HBO John Adams Mini-series

I have recently started to watch the HBO mini-series based on David McCullough's book John Adams. Five episodes into the series I am very impressed with the writing, acting, and most of all the cinematography. The visual style is very surreal and incorporates Dutch angles frequently. This combined with excellent set design and costuming makes the viewer feel as if we are being transported to a strange alternate universe where the political climate seems eerily similar to our own.

Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney star in the series, but the cast is ripe with ensemble appearances by many fine actors. Tom Wilkinson as Ben Franklin and Danny Huston as Sam Adams deliver excellent performances, but the standout performance in my opinion is Stephen Dillane as a very aloof Thomas Jefferson.

Giamatti's performance is excellent, but I think the likability of John Adams diminishes some of the appreciation of his performance. Linney really shines as Abigail Adams.

I highly recommend the series.