"John Adams": HBO miniseries

MediaPhile@evpl — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 19:56:00 GMT

If you didn't watch this absolutely wonderful series when it was on HBO, do so now!

I just spent 8 glorious hours in the bosom of the Adams family -- from the early 1770s until John's death on July 4, 1826. (In case you didn't remember, John Adams and his good friend/enemy and co-founding father, Thomas Jefferson, died on the same day -- July 4, 1826 -- the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence).

These are my impressions:

My knowledge of Adams is exponentially increased, since I knew little of the man before. Perhaps Adams' constant lament that history would give all the credit to Jefferson and Washington proved somewhat true.
Paul Giamatti as John and Laura Linney as Abigail were fabulous! And Tom Wilkinson WAS Benjamin Franklin! I never did get used to David Morse as George Washington, but then I still remember him as an intern on "Saint Elsewhere." (Also, is playing Washington almost like playing God -- impossible?)
Author David McCullough is now on my short list. I can't believe I haven't read all of his books!
23 Emmy Award nominations and 13 wins makes perfect sense. Awards included Best Miniseries, Best Actor in a Miniseries, Best Actress in a Miniseries, and Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries (Wilkinson).
Being important doesn't spare one hardship and tragedy -- or boredom, for that matter.
Service to one's country is not necessarily lucrative.
The Presidency in the early days of our country was a rather thankless job. One wonders how much better it is now...

Movies Blog : emmy awards, john adams

"John Adams": HBO miniseries