I saw this film last night at a film screening in DC. Let me start off by saying that I had high hopes for this film, as I'm a history buff and wanted to learn more about the man who shaped our modern day financial system.
First, the way the film was cut made it almost unwatchable at times. There were tremendously awkward reenactments and on-camera interviews. Several of the interviews contained things that were embarrassing to the person being interviewed and should, quite frankly, have been left on the cutting room floor. This became a theme where the director seemed to want to embarrass people in the film. On top of that, there was the method they employed where they chose to interview people who had absolutely no connection or contribution to talking about Alexander Hamilton. The major one was the interview with Baltimore gang members and having them discuss "dueling for a man's honor."
I could go on and on about the different things that were in the film that made it absurd and laughable at times. I realize now why this film was 2 hours long -- because of all the fluff they chose to put in it. Heck, maybe they're not done editing and this was a focus group screening. I have no idea.
If this film really does air on PBS, I will be shocked though. I can't imagine anyone wanting to waste 2 hours on this.
First, the way the film was cut made it almost unwatchable at times. There were tremendously awkward reenactments and on-camera interviews. Several of the interviews contained things that were embarrassing to the person being interviewed and should, quite frankly, have been left on the cutting room floor. This became a theme where the director seemed to want to embarrass people in the film. On top of that, there was the method they employed where they chose to interview people who had absolutely no connection or contribution to talking about Alexander Hamilton. The major one was the interview with Baltimore gang members and having them discuss "dueling for a man's honor."
I could go on and on about the different things that were in the film that made it absurd and laughable at times. I realize now why this film was 2 hours long -- because of all the fluff they chose to put in it. Heck, maybe they're not done editing and this was a focus group screening. I have no idea.
If this film really does air on PBS, I will be shocked though. I can't imagine anyone wanting to waste 2 hours on this.
