When Kate Winslet works with HBO, good things usually come out of it, as was the case in 2011 with Mildred Pierce In the case of the actress, who plays a strong, independent mother in a drama set during the Great Depression. It has been well received In spring 2021 the East Town Secrets also, making it a must-see for fans of dark crime stories. Winslet's latest collaboration with the cable channel has managed to attract a bit of attention, as he debuted with Part 1 on March 4. the systemIn perhaps the funniest performance of his life, the 48-year-old Hollywood icon plays the authoritarian leader of a Central European country.
It's undeniable, almost surprising, that The Regime's creator, Will Trace, has set himself a target in this political satire of impeaching Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kate Winslet's character lives in a huge complex of ornate, Kremlin-like buildings, where she leads her people as chancellor, and where she records the bland propaganda videos she uses to hide the fact that she actually maintains self-control. The similarities with Putin do not end there. The advisor, who lives in isolation, suffers from germaphobia in the series, meaning she is afraid of germs, and when the need arises to sit at a table with the Americans, she takes the longest available table, similar to Putin.
Let's assume from Will Trace that it actually exists Succession Making his mark on the HBO series, when it comes to impersonating American oligarchs, we wouldn't expect anything less. The novel's heroine or villain in the system, Elena Vernham (Winslet), is a character who, like the wealthy Roy family, makes one's hand clench at the insides. Meanwhile, Kate Winslet is so comfortable in this sleazy role that it puts cartoonists to shame. The actress slouches a little, smiles strangely, and performs a series of actions in front of the cameras, while from time to time the cruelty of the dictator's wife is revealed. But at this level the man The cold shakes him.
As absurd and bizarre as this series is to present a story, nothing is better demonstrated than the fact that we follow the events from the perspective of soldier Herbert Zuback (Matthias Schoenaerts), who violently put down a miners' rebellion, slaughtering those who moved against the workers. Authorities. Workers. It is clear that in an authoritarian system what is the reward for this? Well, the promotion Zubac got. He is appointed to the Chancellor's residence to be Lady Vernham's bodyguard and look after her health. This is mainly done by accompanying the consultant from room to room and ensuring that there is no risk of mold. Did we mention that this series is rocking? Then we will report it again.
The failure of the system is that even though Kate Winslet is a great heroine and a charismatic dictator, if the plot doesn't coalesce around her and the supporting characters behind her, they're unable to keep up. Maybe it's not fair to compare Will Trace's new series to Succession, because it doesn't have enough drama, rather vice president He should be called his little brother. However, Nizam isn't sharp enough to do that either, and apart from its amazing Putin parody, it's unable to show much new to fans of political satire. The USA and China, who benefit from small countries, also benefit from this, but at the same time, the writers seem to be holding back when it comes to delivering really big slaps. This puts this series in a strange position, because it's not brave enough to be referred to as a truly twisted mirror attempt.
It would not be a wrong decision on the part of the creators if the playing time was reduced, instead of six times one hour, six times twenty to twenty-five minutes would be enough. Because Kate Winslet was able to shine throughout that period, and the scripts probably wouldn't have seemed so choppy.
It's rare to criticize HBO, after all, they've released such series – just from the last couple of years – as trancethe Dragon House And the The last of us. They're the ones who get it every leap year, even compared to Apple TV+. Let's say 2024 is exactly a leap year, and they have managed to subvert the basic concept that boldly reflects our reality on paper, compared to how high the expectation factor is. Aside from Kate Winslet's extra game, there's nothing to see here, so let's share. The regime that flogs Putin here or there will not be the new caliphate or the new vice president. It is simply not very inspiring and is located under the seat between the two chairs.
5/10
The first episode of The System can be watched with Hungarian dubbing and subtitles on HBO Max.
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