What could be more promising than a historical miniseries dealing with one of the most original and assertive women in history, Empress Catherine II (the Great) of Russia, who expanded the borders of the empire and raised it to the rank of an European power, who brought to Russia the spirit of reforms and the books of the Enlightenment, and who largely laid the foundations of the institutions of the modern Russian state? The fact that Helen Mirren, one of the great contemporary film and television actresses who has already successfully embodied queens on the big and small screens owns the lead role could only increase my level of expectations. This time, however, the disappointment is almost up to the expectations. The miniseries (4 series) ‘Catherine the Great‘ fails in most of its main points, but especially where it has the ambition to present an original vision, different from what the historical genre offers in such cases.
I am not a fanatic of historical authenticity in movies (or books) and I accept relatively easily points of view different from those in history textbooks, be they revisionist perspectives. I’m not a Puritan either, but I confess that the historical over-sexualization in series like ‘The Tudors‘ and now ‘Catherine the Great‘ doesn’t seem to bring much extra value to them.’Catherine the Great‘ is not even about (too much) nudity as about using vulgar and implausibly explicit language that adds nothing to the characters. I confess that as an ardent feminist I enjoyed the description of Catherine as a sexual predator of young men who satisfied the desires of the old empress, but the use of 21st century suburban language adds nothing to what intents to be the sincere love story between Catherine and Potemkin. The emphasis on love affairs and family intrigue overshadows the historical details, and the evolution of the empress and the reasons why she gradually abandons the reform program to become a fervent reactionary at the end of life and reign remain as unclear as possible.
The historical approach is unequal in level. I am very curious how authentic the Russian spectators will find it. On one hand the producers of the series have invested heavily in sets and costumes, and the film looks great visually. The palaces with ballrooms and council rooms, bedrooms and work rooms are being presented in all their golden splendor. So are the sumptuous costumes of the imperial nobility and of the officers. On the other hand the dialogues are schematic and historical gaffes are too often also visible. For example, there is constant talk about Germany, a country that would appear only almost a century later, probably the right word to use would have been Prussia. Concerning acting, some of the supporting roles seemed to me the best, with very well-defined characters (mostly historical). The lead roles are the ones that disappointed me. Jason Clarke plays an ambitious Potemkin, but it can’t be said that the passion between him and the empress crosses the screen. As for Helen Mirren, I think she missed a great role. Catherine the Great remains a secret for viewers of these miniseries, and for Helen Mirren this is an extra queen role that she might have better given up.