But a lot more happened throughout the struggle that lasted over 20 years and resulted in the 13 colonies’ independence from England. The eight-year mission of inventor Benjamin Franklin in France, where he planned and conspired to promote a Franco-American alliance, is the subject of Apple TV+’s “Franklin,” an adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winner Stacy Schiff’s book “A Great Improvisation: Franklin, France, and the Birth of America.” What ought to be a dazzling account of a critical juncture in American history is flattened, reduced to a mind-numbing and laborious affair of guys in wigs yelling at one another in dimly lit rooms.
The series, which was created by Kirk Ellis and Howard Korder, premieres in December 1776. The young country was in danger of disintegrating, even though the Declaration of Independence had been written three months earlier. The Continental Congress was out of choices as a result of limited money and a meager 3,000 men attempting to oppose Britain’s powerful army. The final hope for America was publisher and scholar Franklin (Michael Douglas).
After touching down on the French coast of Brittany, the statesman and his grandson Temple (Noah Jupe) set out to entice French officials to the United States on a financial and political front. The 70-year-old scientist’s fame quickly caused a significant kink in their plans, compelling them to adopt new strategies, even though the two had intended to open up business in Paris in silence.
It is better to appreciate this tale within the pages of Schiff’s book, since “Franklin” illuminates obscure facets of the American Revolution and Franklin’s life. The philosopher’s quest comes out as conceited and self-serving over the course of eight boring monologue-filled episodes set in a nation 3,000 kilometers distant from the fighting. Douglas makes an effort to bring comedy to the part by emphasizing Franklin’s many illnesses, such as his gout attacks and his appalling command of the French language.
Even still, the presentation is monotone is not broken by these interruptions. Furthermore, although though “Franklin” spends a lot of time on the polymaths’ relationship with Temple, a significant portion of the story centers on their disagreements. The 19-year-old’s painful experiences from his father’s imprisonment and his grandfather’s unreliable advice cause him to have many embarrassing outbursts as he approaches adulthood.
Furthermore, Franklin had to be very cunning to lure the French under the pretense of a future that he was not yet fully aware of, as the slow-moving tone of the series fails to convey. There are other numbers to monitor in addition to Franklin and Temple. The Chaumonts, to their financial loss, take in and feed Franklin and others. Reluctantly, Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes (Thibault de Montalembert), tries to persuade King Louis XVI to support America. Franklin’s companionship also provides comfort to the disheartened Anne Louise Brillon de Jouy (Ludivine Sagnier), who is grieving over her husband’s blatant adulterous escapades. Instead of supporting the program is main message, the many narrative elements and stories muddy it.
“Franklin,” despite its complexity, has a stunning texture that is a credit to the amazing artisans that worked on the project. The lavishness of Marie Antoinette’s time is effortlessly and flawlessly brought to life by Dan Weil’s production design and Benedicte Joffre’s set decorating. Every place, from Passy to Versailles, is beautifully designed and furnished. Some amazing pictures are created by Olivier Bériot’s costumes, Hochet Adeline, Alessandro Bertolazzi, and Liz Ann Bowden’s hair and cosmetics. Specifically, one has a golden ship perched atop a tall curled wig.
While “Franklin” follows the inexperienced diplomat during his protracted stay in France, where he convinced the French to part with an astounding $9 billion in modern currency by using his laissez-faire attitude to thwart British spies, Douglas and the show as a whole never highlight the charm and cunning the Founding Father must have had to pull off this enormous feat.
Rather, it is almost astonishing that America even exists given the ongoing power struggles he has with other diplomats, especially pretender to the presidency John Adams (Eddie Marsan).