CHUD.com Community › Forums › SPORTS, GAMES & LEISURE › Television › HBO's John Adams
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

HBO's John Adams

post #1 of 110
3/17/08 at 12:04am
Thread Starter 
Couldn't find the old thread.

This was a damn fine show. There wasn't much NOT to love. David Morse as Washington, Tom Wilkinson as Franklin, Justin Theroux as Hancock, and of course Paul Giamiatti as John Adams.

They did a 2 part premiere tonight, and it covered The Boston Massacre and Continental Congress. I loved the way the Boston Tea Party was briefly mentioned, as if it was just business as usual.

Looks like another hit for HBO. Their death rattle for being the premiere cable channel for original programming it seems.
Reply
post #2 of 110
3/17/08 at 12:22am
Here, Here!

Thoroughly absorbing, and I love that Abigail Adams is given her due too. Linney adds much grace and strength to counter Giamatti's Adams. Very entertaining. HBO's best mini since Band of Brothers, so far.

Can't wait to see what happens next week since my history is hazy on the birth of America in the 18th century. Also, I'm looking forward to more of the private moments of Adams' life.
Reply
post #3 of 110
3/17/08 at 12:25am
I also thought it was great. The performances are terrific as are the sets and atmosphere. I've always wanted to see the Revolution gets its due on-screen and this will probably accomplish that.
Reply
post #4 of 110
3/17/08 at 12:45am
Thread Starter 
I was looking through IMDB and it seems the series is going to cover really good length of time. Apparently Sarah Polley shows up to play Adams' grown daughter.

Was anyone else really distracted by Morse's prosthetic nose? That thing just jumped from the screen.
Reply
post #5 of 110
3/17/08 at 5:16am
Wow. This was fucking great. I was enchanted from about 5 min. in. The power of Giamatti compels me. Did NOT expect to be drawn in as much as I was. I like the interesting choice of using lots of Dutch angles and hand held camera work. It gives this kind of period piece a very different feel that most shows/movies of this nature would tend to avoid.
Reply
post #6 of 110
3/17/08 at 8:34am
My favorite part was the look of "What the fuck did we just do?" on everyone's faces after the Congress voted for independence. Up until then it was just talk, and then suddenly they all just basically committed treason against the most powerful country in the world, and that wordless moment captured it perfectly.
Reply
post #7 of 110
3/17/08 at 10:05am
Quote:
Originally Posted by damimegood View Post
Can't wait to see what happens next week since my history is hazy on the birth of America in the 18th century.
I'll take a wild guess and say we defeat the British.
Reply
post #8 of 110
3/17/08 at 11:25am
Spoilers!
Reply
post #9 of 110
3/17/08 at 2:10pm
Sorry about that. Next time I'll make sure to use the invis-o-text.
Reply
post #10 of 110
3/17/08 at 11:49pm
Just watched the first episode tonight(part 2 tomorrow) and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The courtroom drama was more compelling than any episode of Law and Order and I found myself really engrossed in the whole thing even knowing the outcome.

The acting, even by the bit players was impressive too, especially during the trial with people like the slave(I assume?) telling his side of the story in total fear with the crowd closing in, knowing he would likely be assaulted for saying so. And like someone else said(I think in the other thread) this gives you a whole other perspective on the tarred and feather punishment. Something usually thought of as a minor punishment shown for the (frequent) death sentence it really was.
Reply
post #11 of 110
3/18/08 at 12:49am
I have the first two installments DVR'd. Hope to catch up soon.
Reply
post #12 of 110
3/18/08 at 2:42am
Just a heads up to everyone, the first two parts are now On Demand. Just catching up with this series and since this is my favorite part of American history this is a must see series and I was mesmerized by Giamatti's performance.

My favorite scene is in the second part where Benjamin Franklin is schooling Adams on repairing some damage he had done to another Congressman by speaking so passionately to the point where he became unhinged.

I'm going to be picking up the book this series is based on

http://www.amazon.com/John-Adams-Dav...5818905&sr=1-1
Reply
post #13 of 110
3/18/08 at 4:07am
I'm now intrigued. I don't have cable so I've only barely heard of this but you guys are making me looking forward to it. It's always exciting to see history from a new perspective. This is especially true when it deals with an era so well known and when these huge events are put in more personal terms.
Reply
post #14 of 110
3/18/08 at 5:33am
I didn't like it that much. Something was off about it.
Reply
post #15 of 110
3/18/08 at 7:13am
The book is wonderful--I highly recommend it to anyone interested in American history (or just plain engaging biographies). So far the series is kicking for me in all the right ways.

One thing of note...the guy playing Jefferson feels perfect to me. I especially like his subtle reactions and overall body language when he's observing people, like Adams' speech on why it is imperative that they separate from Britain, and the scene where he's listening to Franklin and Adams critique his draft of the Declaration. He does a lot with a little.
Reply
post #16 of 110
3/18/08 at 10:22am
Loved it. I loved how Abigail would guide John, I thought Tom Wilkinson as Ben Franklin was terrific, and I would happily fight a war for Morse's Washington. My favorite scene would have to be when Franklin and Adams were editing Jefferson's Declaration, and the look Jefferson had on his face when they were doing it. I've been there. Well, not there exactly, but I know how he felt, a little bit.
Reply
post #17 of 110
3/19/08 at 3:46am
This is really good. Giamatti's pretty incredible, as is Wilkinson, and David Morse is eerily really the embodiment of Washington, a really great performance so far and his stuff hasn't even kicked in yet (I don't mind the nose prosthetic). I insisted the kids watch it but they got into it pretty quickly, or as my son said, "The haxXors did hax but the n00bs is l33t." Jefferson is my personal hero and I too love the guy playing him. It's such a great thing to see the all-stars in American history portrayed in these defining moments.
Reply
post #18 of 110
3/19/08 at 8:29pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Sonic Boom View Post
I also thought it was great. The performances are terrific as are the sets and atmosphere. I've always wanted to see the Revolution gets its due on-screen and this will probably accomplish that.

The book is fantastic, the series so far is just as good. McCoulough's best work is 1776 and I just read some where that HBO and Hanks has picked it up as well. Can't wait.

Here's the link. http://movies.ign.com/objects/748/748901.html
Reply
post #19 of 110
3/19/08 at 8:51pm
So far John Adams is an excellent miniseries as well as one of the few good Hollywood retellings of The American Revolution. Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney are great as Mr and Mrs Adams. I also like David Morse as General Washington and couldn't care less about his prothstetic nose.

I did find it humorous that John Adams had a son named Charles. Why is this...because it made me think of Charles Addams and his creation The Addams Family.
Reply
post #20 of 110
3/20/08 at 7:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by duke fleed View Post
I did find it humorous that John Adams had a son named Charles. Why is this...because it made me think of Charles Addams and his creation The Addams Family.
One Charles ended up worse than the other.
Reply
post #21 of 110
3/20/08 at 8:39am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jl1718 View Post
The book is fantastic, the series so far is just as good. McCoulough's best work is 1776 and I just read some where that HBO and Hanks has picked it up as well. Can't wait.
1776 is fantastic. You really get a sense not only of how much optimism there was in the wake of the Declaration, but of how close to total disaster we came in the months that followed.
Reply
post #22 of 110
3/23/08 at 5:36am
Just wanted to join in on the chorus of praise for this wonderful show. Beyond the wonderful character moments (so far my favorite part of the miniseries), I'm very impressed by the production design and especially the visual effects. I watched HBO's "Making Of" tonight and they showed some green screen shots that are truly mindblowing in how seamless and subtle they are. If you can catch the "Making Of" -- despite being short and a little PR-fluffy -- it highlights the tremendous amount of detail that's being put into this show.
Reply
post #23 of 110
3/23/08 at 3:12pm
Tak Fujimoto's cinematography is amazing (especially in HD), and does a lot to draw you into the story. The whole thing does a great job of humanizing these iconic figures. Looking forward to more.
Reply
post #24 of 110
3/24/08 at 12:10pm
The only bad thing about this show is that it reminds me how very little I retained from my American History class way back in high school. At least I didn't think "I wonder if he survives his illness" at the end of last night's episode.

The performances and cinematography have been mentioned but the opening and end title music is really great, too.
Reply
post #25 of 110
3/25/08 at 1:44am
In the third episode I loved watching Adams uncomfortable feelings towards the French aristocrats unravel and on his way out still raising hell. Also loved seeing how Franklin was treated like a Rock star over there and loving every minute of it.
Reply
post #26 of 110
3/25/08 at 9:22am
Thread Starter 
Franklin's comment about the French wanting to see Americans as rustic was absolutely great. This show really is a blessing. The rest of the TV landscape is barren, and this little gem pops up.
Reply
post #27 of 110
3/25/08 at 10:14am
Quote:
Originally Posted by gravedigger View Post
The only bad thing about this show is that it reminds me how very little I retained from my American History class way back in high school. At least I didn't think "I wonder if he survives his illness" at the end of last night's episode.
Yeah, I was just about to post the same thing. History was never my strong suit, but man I recall next to nothing.

I'm assuming this is fairly accurate about the big things - dates and events - but I'm curious about all the talk about womens' rights and slavery, particularly in regards to the Declaration. Did that really happen? I didn't catch everything that was said when Adams was trying to convince South Carolina to vote in favor of independence, but I take it Adams sold out slaves to get their vote, right? I do love that this mini-series is as much about Abigail as it is about Adams. She is a fully fleshed out character which is great. As has been mentioned, Giamatti and Wilkinson are amazing. Part 3 was a great showcase for Franklin's personality. Can't wait for the next installment.
Reply
post #28 of 110
3/25/08 at 10:17am
Yes, Jefferson was convinced slavery was an abomination and wanted to abolish it in the Declaration, but the southern colonies would have never signed on if he had. So it was decided to table the issue and at least get independence, then iron things out in the Constitution. Where again is was tabled for the sake of unanimity, figuring future Congresses would get back to it once the nation was stable.
Reply
post #29 of 110
3/25/08 at 10:22am
I'm just going to have to buy this book, I'm curious about Abigail. How much do we really know about her, and what are sources her information comes from? Letters?
Reply
post #30 of 110
3/25/08 at 10:38am
Thread Starter 
Also, another big event for history class mentioned briefly, Benedict Arnold's treachery.
Reply
post #31 of 110
3/25/08 at 12:13pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyG View Post
Also, another big event for history class mentioned briefly, Benedict Arnold's treachery.
Yeah, I caught that too. There is so much packed in this series.
Reply
post #32 of 110
3/25/08 at 12:42pm
so far it's a great series....definitely want to read the book.

The only thing that has been bugging me is the directorial technique....it seems a little....disjointed??
The jumping back and forth from hand held cameras(?) to static shots seem a little "unnatural"? It's not "bad"....just a little distracting.

doesn't stop me from wanting to watch the rest of the series.
Reply
post #33 of 110
3/25/08 at 1:06pm
Thread Starter 
I absolutely love the direction and cinematography. I never got as deep as I would like in filming "technique" for lack of a better word, but the dutch angles, the static and hand held shots, some tracking shots...all of it makes the series very dynamic.

It makes it feel sometimes that you're meant to be a fly on the wall, or someone standing at the end of the hall sneaking your way into a conversation. Like, "hey you! Don't listen to this act of treason!" then you crawl behind a chair and listen anyways.

I guess that sounds silly, but it's how it feels to play for me.
Reply
post #34 of 110
3/25/08 at 3:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ElCapitanAmerica View Post
How much do we really know about her, and what are sources her information comes from? Letters?
Letters it be. All of their correspondance is now on microfilm and they said if you were to roll it out it would be five miles long - that info was on one of the HBO documentaries.
Reply
post #35 of 110
3/25/08 at 5:24pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyG View Post
I absolutely love the direction and cinematography. I never got as deep as I would like in filming "technique" for lack of a better word, but the dutch angles, the static and hand held shots, some tracking shots...all of it makes the series very dynamic.

It makes it feel sometimes that you're meant to be a fly on the wall, or someone standing at the end of the hall sneaking your way into a conversation. Like, "hey you! Don't listen to this act of treason!" then you crawl behind a chair and listen anyways.

I guess that sounds silly, but it's how it feels to play for me.
I think the cinematography is wonderful, it's the camera movements that feel a little awkward to me....I can't remember which scene, but the 'dutch angle' (I like to refer to it as a "TV Batman" ) shot just seemed out of place.
Doesn't make want to stop watching the series though.....
Reply
post #36 of 110
3/25/08 at 5:35pm
You are right, lots of letters. This seems to be a good resource for them;
http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/aea/letter/
Reply
post #37 of 110
3/25/08 at 11:09pm
All that concern with people intercepting his letters. Does Adams look the fool now? Eh? Eh?

I think not....
Reply
post #38 of 110
3/26/08 at 1:39am
Already have a DVD release date.

Quote:
HBO has announced a DVD release for their new mini-series John Adams, a 3-disc set that will be in stores on June 10th. The release will show in Anamorphic Widescreen, running 501 minutes. The set includes extras such as Documentaries, Featurettes and Production Notes. Cost for this release is going to be $59.99 SRP.
http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Joh...Announced/9243
Reply
post #39 of 110
3/26/08 at 12:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by ElCapitanAmerica View Post
You are right, lots of letters. This seems to be a good resource for them;
http://www.masshist.org/digitaladams/aea/letter/
Wow, thanks for that. Any idea why she signed her letters "Portia"? Was it a custom back then to make up pen names?
Reply
post #40 of 110
3/26/08 at 1:24pm
Just going from the series, they did express concern at the letters being intercepted.
Reply
post #41 of 110
3/27/08 at 2:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by scudd View Post
Wow, thanks for that. Any idea why she signed her letters "Portia"? Was it a custom back then to make up pen names?
Yeah, it was customary at that time. She used to sign her letters "Diana", but changed to "Portia" during the war years' correspondence (Portia was Brutus' wife...it's a nifty little joke, all things considered).

Adams often signed his letters to her "Lysander", after the Spartan war hero.
Reply
post #42 of 110
3/27/08 at 4:58pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Eileen View Post

Seems like a fair price for the hours of material. Has anyone seen anything as far as a soundtrack? The "sea shanty", IIRC at the beginning and end of each episode is quite a catchy tune.
Reply
post #43 of 110
3/31/08 at 12:30am
Giamatti having sex...my eyes!

I really love Laura Linney's performance. The scenes with Abigail and Jefferson were my favorites from this episode.

I hadn't realized how much time had passed. I couldn't believe Adams kids were grown already. For some reason I didn't think the series was going to cover his whole life, but his entire life was pretty remarkable so it makes sense.

Franklin's mistress wiping dog poop on her dress gets best laugh of the show!
Reply
post #44 of 110
3/31/08 at 3:04am
Tonight's installment was pretty great. Giamatti plays Adams's complexity so well, and Laura Linney's incredible as Abigail. I love that all the fighting takes place off-screen and yet the drama of the diplomacy and politics from Adams's point of view is riveting. Adams is truly the dark-horse of the founding fathers, not the romantic figure of Jefferson, or a rock star like Washington, but his integrity and self-reflection really seem to be at the core of what America wanted to be. I have to read the McCullough book.
Reply
post #45 of 110
3/31/08 at 5:20am
Quote:
Originally Posted by yt View Post
I have to read the McCullough book.
I started reading my copy Friday and I love how McCullough can put a complex person like Adams into perspective to the point where one can feel they know him. Of course, a lot of this is due in large part to Abigail's correspondance.
Reply
post #46 of 110
3/31/08 at 10:01am
Thread Starter 
Without sounding like my balls were cut off over the weekend, the connection between Abigail and John is some of the most romantic in film or TV. The subtleties of their actions and words feel so very genuine. Any actors wanting to learn to do a love scene needs to watch this series.

How long is this supposed to be? Seems like they can't go too much longer, since he is going to be elected next episode. This show could seriously be 20 episodes long, and not be a chore.
Reply
post #47 of 110
3/31/08 at 10:12am
Quote:
Originally Posted by BillyG View Post
How long is this supposed to be?
Seven episodes, with three remaining. The last episode will air April 20th.
Reply
post #48 of 110
3/31/08 at 4:07pm
If it stays true to the book, there should be some great stuff coming between Adams and Jefferson. Looking forward to it. It was foreshadowed in France. Kinda disappointed they skipped the stuff with Abagail's boat ride. Not near as harrowing as John's but was a decent part of the book.
Reply
post #49 of 110
3/31/08 at 5:01pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jl1718 View Post
If it stays true to the book, there should be some great stuff coming between Adams and Jefferson. Looking forward to it. It was foreshadowed in France.
Consider my interests piqued.
Reply
post #50 of 110
3/31/08 at 6:08pm
I love that John refers to Abigail as his "dearest friend". And even though it was a small role, Tom Hollander was great as King George III. Very intimidating and intense.

Overall, this has been a pretty solid mini-series thus far.

And I would love to see a George Washington mini-series with Morse reprising his role.
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Television
CHUD.com Community › Forums › SPORTS, GAMES & LEISURE › Television › HBO's John Adams