbling or breaking his pacing. His dialog is at once rich and literate while also not being above the head of the average audience. He knows how to use the spoken word to deliver layered scenes and how to use them to establish character. Ellis has a very sharp ear for dialog. His talent is on full display throughout this production.

Given the vibrant scripts, the actors are given rich ground in which to do their work. Paul Giamatti proves himself in the titular role. Giamatti (Howard Stern's Private Parts, The Lady in the Water, Sideways) is absolutely commanding in his role. Easily the best performance of his career thus far, Giamatti presents a man who is brilliant, but tormented by his own personality. Adams' midlife is so consumed by panics of insecurity it would have been easy for Giamatti to become melodramatic in his presentation. Buttressed by Ellis' writing, Giamatti navigates the emotional roller coaster of Adam's life with apparent ease. Alongside Giamatti, Laura Linney (The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Breach, Kinsey) gives an equally striking performance as Abigail. Linney's performance is far more subdued, more controlled but nonetheless enthralling. She is the perfect match to Giamatti's big on screen presence. Where Giamatti is a broad performer, Linney is more refined, able to express quite a bit with a well placed smile or turn. The pairing of the two in the specific roles is at the center of this series' success.

Overall, this is worth the investment of seven hours. This series should be shown at schools. It plainly shows the common lives of the founding fathers, shows how they were real men and not just iconic figures. It also presents the birth of our nation in an even light. Most importantly, it is a reminder that this country was founded to be a land of freedom FROM government not a bloated welfare state for the world. The qualities of personal, individual freedom, which are under attack by both political parties, is defended by this production and anything that makes the argument for personal liberty deserves all the attention it can get.


Cautions: There is a scene with frontal male nudity. A man is being tarred and feathered and he is one full display during this torment. Other than this exception, the series is very restrained in its violence and sexuality. The language is not strong and most off color comments are buried in flowery language.


Worldview: This series, as any look at the founding fathers, confirms the hand of God in the birth of the United States. Those men brought together under those circumstances at that time is mind boggling. Throughout the film the hand of provenience is credited. It is remarkable that Adams, Jefferson and particularly Franklin were so flawed as men but were still selected to be the devices which created this land. These men, each remarkable in their own right, combined to create a great country that spawned an ever greater people.


Related Reviews:
The Crossing (2001)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Beyond Hollywood
Movie Hamlet


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posted by Michelle Obama's Left Nut at 6:00 AM




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