list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around John Adams on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/John_Adams/364039/default.aspx Title: John Adams
Year: 2008
Director: Tom Hooper
Plot: Emmy Award-winning director Tom Hopper takes the helm for this epic, seven-part miniseries produced by Playtone's Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman, and presenting American history as seen from the perspective of fiercely independent founding father John Adams (Paul Giamatti). Based on author David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, the film tells the tale of a leader whose remarkable vision helped to guide a burgeoning republic through an especially tumultuous period. Thanks to the tireless support of his loving wife Abigail (Laura Linney), and lifelong friendship with political rivalry Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane), John Adams rose to prominence as the spokesman for the American independence movement before moving on to become America's first ambassador to Holland and England, the first American Vice President, the second American President, and the father of the sixth American President. As with McCullough's best-selling biography, the film draws on a comprehensive collection of letters, diaries, and family papers in order to create the most accurate representation of Adams' life and achievements ever captured on film. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 9
Number of Lists: 12
Number of blog posts: 5
SpoutRating: 3
]]>Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:32:23 GMTJohn Adams2008Tom HooperEmmy Award-winning director Tom Hopper takes the helm for this epic, seven-part miniseries produced by Playtone's <a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____93341/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Tom Hanks</a> and <a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____91837/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Gary Goetzman</a>, and presenting American history as seen from the perspective of fiercely independent founding father John Adams (<a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____26680/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Paul Giamatti</a>). Based on author David McCullough's Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, the film tells the tale of a leader whose remarkable vision helped to guide a burgeoning republic through an especially tumultuous period. Thanks to the tireless support of his loving wife Abigail (<a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P____42589/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Laura Linney</a>), and lifelong friendship with political rivalry Thomas Jefferson (<a href="http://www.spout.com/players/P___199938/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Stephen Dillane</a>), John Adams rose to prominence as the spokesman for the American independence movement before moving on to become America's first ambassador to Holland and England, the first American Vice President, the second American President, and the father of the sixth American President. As with McCullough's best-selling biography, the film draws on a comprehensive collection of letters, diaries, and family papers in order to create the most accurate representation of Adams' life and achievements ever captured on film. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide9Taggedy Taggged (6-10)1253http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/s364039.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/John_Adams/364039/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/blogs/chrismorrell/archive/2008/12/29/38940.aspx Post By: chrismorrell
Post To: chrismorrell Blog
Post Date: 12/29/2008 8:45:59 PM
Body: After enjoying "John Adams" ,and ,of course the gracious bowing out of "the Wire" i just had to tell you about a new four part T.V series from channel four "the Devil's Whore"..Having been infuriated by the actions of "Jimmy McNulty",creating the "homeless man killer",( I even heard a Wire fan call it a "jump the shark" moment ),thinking that he may go "all the way" and actually commit a murder. Accepting the,quite conventional way that David Simon ended things .. One thought left hanging was,what did Mcnulty (West) do next?..Answer: Dominic West is, no less than, Oliver Cromwell!, in "The Devil's Whore" a contentious iconic figure that he fills out superbly..honestly,i hardly thought of McNulty at all ..Co-written by Martine Brant and Peter Flannery,(who is famous for a great bit of T.V from the nineties ."Our Friends In the North" which is full of top Brit stars that are even bigger names now..Daniel Craig ,Mark Strong,Gina McKee and Chris Ecclestone..) ..this is an Historically accurate drama,with a fictional thread which attempts to embody the mood of the times.. England was tearing itself apart,overthrew the Monarch ,became a Republic,only for that to resemble much the same tyrrany it purported to replace,ultimately ushering the Monarchy back... Demonstration of the forging of power structures through force of individual will, the "cult" of personality,and the role that religious fundamentalism can play,make this another hugely entertaining ,precient and,indeed ,educational work...Starring as the one fictional character Angelica Fanshawe "the Whore",the percieved embodiment of the "licentiousness of women" is the wey-faced Andrea Riseborough ,(nothing less than a junior Angelina Jolie...) her,almost "proto-feminist" character is a common factor in the lives of the key players..."Leveller" , Rival to Cromwell ,Thomas Rainsborough is played by "Hunger" man Michael Fassbender..and the mercurial,"gun for hire" Edward Sexby is played by all time "man crush" John Simm..(Life On Mars ) it doesnt get much better than this. . Hopefully those outside the U.K. can access the web-site ..and get to see it via "I-tunes" or DVD... So, as Elvis Costello said :"Olivers Army is here to stay" .. and as Cromwell "Lord High Protector" reflected, on the fate of "Leveller" "Honest" John Lilburne .."He was...a free-born man...." ..now where did i hear that line sung recently?
]]>Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:45:59 GMTchrismorrellchrismorrell Blog12/29/2008 8:45:59 PMAfter enjoying "John Adams" ,and ,of course the gracious bowing out of "the Wire" i just had to tell you about a new four part T.V series from channel four "the Devil's Whore"..Having been infuriated by the actions of "Jimmy McNulty",creating the "homeless man killer",( I even heard a Wire fan call it a "jump the shark" moment ),thinking that he may go "all the way" and actually commit a murder. Accepting the,quite conventional way that David Simon ended things .. One thought left hanging was,what did Mcnulty (West) do next?..Answer: Dominic West is, no less than, Oliver Cromwell!, in "The Devil's Whore" a contentious iconic figure that he fills out superbly..honestly,i hardly thought of McNulty at all ..Co-written by Martine Brant and Peter Flannery,(who is famous for a great bit of T.V from the nineties ."Our Friends In the North" which is full of top Brit stars that are even bigger names now..Daniel Craig ,Mark Strong,Gina McKee and Chris Ecclestone..) ..this is an Historically accurate drama,with a fictional thread which attempts to embody the mood of the times.. England was tearing itself apart,overthrew the Monarch ,became a Republic,only for that to resemble much the same tyrrany it purported to replace,ultimately ushering the Monarchy back... Demonstration of the forging of power structures through force of individual will, the "cult" of personality,and the role that religious fundamentalism can play,make this another hugely entertaining ,precient and,indeed ,educational work...Starring as the one fictional character Angelica Fanshawe "the Whore",the percieved embodiment of the "licentiousness of women" is the wey-faced Andrea Riseborough ,(nothing less than a junior Angelina Jolie...) her,almost "proto-feminist" character is a common factor in the lives of the key players..."Leveller" , Rival to Cromwell ,Thomas Rainsborough is played by "Hunger" man Michael Fassbender..and the mercurial,"gun for hire" Edward Sexby is played by all time "man crush" John Simm..(Life On Mars ) it doesnt get much better than this. . Hopefully those outside the U.K. can access the web-site ..and get to see it via "I-tunes" or DVD... So, as Elvis Costello said :"Olivers Army is here to stay" .. and as Cromwell "Lord High Protector" reflected, on the fate of "Leveller" "Honest" John Lilburne .."He was...a free-born man...." ..now where did i hear that line sung recently? http://www.spout.com/blogs/chrismorrell/archive/2008/10/2/35835.aspx Post By: chrismorrell
Post To: chrismorrell Blog
Post Date: 10/2/2008 3:06:24 PM
Body: "John Adams" just saw the first one,and it's undeniably great. Not sure if i'm "hooked" or not ,yet..Paul Giamatti is sooo watchable ,but my overall impression was of a really well made "schools programme" ,a high production value version of what (still running) Brit kids "magazine show "Blue Peter" used to do.( Probably still does.Only now,instead of inviting letters and drawings they get steered towards the web-site and encouraged to e-mail.) First episode starts in 1770 Boston,(so,you think "six" years to go...),when the English started to really piss off the "settlers". Adams.ends up reluctantly signing up for the Independence cause ,after "home-rule" is imposed...it's so historically and "present-day" instructional,it HURTS!!! In London ,this week .plans begin, to move the American Embassy from Grosvenor Square to a site south of the river in Wandsworth..(I used to live in Wandsworth)..Adams used to live on the Grosvenor Square site in 1780,apparently,prior to becoming the second President of the USA ... Yeah,it's sounding more and more like a schools project required viewing for all those of voting age and all that.. dont get me started on the Hollywood re-writes.. more power to HBO's elbow.
]]>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 19:06:24 GMTchrismorrellchrismorrell Blog10/2/2008 3:06:24 PM "John Adams" just saw the first one,and it's undeniably great. Not sure if i'm "hooked" or not ,yet..Paul Giamatti is sooo watchable ,but my overall impression was of a really well made "schools programme" ,a high production value version of what (still running) Brit kids "magazine show "Blue Peter" used to do.( Probably still does.Only now,instead of inviting letters and drawings they get steered towards the web-site and encouraged to e-mail.) First episode starts in 1770 Boston,(so,you think "six" years to go...),when the English started to really piss off the "settlers". Adams.ends up reluctantly signing up for the Independence cause ,after "home-rule" is imposed...it's so historically and "present-day" instructional,it HURTS!!! In London ,this week .plans begin, to move the American Embassy from Grosvenor Square to a site south of the river in Wandsworth..(I used to live in Wandsworth)..Adams used to live on the Grosvenor Square site in 1780,apparently,prior to becoming the second President of the USA ... Yeah,it's sounding more and more like a schools project required viewing for all those of voting age and all that.. dont get me started on the Hollywood re-writes.. more power to HBO's elbow. http://www.spout.com/blogs/leeroy711/archive/2008/10/2/35833.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: leeroy711 Blog
Post Date: 10/2/2008 1:44:17 PM
Body: John Adams (2008) *** 1/2 Stars out of 5 Directed by: Tom Hooper Starring: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson and Stephen Dillane Running Time: 201 minutes Rated: NR Released: 2008 Language: English Review: Something dawned on me as I was watching this series. At one point we watch the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Another shows the inauguration of the first President of the United States. We also see the depiction of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party early in the series. I came to wonder: Why haven’t I seen this before? Aren’t these some of the most pivotal moments in the shaping of our nation? I’ve read about them in books, and I probably seen some of this stuff re-enacted on the History Channel or public broadcast. But, never on the big screen or a major production cable special such as this. I’ve seen some pretty good political thrillers that are based on historic events, such as Thirteen Days, Munich or Z. But none of those events took place in what could be argued as the most important period of the forming of our nation. The Patriot takes place during this period. But that movie was much less about the events taking place than it was about the characters involved. So why is it that some of the most riveting, philosophically provocative and emotionally charged real life stories have been confined almost solely to the pages of a history book or bad re-enactments on PBS? I have my own speculations but I will quickly remind myself that this is supposed to be a review of the series and not the incessant ravings of a libertarian mind. So, let’s start off where I typically like to, with the cinematography. In the first couple of episodes, I was very taken by some of the beautiful scenery and use of color pallets. A lot of the shots I enjoyed the most were filmed in the winter with a thick bed of snow on the ground contrasted with all of the earthy tones of the various structures and fauna springing up from the ground. Much of these gave a very Norman Rockwell-like impression. There were also plenty of shots that I not only didn’t care for, I was ultimately annoyed with. This series is filled with one technique that was completely overused. What I’m referring to is when the audience is subjected to watching a scene unfold from behind an out of focus obstruction or obstructions. Imagine watching something happen as you are peering through weeds or grass. This makes sense, if you are being laying down in an open field and being chased by Jeepers Creepers. This makes no sense however, when you are watching a heart to heart conversation between a 90 year old John Adams and his beloved son. Why are we hiding in the grass? Are we waiting for a plot twist in which Mr. Adams takes his big walking stick and beats his son to death? (SPOILER ALERT: This does not happen) This series is completely filled with these shots and every one seems very out of place. I removed a half star just for that. Moving along, the cast was quite good. I was a bit worried simply because of my lack of affection to Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney (Mr. and Mrs. Adams, respectively). I was a bit surprised at how much I enjoyed both of their performances. Giamatti put down what I would call his best performance thus far with passion and fervor. Linney played the more patient and reserved, but still passionate counterpart to the team. Tom Wilkinson was very good as the pragmatic yet somewhat frivolous Benjamin Franklin. And Stephen Dillane was Thomas Jefferson. He was a very integral part of Adam’s story. He established himself as Adam’s closest friend and ally. Later, politics would try their friendship to its very brink. He may have been the best performer of the series. It was certainly one of the more challenging roles. One of my favorite scenes is towards the end when John Adam’s doctor says that while some wrote or spoke or fought for this revolution, it was Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson who thought for us all. Rufus Sewell, I believe clearly established himself as the series’ only true antagonist, the empirical Alexander Hamilton. His character was one of the most interesting to watch because it showed (assuming historical accuracy) how quickly a revolution spawn from ideal, philosophy and principal could be infiltrated and sullied by politics and partisanship. The only other problem I had with this series was somewhat inherent in the nature of a miniseries. A decent 2 ½ hour long movie may have a lull that lasts 45 minutes or so. A series that spans about 9 hours however is subject to a much longer and less forgivable lull. The first couple of episodes really pulled me in. We are treated to very well put together depictions of both the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. Unfortunately, we must very quickly shift to a much slower gear and remain there for the rest of the series. I recall thinking to myself, after watching the fourth or fifth episode, that if I had to wait another week for the next installment, I very likely would have given up on it. I’m glad that I didn’t, because once you have gotten used to the slower pace, you can more easily take in and process the deep rooted philosophical banter that is thrown about between the founding fathers………..and still today. In summary, I will give this series my recommendation. It is more than likely, the most historically accurate telling of the events that took place in New England during the late 18th century. Although, the story is primarily about its namesake, John Adams, it is just as much about the American Revolution as a whole. This story has been sugarcoated and hand fed to us practically since it was current events and any history buff that’s interested in a more candid look at the founding fathers would do themselves justice to pick this one up. Recommendations: If you have already seen this one and enjoyed it, I would suggest checking out other HBO series. I would say Deadwood and Carnivàle are good choices.
]]>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:44:17 GMTleeroy711leeroy711 Blog10/2/2008 1:44:17 PM John Adams (2008) *** 1/2 Stars out of 5 Directed by: Tom Hooper Starring: Paul Giamatti, Laura Linney, Tom Wilkinson and Stephen Dillane Running Time: 201 minutes Rated: NR Released: 2008 Language: English Review: Something dawned on me as I was watching this series. At one point we watch the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Another shows the inauguration of the first President of the United States. We also see the depiction of the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party early in the series. I came to wonder: Why haven&rsquo;t I seen this before? Aren&rsquo;t these some of the most pivotal moments in the shaping of our nation? I&rsquo;ve read about them in books, and I probably seen some of this stuff re-enacted on the History Channel or public broadcast. But, never on the big screen or a major production cable special such as this. I&rsquo;ve seen some pretty good political thrillers that are based on historic events, such as Thirteen Days, Munich or Z. But none of those events took place in what could be argued as the most important period of the forming of our nation. The Patriot takes place during this period. But that movie was much less about the events taking place than it was about the characters involved. So why is it that some of the most riveting, philosophically provocative and emotionally charged real life stories have been confined almost solely to the pages of a history book or bad re-enactments on PBS? I have my own speculations but I will quickly remind myself that this is supposed to be a review of the series and not the incessant ravings of a libertarian mind. So, let&rsquo;s start off where I typically like to, with the cinematography. In the first couple of episodes, I was very taken by some of the beautiful scenery and use of color pallets. A lot of the shots I enjoyed the most were filmed in the winter with a thick bed of snow on the ground contrasted with all of the earthy tones of the various structures and fauna springing up from the ground. Much of these gave a very Norman Rockwell-like impression. There were also plenty of shots that I not only didn&rsquo;t care for, I was ultimately annoyed with. This series is filled with one technique that was completely overused. What I&rsquo;m referring to is when the audience is subjected to watching a scene unfold from behind an out of focus obstruction or obstructions. Imagine watching something happen as you are peering through weeds or grass. This makes sense, if you are being laying down in an open field and being chased by Jeepers Creepers. This makes no sense however, when you are watching a heart to heart conversation between a 90 year old John Adams and his beloved son. Why are we hiding in the grass? Are we waiting for a plot twist in which Mr. Adams takes his big walking stick and beats his son to death? (SPOILER ALERT: This does not happen) This series is completely filled with these shots and every one seems very out of place. I removed a half star just for that. Moving along, the cast was quite good. I was a bit worried simply because of my lack of affection to Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney (Mr. and Mrs. Adams, respectively). I was a bit surprised at how much I enjoyed both of their performances. Giamatti put down what I would call his best performance thus far with passion and fervor. Linney played the more patient and reserved, but still passionate counterpart to the team. Tom Wilkinson was very good as the pragmatic yet somewhat frivolous Benjamin Franklin. And Stephen Dillane was Thomas Jefferson. He was a very integral part of Adam&rsquo;s story. He established himself as Adam&rsquo;s closest friend and ally. Later, politics would try their friendship to its very brink. He may have been the best performer of the series. It was certainly one of the more challenging roles. One of my favorite scenes is towards the end when John Adam&rsquo;s doctor says that while some wrote or spoke or fought for this revolution, it was Mr. Adams and Mr. Jefferson who thought for us all. Rufus Sewell, I believe clearly established himself as the series&rsquo; only true antagonist, the empirical Alexander Hamilton. His character was one of the most interesting to watch because it showed (assuming historical accuracy) how quickly a revolution spawn from ideal, philosophy and principal could be infiltrated and sullied by politics and partisanship. The only other problem I had with this series was somewhat inherent in the nature of a miniseries. A decent 2 &frac12; hour long movie may have a lull that lasts 45 minutes or so. A series that spans about 9 hours however is subject to a much longer and less forgivable lull. The first couple of episodes really pulled me in. We are treated to very well put together depictions of both the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party. Unfortunately, we must very quickly shift to a much slower gear and remain there for the rest of the series. I recall thinking to myself, after watching the fourth or fifth episode, that if I had to wait another week for the next installment, I very likely would have given up on it. I&rsquo;m glad that I didn&rsquo;t, because once you have gotten used to the slower pace, you can more easily take in and process the deep rooted philosophical banter that is thrown about between the founding fathers&hellip;&hellip;&hellip;..and still today. In summary, I will give this series my recommendation. It is more than likely, the most historically accurate telling of the events that took place in New England during the late 18th century. Although, the story is primarily about its namesake, John Adams, it is just as much about the American Revolution as a whole. This story has been sugarcoated and hand fed to us practically since it was current events and any history buff that&rsquo;s interested in a more candid look at the founding fathers would do themselves justice to pick this one up. Recommendations: If you have already seen this one and enjoyed it, I would suggest checking out other HBO series. I would say Deadwood and Carniv&agrave;le are good choices. http://www.spout.com/blogs/tenenbaums/archive/2008/8/11/33882.aspx Post By: Tenenbaums
Post To: Tenenbaums Blog
Post Date: 8/11/2008 9:43:14 PM
Body: I’m John Adams and I approve this message. (voiceover) You know him. You love him. Errr....well...you’ve heard of him, right? He was the 2nd President...or was it the 3rd? And doesn’t he have a beer named after him? (Cue President Adams) Hi, I’m John Adams and I’m running for cultural icon. When you think of United States founding fathers, who comes to mind? Washington? Jefferson? Franklin? These are all deserving figures, but why does the name Adams not resound near the top? I’ll have you know that I was there with these revolutionary celebrities, contributing a brand of clarity that was often perceived as bristling Massachusetts stubbornness. Yet when decisions were made, it was my council that was consistently sought. Credit must be given to these great men, as it was our combined efforts that led to our nation’s independence, but they have been elevated to god-like status in public memory while I am relegated to a bystander. In Tom Hooper’s miniseries, based on the clever biography by David McCullough, you’ll see my legacy presented in one of the most engaging historical reenactments ever captured on film. Paul Giamatti’s hard, New England face and demeanor accurately depict my nuances beyond the confines of mere mimicry. Alongside Laura Linney as my wife, Abigail, Mr. Giamatti will guide you through my fascinating life, granting a new perspective of hallowed characters and illuminating my own life, of which little is foremost in national memory. Did you know that I defended (successfully, I might add) the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre? What about my time spent abroad during the Revolutionary War, during which I forfeited witnessing my children’s adolescence only to face continual opposition by our impossible European neighbors? Additionally, you will at long last be able to converse amongst your contemporaries over events from my presidency, citing my prevention of military engagement against France and being the initial resident of the White House. And you will be moved by my home life, a challenging familial quest for honor and love that rivals our country’s struggles for independence. Upon the motion picture’s completion, I trust that you will embrace me no longer as “some old dead guy,” but as a cultural icon on par with the more immortalized founding fathers. May it provide insight in a chasm created by a lack of tall tales and omissions from major currency and Mt. Rushmore. So I ask you once more: consider John Adams as a United States hero. The results of Mr. Hooper’s filmed dramatization are ample evidence to elicit your support, and I encourage you to consult the work if you have not already done so. I say, good day! (voiceover) Paid for by David McCullough and HBO Films.
]]>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:43:14 GMTTenenbaumsTenenbaums Blog8/11/2008 9:43:14 PM I&rsquo;m John Adams and I approve this message. (voiceover) You know him. You love him. Errr....well...you&rsquo;ve heard of him, right? He was the 2nd President...or was it the 3rd? And doesn&rsquo;t he have a beer named after him? (Cue President Adams) Hi, I&rsquo;m John Adams and I&rsquo;m running for cultural icon. When you think of United States founding fathers, who comes to mind? Washington? Jefferson? Franklin? These are all deserving figures, but why does the name Adams not resound near the top? I&rsquo;ll have you know that I was there with these revolutionary celebrities, contributing a brand of clarity that was often perceived as bristling Massachusetts stubbornness. Yet when decisions were made, it was my council that was consistently sought. Credit must be given to these great men, as it was our combined efforts that led to our nation&rsquo;s independence, but they have been elevated to god-like status in public memory while I am relegated to a bystander. In Tom Hooper&rsquo;s miniseries, based on the clever biography by David McCullough, you&rsquo;ll see my legacy presented in one of the most engaging historical reenactments ever captured on film. Paul Giamatti&rsquo;s hard, New England face and demeanor accurately depict my nuances beyond the confines of mere mimicry. Alongside Laura Linney as my wife, Abigail, Mr. Giamatti will guide you through my fascinating life, granting a new perspective of hallowed characters and illuminating my own life, of which little is foremost in national memory. Did you know that I defended (successfully, I might add) the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre? What about my time spent abroad during the Revolutionary War, during which I forfeited witnessing my children&rsquo;s adolescence only to face continual opposition by our impossible European neighbors? Additionally, you will at long last be able to converse amongst your contemporaries over events from my presidency, citing my prevention of military engagement against France and being the initial resident of the White House. And you will be moved by my home life, a challenging familial quest for honor and love that rivals our country&rsquo;s struggles for independence. Upon the motion picture&rsquo;s completion, I trust that you will embrace me no longer as &ldquo;some old dead guy,&rdquo; but as a cultural icon on par with the more immortalized founding fathers. May it provide insight in a chasm created by a lack of tall tales and omissions from major currency and Mt. Rushmore. So I ask you once more: consider John Adams as a United States hero. The results of Mr. Hooper&rsquo;s filmed dramatization are ample evidence to elicit your support, and I encourage you to consult the work if you have not already done so. I say, good day! (voiceover) Paid for by David McCullough and HBO Films. http://www.spout.com/blogs/lopezdash/archive/2008/3/6/25927.aspx Post By: lopezdash
Post To: The Movie Blog
Post Date: 3/6/2008 1:09:17 PM
Body: Tom Hanks and Paul Giamatti took the Capitol by storm last night for the premier of their mini-series, John Adams. Hanks garners a level of star power that brings out some of the Hill’s finest to gawk, but as he was walking through the halls of the Capitol, it seemed like Hanks was the one in awe. (Photo by John Shinkle) As he was giving his entourage a history lesson of the building, Hanks told Politico that the building “just knocks you back.” He stopped at the statue of Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of the first completely electronic television and referred to him as “the father of HBO.” Among the entourage was Hanks’s daughter, Liz, who, dressed in a fabulous sequined t-shirt dress (from Banana Republic on sale she told us), affectionately shepherded Hanks around with a, “This way Dad.” Nancy Pelosi gave Giamatti a shout out for being an Italian John Adams. The feature’s director, Tom Hooper, said he cast Giamatti because he’s real. “The last thing I wanted to do was cast a dashing, masculine idol to play John Adams, when the man in reality was a balding, plump, middle aged man,” Hooper told Politico. Not that he was calling Giamatti plump and middle aged, but he did say Giamatti provides a level of surprise for the audience. (From left: Paul Giamatti, John Boehner, Tom Hanks, Nancy Pelosi. Photo by John Shinkle.) Kirk Ellis, the screenwriter that adapted David McCullough’s epic biography, said the adaptation took five and a half years, just a year and half shy of the seven years it took McCullough to write the book. McCullough, who also was in attendance, worked closely with Ellis on the screenplay, giving notes on various drafts throughout. In addition to the honored guests of Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who each got a shout out from HBO co-president Richard Plepler. Spotted at the reception with appropriately tooth-picked apps were Reps. Dave Obey (D-Wisc.), Jane Harman (D-Calif.) and former Rep. Tim Roemer (D-Ind.). Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) was also there, but when Pelosi was shouting, “Teddy! Come back!” word is he had already left to show some fatherly support for his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) who had legislation on the floor. And of course, no trip to Washington is complete without some political chatter. Hanks, an Obama supporter, said, “I wish the election was being held tomorrow. I’m bored!”(Source: Anne Schroeder at The Politico)
]]>Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:09:17 GMTlopezdashThe Movie Blog3/6/2008 1:09:17 PMTom Hanks and Paul Giamatti took the Capitol by storm last night for the premier of their mini-series, John Adams. Hanks garners a level of star power that brings out some of the Hill&rsquo;s finest to gawk, but as he was walking through the halls of the Capitol, it seemed like Hanks was the one in awe. (Photo by John Shinkle) As he was giving his entourage a history lesson of the building, Hanks told Politico that the building &ldquo;just knocks you back.&rdquo; He stopped at the statue of Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of the first completely electronic television and referred to him as &ldquo;the father of HBO.&rdquo; Among the entourage was Hanks&rsquo;s daughter, Liz, who, dressed in a fabulous sequined t-shirt dress (from Banana Republic on sale she told us), affectionately shepherded Hanks around with a, &ldquo;This way Dad.&rdquo; Nancy Pelosi gave Giamatti a shout out for being an Italian John Adams. The feature&rsquo;s director, Tom Hooper, said he cast Giamatti because he&rsquo;s real. &ldquo;The last thing I wanted to do was cast a dashing, masculine idol to play John Adams, when the man in reality was a balding, plump, middle aged man,&rdquo; Hooper told Politico. Not that he was calling Giamatti plump and middle aged, but he did say Giamatti provides a level of surprise for the audience. (From left: Paul Giamatti, John Boehner, Tom Hanks, Nancy Pelosi. Photo by John Shinkle.) Kirk Ellis, the screenwriter that adapted David McCullough&rsquo;s epic biography, said the adaptation took five and a half years, just a year and half shy of the seven years it took McCullough to write the book. McCullough, who also was in attendance, worked closely with Ellis on the screenplay, giving notes on various drafts throughout. In addition to the honored guests of Pelosi, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio), Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who each got a shout out from HBO co-president Richard Plepler. Spotted at the reception with appropriately tooth-picked apps were Reps. Dave Obey (D-Wisc.), Jane Harman (D-Calif.) and former Rep. Tim Roemer (D-Ind.). Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) was also there, but when Pelosi was shouting, &ldquo;Teddy! Come back!&rdquo; word is he had already left to show some fatherly support for his son, Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.) who had legislation on the floor. And of course, no trip to Washington is complete without some political chatter. Hanks, an Obama supporter, said, &ldquo;I wish the election was being held tomorrow. I&rsquo;m bored!&rdquo;(Source: Anne Schroeder at The Politico) http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/history/MemberTagFilms.aspxhistory
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