Must-See: French Drama on Crave and Ken Burns’ New PBS Documentary
El-Balad provides an insightful look at two remarkable series: Ken Burns’ new documentary on the American Revolution and a French drama titled Merteuil, available on Crave. Each series explores themes of power, seduction, and the complexities of human nature.
Ken Burns’ American Revolution Documentary
In celebration of the upcoming 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, PBS debuts a new documentary series titled The American Revolution. Directed by Ken Burns, Sarah Botstein, and David Schmidt, this twelve-hour exploration chronicles the transformative journey of the Thirteen Colonies towards independence.
The first episode airs this Sunday on PBS. It investigates the intricate motivations behind the rebellion against British rule. The series delves into the paradoxes faced by colonists who championed democracy, yet were ingrained in a society that enforced enslavement.
Key Themes and Techniques
- Contradictions within colonial society.
- The influence of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy on democratic principles.
- Impact of societal injustices on the ideals of liberty.
With potential changes in funding for public broadcasting, this could be one of the last chances to experience Burns’ signature storytelling style, characterized by stunning panning and zooming techniques across historical images and documents.
French Drama: Merteuil on Crave
This Sunday, audiences can also look forward to the premiere of Merteuil, a French adaptation of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’s classic novel Les Liaisons dangereuses. Dubbed The Seduction in English, this HBO series provides a prequel perspective on the Marquise de Merteuil’s origins.
Plot Overview and Characters
The series follows Isabelle de Merteuil, portrayed by Anamaria Vartolomei. As a young woman, Merteuil finds herself entangled in a deceptive marriage with the Vicomte de Valmont, played by Vincent Lacoste. Under the mentorship of Madame de Rosemonde (Diane Kruger), she starts plotting her revenge against those who manipulated her.
Directed by Jessica Palud, Merteuil promises an engaging exploration of ambition and desire in a story rooted in historical intrigue.
Conclusion
Both The American Revolution and Merteuil provide rich narratives that reflect on power dynamics, relationships, and historical contexts. They offer viewers a chance to engage with compelling stories that invite reflection on past and present societal complexities.
