My great uncle was a doctor in the1920s and 30s. When I was 9 or 10, my parents and I went to my great aunts house and 'opened' the doctors office at the premises where he practiced and subsequently died in ~1950. I was utterly fascinated with the instruments, exam table and all the medicines and gear that was there. I still have photos and several pieces from that office.
Having been the victim of a major accident five years later, subsequently spending months in the hospital, I again was fascinated by the differences between modern medicine and what served as medicine in the early 1900's.
Watching this show, the subject comes back again; it is intriguing, fascinating, compelling... So realistic and true to the day. The make-up, effects and realism of the sets is stunning. If you were to look at operating theater photographs from the early 1900's era, you would see the realism that the show has created in these scenes. Add to that the elaborate street scenes, amazing costumes and attention to detail that the production employs and I hope that you will see the extreme talent and effort that has gone into The Knick. Take special note of some of the special effects showing medical conditions and operating trauma, it's very realistic and downright scary. It will make you thankful for modern medicine and the amazing advances of the medical establishment during the 20th century.
The direction and cinematography is well done. Dialog based scenes are typically shot with the rule of thirds followed (pleasing) but there are many non-dialog scenes where the director moves away from the banal by shooting action from odd angles (carving of pig carcasses with action at mid-line filmed low) or a fight sequence filmed with a wide angle 'behind the hero' view -- this keeps the visual story interesting. Add the Contagion-like soundtrack (I know - a 1900s drama with a techno music track = ?) and the overall experience is captivating.
Finally, I am not sure everyone is familiar with the 'steampunk' enthusiasm (movement?) that is finding its way into both culture (art, collecting) and mainstream style (go to a high end plumbing /appliance store and you will see what I mean!) -- this show captures the industrial late 19th century look extremely well.
I am literally sad when each hour is over. This show is among the best shows I have ever watched. I would be thrilled if every episode were 2 hours long. It's that good.
The acting is good; Clive Owen is not only very believable as Dr, Thackery, but really has a strong command of each and every scene he is in. Some of the characters do not stand out as well, BUT: Special kudos to Eve Hewson, she not only performs with incredible expression, style and emotion, but really looks the part! Amazing actress -- thank you!
Overall, Bravo!
Having been the victim of a major accident five years later, subsequently spending months in the hospital, I again was fascinated by the differences between modern medicine and what served as medicine in the early 1900's.
Watching this show, the subject comes back again; it is intriguing, fascinating, compelling... So realistic and true to the day. The make-up, effects and realism of the sets is stunning. If you were to look at operating theater photographs from the early 1900's era, you would see the realism that the show has created in these scenes. Add to that the elaborate street scenes, amazing costumes and attention to detail that the production employs and I hope that you will see the extreme talent and effort that has gone into The Knick. Take special note of some of the special effects showing medical conditions and operating trauma, it's very realistic and downright scary. It will make you thankful for modern medicine and the amazing advances of the medical establishment during the 20th century.
The direction and cinematography is well done. Dialog based scenes are typically shot with the rule of thirds followed (pleasing) but there are many non-dialog scenes where the director moves away from the banal by shooting action from odd angles (carving of pig carcasses with action at mid-line filmed low) or a fight sequence filmed with a wide angle 'behind the hero' view -- this keeps the visual story interesting. Add the Contagion-like soundtrack (I know - a 1900s drama with a techno music track = ?) and the overall experience is captivating.
Finally, I am not sure everyone is familiar with the 'steampunk' enthusiasm (movement?) that is finding its way into both culture (art, collecting) and mainstream style (go to a high end plumbing /appliance store and you will see what I mean!) -- this show captures the industrial late 19th century look extremely well.
I am literally sad when each hour is over. This show is among the best shows I have ever watched. I would be thrilled if every episode were 2 hours long. It's that good.
The acting is good; Clive Owen is not only very believable as Dr, Thackery, but really has a strong command of each and every scene he is in. Some of the characters do not stand out as well, BUT: Special kudos to Eve Hewson, she not only performs with incredible expression, style and emotion, but really looks the part! Amazing actress -- thank you!
Overall, Bravo!