Z: L'Inizio di Tutto

First, I'll comment on the divided reviews. Although not typically my cup of tea; the production was well done. Considering this is basically a historical Bio-Drama, which took place in an era some 100 years ago, it wasn't bad at all.

I was surprised to see Ricci cast as Zelda, but she did a decent job, as did Fitzgerald's portrayer.

If you know the story of Fitzgerald, it's really a very depressing ballad. He was a serious alcoholic up until a year prior to his premature death. Zelda was perhaps worse as her mental illness truly manifest itself as she aged, but still relatively young.

I believe the production did a good job in a few areas, not the least of which was, early on, conveying to the viewer their self-absorbed pretentiousness. Whether or not this was typical with success in those circles, it was honestly, fairly disgusting. As such, I'm sure most viewers could not empathize with either of them (let alone sympathize.) The series is slow at times and my wife and I watched it in pieces over several nights. As is so often the case, the producers/writers just plain ignored quite a bit. Just as well. I mean how much misery can we take.

But the sets, attire, music, and filters did indeed achieve a good (shall we say) "flapper" atmosphere & ambience.

All that said, I do agree with the praises by other reviewers. But it not going to have appeal for those who don't go in for this type of production. For me, I was OK with it, but certainly, could never venture a 2nd viewing.

Bob R.

Starts very, very strong. And then it begins to meander. I feel it would have been better if it'd been created with the intention to be a limited mini-series rather than a TV series, because then the writing team could have crafted a compelling beginning, middle, and end. As it is, without a season 2 renewal, it just sort of... ends.

I have a particular fondness for period dramas & this one didn't disappoint. It didn't get a 9 -10 because I felt the storyline could have had more depth which I was expecting to be developed in a second season. I'm unsure of the time span it was supposed to represent but I didn't get that Zelda was there long enough to be known as the original flapper & icon of the age. It seemed unfinished to leave it where it did.

This show was apparently developed by Ricci after a book that really focused more wholly on Zelda.

The writers here have opened it up to be more about Zelda and Scott, as emblematic of their moment etc. While the show is beautiful and well paced, and Hoflin is pretty good as FSG, it is at its best when it focuses on Ricci who really gives a brilliant performance and manages to assume the moment and it's obvious touchpoints (cigarette holders, champagne glasses, insouciance etc) without apparent cliche.

She is well supported by the more senior players, but some of the actors playing the coterie of friends and hangers on have been unable to see the wood for the trees and just give arch performances that lean too heavily on stereotypes and the aforementioned props. The writers too are to blame: ultimately it is not quite what we hope for, but it's still a bit mean spirited that Ricci wasn't lauded for this performance. She carry's it as far as it goes, and it goes pretty far.

I cannot believe the negative reviews for this series! I am extremely interested in the Jazz Age/Flapper/Prohibition era as well as the Fitzgeralds who were true embodiments of this time period.

I think it was beautifully filmed, and despite what some reviewers say, I believe Christina Ricci was an excellent choice to play the complicated Zelda Fitzgerald. I won't drone on and on but just need to say I am so disappointed this wasn't picked up for at least one more season.

One more thing: I am so tired of special effects/vulgarity/and fast-paced MTV generation short attention span dialogue that is found in most contemporary shows and films!