Is it Showtime's response to HBO's Hung ? It's what I thought after watching The Big C's pilot. A dark comedy about cancer sounded intriguing. In many ways it delivered but there'were also plenty of flaws.
The story is conventional and it's a good thing because it should allow most people to relate to the protagonist. Laura Linney's performance was convincing but at times it felt like over of the top acting, specially the scene in the couch. Of course her character is tormented but I couldn't help questioning her behavior, quite violent and despicable in some scenes. However her conflicted profile reminded me of Sandra Bullock in the cult film Crash. From angriness to infinite sorrow her palette of emotions was impressive. In fact the element I enjoyed the most was the redefinition of what matters to her. What's the meaning of life ? That timeless question was asked and the characters revolving around her, from her outcast brother to her lonely old woman next door, helped us to answer it. Is it about buying stuff ? How can we break a vicious circle and be happy again ? What about sharing secrets with our loved ones ?
Otherwise even if these philosophical and psychological elements enriched the show's substance others made it less authentic and appealing. For example I really hated the cliché relationship with the doctor. The average young and hot stud we have seen thousands of times on TV and far less talented than George Clooney. Moreover it was so awkwardly introduced and I also found the few breast incidents pathetic. Linking her health issue to her physical condition and beauty would definitely have raised things to a whole new level. As for Oliver Platt, who portrays her husband, he was the comic relief and I wonder about their past. How did they meet and fall in love ? Indeed they really look like night and day. In fact they both seemed lost in reality so the show should be all about finding a new purpose to their life.
Last but not least as always with Showtime the production quality was astounding. It should definitely smooth your immersion process. However again I can't help criticize the duration. Twenty minutes is not enough to cover so many topics. The editing was decent but you could easily spot the seams between the scenes. Nothing to worry about but still it made the episode less interesting.
The story is conventional and it's a good thing because it should allow most people to relate to the protagonist. Laura Linney's performance was convincing but at times it felt like over of the top acting, specially the scene in the couch. Of course her character is tormented but I couldn't help questioning her behavior, quite violent and despicable in some scenes. However her conflicted profile reminded me of Sandra Bullock in the cult film Crash. From angriness to infinite sorrow her palette of emotions was impressive. In fact the element I enjoyed the most was the redefinition of what matters to her. What's the meaning of life ? That timeless question was asked and the characters revolving around her, from her outcast brother to her lonely old woman next door, helped us to answer it. Is it about buying stuff ? How can we break a vicious circle and be happy again ? What about sharing secrets with our loved ones ?
Otherwise even if these philosophical and psychological elements enriched the show's substance others made it less authentic and appealing. For example I really hated the cliché relationship with the doctor. The average young and hot stud we have seen thousands of times on TV and far less talented than George Clooney. Moreover it was so awkwardly introduced and I also found the few breast incidents pathetic. Linking her health issue to her physical condition and beauty would definitely have raised things to a whole new level. As for Oliver Platt, who portrays her husband, he was the comic relief and I wonder about their past. How did they meet and fall in love ? Indeed they really look like night and day. In fact they both seemed lost in reality so the show should be all about finding a new purpose to their life.
Last but not least as always with Showtime the production quality was astounding. It should definitely smooth your immersion process. However again I can't help criticize the duration. Twenty minutes is not enough to cover so many topics. The editing was decent but you could easily spot the seams between the scenes. Nothing to worry about but still it made the episode less interesting.
