Although this episode of "The American Experience" says it came out in 1992, it sure looks older. The fashions of the historians seem early 80s and the footage is extremely grainy on this DVD.
This film is very different in structure and style as opposed to the other episodes in the series. The usual narrators aren't there and instead it's more of a personal exploration of Washington by one historian--with input from some of his friends. It's also unusual because unlike a typical episode, this one is a rather deconstructionist--and mostly talks about how Washington sucked until he ultimately rose to the occasion, somewhat, during the Revolution. So anyone wanting to see a show glorify the man, this isn't it! Now I am not saying it's wrong--Washington was mighty unsuccessful in some ways. Though the show also seemed to go out of his way to describe the guy in negative terms. Overall, worth watching but not exactly inspiring.
This film is very different in structure and style as opposed to the other episodes in the series. The usual narrators aren't there and instead it's more of a personal exploration of Washington by one historian--with input from some of his friends. It's also unusual because unlike a typical episode, this one is a rather deconstructionist--and mostly talks about how Washington sucked until he ultimately rose to the occasion, somewhat, during the Revolution. So anyone wanting to see a show glorify the man, this isn't it! Now I am not saying it's wrong--Washington was mighty unsuccessful in some ways. Though the show also seemed to go out of his way to describe the guy in negative terms. Overall, worth watching but not exactly inspiring.
