This six-part mini-series by the late Theo van Gogh is one of the better television dramas made in the Netherlands in recent years. It premiered in The Hague at December 12th 2004 and received a lot of media coverage because of the untimely death of director Theo van Gogh, and although not a huge hit, it was well-received. It got the TV Spielfilm-Preis at the Cologne Conference in Germany, an honor that previously went to series like ER and The Sopranos, completely different "long-running" series, but nevertheless, well-deserved international attention. Shot on digital video and blown up to film-format, it looks excellent on TV, almost if shot in 35 mm. Not grainy blown-up but crystal-clear.
The screenplay by Theodor Holman is based on the Greek tragedy "Medea" by Euripides, but transferred to the arena of modern Dutch politics. Medea, played by Katja Schuurman, is the daughter of the chairman of the "Eerste Kamer" (the Dutch Senate), who falls in love with the rich and handsome Jason (Thijs Römer), who made a fortune in real estate and is flirting with politics. Her father and many others oppose the affair, but she decides to help him with his campaign to run for prime minister. But Jason has his own agenda and when he estranges his future wife Medea, things get more complicated.
I cannot help but compare the main character Jason to the late Pim Fortuyn, the right-wing Dutch politician who was assassinated in 2003, although they have nothing in common, except their somewhat right-wing conservative political views. The casting of Thijs Römer wouldn't be my first choice for the male lead of Jason. He is too young and too good looking but he plays the role with tremendous vigor and intensity and delivers his lines with an almost classic stamina. Self-confident, an almost stage-like performance. Daring, but somehow it works. Oddly cast, but perhaps it only shows his potential as an actor.
As drama, the first three episodes work the best. It's intriguing with a tense storyline, you're easily sucked in but somehow it runs a little out of steam towards to the end. Too much focus is put on the secondary characters and soon the series becomes too explicit, like the makers weren't sure audiences would be able to follow the storyline. But these are still minor complaints in what is essentially a well made political fable with strong performances and the tension you need for good television drama.
Camera Obscura --- 8/10
