As the Revolutionary War raged in 1776, the fledgling United States faced a desperate situation. With few soldiers and little money remaining, defeat seemed imminent against the formidable British forces. The fledgling nation’s fate rested on whether Benjamin Franklin could succeed in a unique mission.
The 70-year-old Franklin, already famous across the world for his achievements as a politician, inventor and writer, traveled to France alongside his teenage grandson Temple. Their goal was to persuade the wary French monarchy to bankroll the American insurrection, providing the funds and military supplies needed to continue the fight for independence.
Franklin’s famous charm and intellect would be put to the ultimate test. Not only did he have to navigate the convoluted politics of Versailles and overcome skepticism regarding the rebel colonies, he also had to do so without any official diplomatic credentials. This review will examine how Franklin leveraged his celebrity to gradually win over the French, the obstacles he faced, and whether the new Apple TV+ series does justice to this pivotal period that helped shape the fledging United States of America.
Benjamin Franklin’s Diplomacy in France
On a chilly winter night in 1776, Benjamin Franklin set sail for France with his teenage grandson Temple. Their mission seemed impossible – convince France to bankroll America’s fledgling rebellion against Britain. Franklin arrived in Paris at 70 years old, his reputation preceding him as a scientist, inventor, and all-around eccentric. But his celebrity became a double-edged sword, as everyone knew of him except those he needed to reach most.
Over the next eight years, Franklin worked tirelessly to gain allies for America’s cause. He networked aristocratic salons and fancy soirees, spinning his political webs with wit and charm. But challenges kept piling up. distrustful British spies monitored his every move, while rivals like John Adams criticized his relaxed approach. Temple too faced difficulties adjusting to French life, where romances both ended in heartbreak.
Through it all, Franklin maintained his wily diplomacy. He lobbied foreign minister Vergennes endlessly, softening the king’s resistance. Franklin even forged bonds with Ann Louise Brillon, despite her husband’s disapproval. But Franklin’s greatest accomplishment was outmaneuvering both allies and enemies. He secured France’s support through covert maneuvers, keeping hopeful one day their “special relationship” would change the world.
By the 1780s, Franklin had triumphed, helping France commit naval and financial resources that turned the war. The peace talks proved his tact, as he out-negotiated Adams and brought the British to sign on independence’s dotted line. Though the journey tested him, Franklin’s improvisational genius had won American liberty with a little help from its French friends. He returned home a hero, having proven once more that one’s best inventions can be as simple as a helping hand.
Franklin’s Finery
The period details of Franklin truly transport the viewer to 18th century France. From the ornate architectures and interiors to the intricate costumes, no expense was spared to recreate the opulence of the time. Stepping into the lavish Parisian salons and Versailles, one can almost hear the rustling of silk gowns and crushing of powdered wigs.
Dan Weil’s production design comes to life in the ornate furnishings and decadent settings, from the gilded rooms of wealthy patrons to the modest home Franklin shares with his family. It’s easy to get lost admiring the extravagant details like hand-carved moldings, sprawling tapestries and meticulous period decor. Benedicte Joffre’s set decoration fills in the spaces with just the right finishing touches to make each scene fully immersive.
Cinematographer David Franco enhances the ambiance with warm, natural lighting that dances across characters’ faces during elegant evening scenes. His roaming camera feels like a discreet observer infiltrating high society parties. When scenes shift outdoors, he captures the charm of 18th century Parisian streets with glowing lantern light.
Subtle yet stirring, Jay Wadley’s score perfectly complements the different moods. Light and playful during upbeat interactions, it turns pensive for somber scenes. But exciting strings swell during high-stakes negotiations, heightening the political intrigue unfolding amidst opulence and finery that themselves become central characters in this story set long ago.
The Characters Come Alive
Michael Douglas breathes life into Benjamin Franklin with his nuanced and charming performance. He captures Franklin’s warmth, intelligence and sense of humor. Yet Douglas also shows us Franklin’s vulnerability in older age as his health declines. At times smug or restless, Franklin drives hard bargains but cares deeply for his causes and his family. Douglas makes this complex founder feel richly human.
We see the founding era through the fresh eyes of Temple, played vividly by Noah Jupe. As a teenager pulled between independence and guidance, Jupe tapping into Temple’s wide-eyed curiosity and brash courage perfectly. His developing bond with his grandfather, played with layers by Douglas, rings emotionally true. Their warm yet testing relationship anchors the series.
Eddie Marsan also stands out as John Adams, Franklin’s determined ideological counterpart. Where Franklin sees possibilities, Adams sees perils, voiced by Marsan with passion and principle. Their lively debates prove some of the most captivating scenes, bringing out both statesmen’s depth and ideas.
The supporting players bring Paris at the dawn of revolution to life. From generals to aristocrats, they populate the grand halls of intrigue with presence and specificity. But it is the leads, especially Douglas and Jupe, who turn these founders from history books into fully living, breathing people. Their performances make the negotiations and challenges feel as gripping as any adventure story. In bringing out the humanity in even the most iconic figures, the cast humanizes the birth of a nation.
Franklin’s France
Benjamin Franklin’s time in France played a pivotal role in securing support for America’s independence, though watching “Franklin” one may wish for a few more History Channel beignets along the way. The series strives to faithfully recreate 18th century settings and fashions, furnishing stately rooms with fine art and furnishings that feel plucked straight from a Versailles vault.
True aficionados will spot occasional anachronisms, like a character missing important context or a fashion trend that hit Paris a year or two off. But overall the production nails the feel of opulent Old Regime culture, from the lace-trimmed costumes to intricate wigs that must have tested even the most patient of stylists. Scenes of aristocrats amusing themselves in drawing rooms and opera halls immerse the viewer in a bygone era.
Key figures like French foreign minister Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes and American ally Marquis de Lafayette spring to richly detailed life. Though some storylines stretch plausibility, the core diplomatic maneuverings between Franklin, Vergennes and their associates feel grounded.
Historians may spar over moments like Franklin’s liaisons, but such creative licenses don’t detract hugely from enjoying the story. Overall “Franklin” transports its audience to a fascinating phase of history that helped shape the world we live in today. While glossing over difficulties, the series succeeds in bringing the past to vivid life.
Harnessing Hidden Potential
Benjamin Franklin’s mission in France was no small feat, yet “Franklin” struggles to show the scale of his endeavour. The series hints at deeper themes – of hidden potentials waiting to be unlocked, and how revolution can arise from unlikely places.
France seemed an untapped well of support if Franklin could persuade the right voices. We often think great change needs loud protests but Franklin knew influence grows quietly through respect and rapport. He won allies by engaging each person as an individual, from humble hosts to nobility, finding common ground.
Challenges came too as not all welcomed America’s bid for freedom. Yet Franklin maintained optimism, sure that given the chance, people naturally favour liberty. He gardened for autonomy’s harvest despite winter’s persistent chill. His patience speaks to the long game required for progress against stiff resistance.
If “Franklin” fully bloomed these themes, we’d better grasp what made the man magnetic. How his approach of personable politics and step-by-step persuasion planted revolution’s seeds across the sea. When challenges seem insurmountable and the path unclear, it reminds us that positive change originates not from what’s plain before us, but what we inspire in each other. With Franklin’s example, we too can nurture dormant potentials and make the impending blossom.
An Uneven Depiction of a Founding Father
While Michael Douglas brings gravitas to the lead role, the show itself struggles to do Benjamin Franklin justice. Douglas portrays Franklin as a charming, principled statesman, balancing political acumen with lively wit. You see a man keenly aware of the challenges yet determined in his ability to surmount them through persuasion and pragmatism.
Unfortunately, the pacing is quite slow. Numerous scenes feel like they’re spinning their wheels negotiation-wise without much progress. This makes Franklin’s critical work cultivating the Franco-American alliance difficult to follow at times. The personal subplots, though well-acted, also distract from the main diplomatic intrigue.
Still, it’s worthwhile viewing history buffs. Glimpses into 18th century Parisian high society are lavishly detailed and transporting. The latter episodes importantly convey the high-stakes negotiations and geopolitical maneuvering that led to American independence. Douglas in particular remains quite watchable.
Ultimately, “Franklin” presents an uneven treatment of its subject. But there’s enough here to appreciate both the historical context and Michael Douglas’ performance as the esteemed founding father. While not fully realizing its potential, the series remains an interesting case study of Benjamin Franklin the diplomat working tirelessly behind the scenes.
The Review
Franklin
While Kirk Ellis and the creative team brought great care and historical detail to bringing Benjamin Franklin's diplomatic mission in France to the screen, the slow pace and lack of narrative drive in "Franklin" ultimately limits its impact. Michael Douglas is well-suited as the titular statesman but is let down by thinly written supporting characters and subplots. Some interesting perspectives are shed on Franklin's accomplishments, but the series fails to captivate as a full viewing experience.
PROS
- Beautiful production design that transports the viewer to 18th century France. The costumes, sets and locations are intricately detailed.
- Michael Douglas gives a nuanced performance as Benjamin Franklin, capturing his wit and charm as well as his frailties.
- Sheds some light on the little-known aspects of Franklin's time in France negotiating an alliance, which was pivotal to the American Revolution.
CONS
- Slow-paced and dull with numerous talking-head scenes that fail to engage the viewer. Lacks narrative propulsion.
- Focuses too much on minor characters and side plots instead of the central diplomatic mission.
- Fails to truly capture Franklin's ingenuity and charm that allowed him to persuade the French.
