HBO has offered up another gem with their John Adams series. Behind stalwart performances by Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney, the seven-part mini-series gives a new angle on the first 50 years of the American story.
What this series does better than any before, is show America as the unlikely success story that it really is. The Boston Tea Party is not displayed as the squeaky clean catalyst towards separation with Brittan but rather, the final few pieces of straw on the back of a struggling colony that is aspiring to more, better and a celestial definition of freedom.
What makes the series brilliant and effective is the way in which the story removes the historical sheen and uncovers what those tough days and moments might have been like to those that lived through them. Why is it that history books try so hard to make precarious historical moments seem like a foregone conclusion? Why do they tirelessly strip the volatility and humanity out of their retelling of the tale?
Bill Gates and Michael Jordan are both success stories in their respective fields. Is it possible that we have reduced their triumph to a genetic or divine set of inevitable events devoid of tenacity or hard work? So now Bill Gates sleeping under his desk at Microsoft was a made-for-TV moment that was preordained for entertainment purposes. A teenage Michael Jordan shooting foul shots in the rain is not an example of his commitment to perfecting the game but rather a fictional lore cooked up for high school coach’s half-time speeches.
The truth of the matter is that there is an indescribable amount of blood, sweat, tears and sacrifice that goes into greatness that most people cannot fathom. Yes, great men and women often have exceptional talents, but what is less often spoken about is their dedication, and singular pursuit of excellence in their craft.
Most people like to think of greatness as predestined because it gives them an excuse not to expect more from themselves. “If I was another person with more talent or ability, I’d be great too...”
John Adams helps us look at the most incredible moments in American history as the triumph that it was, except with all the dirt and fear and chaos that came along with it. That mere men did immortal things is the brilliance of HBO’s John Adams. That you can too, is the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
Article Source: http://www.orbitaloc.com/
Alexander Gittens is a amature blogger and businessman. For more articles by Alexander Gittens please visit www.alexandergittens.com. This article may be reprinted without permission is properly credited to Alexander Gittens and or www.alexandergittens.com
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