I am truly delighted with this series. Though I do sometimes find myself wondering about the exactness of the historical detail, whether a custom shown has any basis in Roman history, let alone specifically in that era. For instance, while I know that in Medieval times, it was the custom to cook birds and then redress them in their feathers for presentation, I have no notion whether this was in practice in the time of Julius Caesar. Then again, half of my knowledge of the period comes from the BD Asterix, which was always terribly accurate.
But these are the problems that any historical fiction, whether film, TV, or novel, has to contend with. And the presentation of it is all quite believable and so well put together that it hardly matters.
The show has its foundation in the historical political disaster of the time. With Caesar (Ciaran Hinds) and Pompey (Kenneth Cranham) forced to confrontation, both must be perfectly careful in how they play the game, both having imperfect knowledge of the strength and weaknesses of the other. Pompey, so far, has proven himself overconfident and yet as fearful as a rabbit. Caesar, on the other hand, is brilliant. He does not have the misfortune of thinking his position any different than it is.
Brutus (Tobias Menzies), Mark Anthony (James Purefoy), and Octavian (Max Purkis) appear fully formed, showing complex natures in few words. Our knowledge of who they will become is no hinted at, but it is not ignored either. Brutus and Octavian are both young brats, but Brutus, though older, does not look to advance much past the youth who can't hold his liquor. Though, at first, Octavian appeared equally useless, his sharp eye and his understanding of political maneuvering make him Caesar's heir in spirit, as well as in everything else. And Mark Anthony, the worst brat of the lot, is so self-indulging and yet aware of who he is and all his flaws, I cannot help but love the character, even though the man is far from Shakespeare's brilliant speaker of "Friends, Romans, countrymen." Though I can certainly imagine James Purefoy deliver this speech, he would be portraying a far different Mark Anthony.
But perhaps, after Caesar's death, he will get there.
Finally, the two characters with the most freedom Lucius Vorenus(Kevin McKidd) and Titus Pullo (Ray Stevenson) are absolutely the most fun. Not tied down by any historical responsibilities, these two men play so well off each other because of their extreme differences. While Vorenus is so honourable and dedicated and wants to do everything right, Pullo gets himself into trouble at every turn. But, they do manage to influence each other for the better too. Pullo needs to guidance of a strong man he respects, for he responds quite poorly to authority. Strange for a man in the army. Vorenus, on the other hand, is useless when it comes to women.
The frustration and fun McKidd and Stevenson so obviously felt while doing these roles comes through perfectly, and gives a show so focused on politics a heart beat of its own.
Have you watched Rome? What were your impressions of the first few episodes?
Rome, too many good things to say, but so many spoilers I can give away.
ReplyDeleteFirst I must explain how I know of what I am about to rant about. The show was introduced to me by my father, a man whom detests most television shows for their lack of true history, science, or poor, low (intellect) level writing (Is words, I swear!). I explain this, because my father is also a Professor at University of Waterloo, where amongst other posts, helps oversee graduate level theses defences for the history department. So when he introduces me to a show like Rome, and says “watch this, it’ll give you an abbreviated and toned down version of what Roman life was like…” I had no choice but to listen.
I know your clinging to one of the key words my dad, and I used, “toned” down. Yes, after some research, I discovered that in order for HBO to get the show on the air they actually had to cut out, or re-write much of the known history. The scene of Pullo constantly drawing huge phallic objects on everything is a bit of a taste; however, known history such as public nudity, public fornication, and use of the streets as bathrooms couldn’t work out on today’s restricted TV. Crucified enemies, Roman soldiers raping the women of concurred peoples, and removal of an enemy penis (preferably large) for later bartering as currency, were all common place in those times also, to name a few. =D
The other area the show really doesn’t communicate well, like many base on history, is the fact that they skip vast periods of time. This is obviously done in order to facilitate the edited needed for fast, involved television. The first four episodes take place over a period of three years. Thus, much important history is avoided to maintain the character progression needed to link the key families in focus, to the major up and coming historical events.
Besides those two tidbits, the introduction of the characters, and the actors chosen, gets especially fun as the season begins. I quite enjoy Mark Anthony (James Purefoy), and his ability to conjure an almost animal like side for his dealings with those in his political and military arenas. Ciaran Hinds as Caesar also has an ability both on camera, and in the show, to portray a strong, dynamic, and important historical figure. The development of those two and their relationship seems like it will progress with much zest.
The conflicts between Atia and Servilia are an interesting, and emotionally provoking distraction from the rest of the male dominated action. Those two come in as a nice subtle and true tone, showing how the ladies of Rome threw about their weight, not only politically, but especially socially. Plus, the contrast of their physical beauty and desire to look of class is intriguing, compared to their distasteful and dishonorable ways of socially manipulating each other. It’s quite interesting seeing beautiful and intelligent women waging social war, as we don’t see it much today. Wait a minute…=P
The final duo, of Vorenus and Pullo are, and will forever remain, my Favourite throughout the show. The beginning of their relationship, where we’re introduced to a drunken killing machine Pullo, and the ever diligent Vorenus, is just too fun. I love the character contrast between the two, but also the link they both share in their obedience to honouring their gods. That entire faith side of the show really intrigued me, as we being a monotheistic society, can’t quite understand all the responsibilities they had to consider.
Thanks so much for the comments, and hope you don’t mind some of my own.
Cheers
Rome, too many good things to say, but so many spoilers I can give away.
ReplyDeleteFirst I must explain how I know of what I am about to rant about. The show was introduced to me by my father, a man whom detests most television shows for their lack of true history, science, or poor, low (intellect) level writing (Is words, I swear!). I explain this, because my father is also a Professor at University of Waterloo, where amongst other posts, helps oversee graduate level theses defences for the history department. So when he introduces me to a show like Rome, and says “watch this, it’ll give you an abbreviated and toned down version of what Roman life was like…” I had no choice but to listen.
I know your clinging to one of the key words my dad, and I used, “toned” down. Yes, after some research, I discovered that in order for HBO to get the show on the air they actually had to cut out, or re-write much of the known history. The scene of Pullo constantly drawing huge phallic objects on everything is a bit of a taste; however, known history such as public nudity, public fornication, and use of the streets as bathrooms couldn’t work out on today’s restricted TV. Crucified enemies, Roman soldiers raping the women of concurred peoples, and removal of an enemy penis (preferably large) for later bartering as currency, were all common place in those times also, to name a few. =D
The other area the show really doesn’t communicate well, like many base on history, is the fact that they skip vast periods of time. This is obviously done in order to facilitate the edited needed for fast, involved television. The first four episodes take place over a period of three years. Thus, much important history is avoided to maintain the character progression needed to link the key families in focus, to the major up and coming historical events.
Besides those two tidbits, the introduction of the characters, and the actors chosen, gets especially fun as the season begins. I quite enjoy Mark Anthony (James Purefoy), and his ability to conjure an almost animal like side for his dealings with those in his political and military arenas. Ciaran Hinds as Caesar also has an ability both on camera, and in the show, to portray a strong, dynamic, and important historical figure. The development of those two and their relationship seems like it will progress with much zest.
The conflicts between Atia and Servilia are an interesting, and emotionally provoking distraction from the rest of the male dominated action. Those two come in as a nice subtle and true tone, showing how the ladies of Rome threw about their weight, not only politically, but especially socially. Plus, the contrast of their physical beauty and desire to look of class is intriguing, compared to their distasteful and dishonorable ways of socially manipulating each other. It’s quite interesting seeing beautiful and intelligent women waging social war, as we don’t see it much today. Wait a minute…=P
The final duo, of Vorenus and Pullo are, and will forever remain, my Favourite throughout the show. The beginning of their relationship, where we’re introduced to a drunken killing machine Pullo, and the ever diligent Vorenus, is just too fun. I love the character contrast between the two, but also the link they both share in their obedience to honouring their gods. That entire faith side of the show really intrigued me, as we being a monotheistic society, can’t quite understand all the responsibilities they had to consider.
Thanks so much for the comments, and hope you don’t mind some of my own.
Cheers