Television Miniseries Review: John Adams
HBO has once again produced quality television programming. This miniseries is adapted from the Pulitzer Prize winning book “John Adams” by David McCullough. The HBO production is outstanding in every aspect. If you enjoy american history this film provides the story of John Adams in an engaging way.
The sterling cast includes Emmy worthy performances by Paul Giamatti as John Adams, Laura Linney as Abigail Adams and Stephen Dillane as Thomas Jefferson. Outstanding performances are also given by Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin, Danny Huston as Samuel Adams, Rufus Sewell as Alexander Hamilton and David Morse as George Washington, along with a strong supporting cast.
Paul Giamatti is brilliant here in his portrayal of John Adams. He captures the straightforward and visionary personality of Adams with all his strengths and foibles. Laura Linney is powerful as Abigail Adams, seemingly the first feminist presidential wife. Their relationship is riveting to watch as if they are one person functioning separately in two bodies. The other standout performance is that of Thomas Jefferson by Stephen Dillane. It is fascinating to watch close friends Adams and Jefferson as two sides of the same coin, with emotional leader Adams working with analytical thinker Jefferson.
The direction, cinematography, screenplay, costumes, make-up, sets, music score and art direction are stunning. The use of natural lighting, the gritty feel of the era combined with the stark landscape and lifestyle are authentic and relay the historical time period perfectly.
The most striking historical information of this story is the fact that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, exactly fifty years after they wrote the Declaration of Independence together. This fact alone could send shivers down your spine when you think of it.
If it was possible to rate this HBO mini-series higher than five stars through my star rating system I would, it is that good of a production. Rent the DVD and enjoy the excellent extras included in the DVD set as well.
2008. Directed by Tom Hooper. Written by Kirk Ellis. Produced by Tom Hanks. Starring Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Stephen Dillane, Tom Wilkinson, Danny Huston, David Morse and Rufus Sewell.
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