My interest was piqued in this HBO miniseries when I saw the accolades it received at the latest Emmy awards. I decided to watch it over a period of two separate evenings and I wasn't disappointed.The four-part series follows the title character through flashbacks and present-day situations and tells the story of how she, her husband, acquaintances, and children, react to, face, and carry on through the various crises that life throws at you. To say it is tragic at times is an understatement.
Frances McDormand's performance is unbelievable in is realization. Olive Kitteridge is not very likable and is often rude, condescending and cold towards others, but via McDormand's performance, she comes to life in ways that make the viewer respect, admire, and identify with her on varying, complex levels.
What makes this miniseries so refreshing and enjoyable is the way it allows its characters to just inhabit the screen and grow on us through their interactions and rich, idiosyncratic characterizations. The writers and director throw the characters into different situations, some ordinary, others often suspenseful and weird, and allow the well-developed characters to offer the viewer insights into the nature of life, love, and how we grow and change as human beings.
The transition among different time periods is extraordinarily well-done and never confusing or jarring. The situations can be tragic but also humorous and inspiring.
The positive thing about extended miniseries that have more running time than traditional films is that they allow the characters to develop in richer, more complex ways. Miniseries like "Olive Kitteridge" demonstrate the possibilities of the medium and how we as viewers can grow to love and cherish seemingly unlikable, complex characters for their eccentricities, flaws, and resolve for redemption.
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