I just finished watching Season 1 of The Great on Hulu. “Loosely” based (and I mean very loosely) on Catherine The Great of Russia, the series stars Elle Fanning as Catherine and Nicholas Hoult as Emperor Peter the not-so-great son of Peter the Great. The first season is 10 parts and episode titles include “And Your Sir Are No Peter the Great” “Moscow Mule” “A Pox on Hope” and “Meatballs at the Dacha”. The series is beautifully produced and acted and over the top to the extent that you will want to take it in bites, not binges.
“Over a decade ago, Australian playwright and filmmaker Tony McNamara, the Oscar-nominated co-writer of The Favourite, had an idea to write something about Catherine. He ended up penning a two-part play about her life for the Sydney Theatre Company” (from How Tony McNamara Spun History Into Story – The Observer)
Production Designer Francesca di Mottola and Set Decorator Tanya Bowd have created some of the most incredible period sets I’ve seen – the detail, the sheer amount of “stuff” is truly a feat. They are reminiscent of the amazing sets in Sophia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette (2006). The two stories take place largely at the same time and it’s fun to compare the set designs of both productions as well as the actual historical locations.
The costumes by Emma Fryer are equally as dazzling. You can view lots of great photos at Tom and Lorenzo.
Have you seen it? As I say above, I don’t think this is a show you’ll want to sit and watch for hours. It’s so visually stimulating that one gorgeous moment will start running in to the next. I would also say that it’s quite bawdy and disturbing at times, very irreverent and there’s a lot of physical abuse of pretty much anyone below the Emperor and also of small animals, and the occasional child. In other words, if you’re sensitive, be warned. And take it in small bites – no more than 2 episodes at a time so as to avoid overwhelm. But that said, it’s a real masterpiece of a production and acting is really fantastic.
I was wondering about the show. I will have to watch it after everyone goes back to school in the fall. No one will want to watch it with me at my house.
Now I HAVE to watch this – I am a total sucker for great sets and period costumes! Not much tolerance for abuse, so we’ll see how far I get! But thanks for the insight! You always have the best recommendations!
Wonderful, will have to add that to my list of things to watch!
I don’t think I can lend my eyeballs to any show that glorifies abuse of anyone or any animal, but I know I would love the sets, Linda.
Thanks for this post that warned me ahead of time.. and yet… I know I WOULD love the sets, just as you do.
I have not seen this, but it’s now going on my list!
I always enjoy your take on sets! I’ll check it out.
Thanks Lisa!
I loved this elegant trip through time. Thank you for this post.
Thank you for reading and commenting Doreen!
Now I have to go watch that show. Thanks for that! I’ll be right back. Unfortunately I get lost in show like this because I am too distracted by all the sets and the costumes. Beautiful!
It is beautifully done!