New Nicholas & Alexandra Video - Mini Series? Part I

[Rodney_G.]

In the spirit of this developing idea, we'd need to decide: Would this project be a dramatisation of N&A's whole life? i'd love to see a good one of those, if it could be kept very true to life, that is, historically accurate. On the other hand, the present movie is not a documentary, and takes a lot of liberties with the facts, which as a commercial proposition it can do. Viewing it as the story of Nicholas and Alexandra we tend to forget that it really was Robert Massie's baby, his particular angle on their lives, with his own insight into Alexei's haemophilia and how that affected his parents and thus Russia.
 But I would be happy to see Robert Massie benefit further from his fine original work, with the understanding that a major new high quality production might look a lot different from this "N&A".

[Robert_Hall]

I see  this as a  "docudrama". And yes, I would like this to back to the beginning of their relationship..
 Now, if we could all put in a few million each, it might get done !

[TimM]

This new project would, to me, have to be closer to what actually happened.  In 1971, they had limited information about the IF, even their final fate was being questioned (because of AA and the other "survivors" that popped up over the years).  So back then they could take certain liberties because there was really no way of saying "that didn't happen" with much conviction.

Now, with all the info now available, plus the knowledge that none of the IF survived Ipatiev House (thus debunking all the "survivors" claims), this new project would have to take that into consideration.

[Robert_Hall]

Personally, I would avoid  the survivors  stories altogether. They are  irrelevant.  Stick to the facts about their real lives. The only things new, from the liberation of the archives are personal details.  If someone wants to  deal with "survivors", it would be either an exposure or a fantasy. The Rasputin affair would have to be included, however, but cut the  BS about that and make it real. Sam Peckinpah anyone ?

[edubs31]

I see  this as a  "docudrama". And yes, I would like this to back to the beginning of their relationship..
 Now, if we could all put in a few million each, it might get done !

Well with respect to the fact that none of us would have a clue, at this moment, of what the budget would be I'd still think the funds would be available for a such a project. Especially tied in to what I imagine would be some significant publicity if it were tied into the 100th anniversary. It's not like this would be the first historically focuses mini-series ever undertaken and the subject matter is no less attractive than most other themes that haven't already been beaten to death...

The beginning of the relationship sounds like a good starting point. I still have this image of Alexander IIIs death as a gripping opening scene that would instantly draw in viewers. Show the emotion and chaos. A young Nicholas embracing and confiding in his even younger wife. Perhaps a semi-fictional confession from a tearful Nicholas to Alexandra about his reservations in assuming the role of Emperor, feeling ill prepared to rule, and fearful of his inadequacies. Followed then by curious reassurances from his domineering wife.

I think this would really set the stage and create & inject some heavy emotion right off the bat!

[TimM]

Personally, I would avoid  the survivors  stories altogether. They are  irrelevant.  Stick to the facts about their real lives

What I meant is that in 1971, the final fate of the IF was still shrouded in mystery.  All we had was word of mouth, no evidence.   

However, now we know for certain what happened on that terrible day of July 17, 1918, and this new version can be more faithful to history.

Well with respect to the fact that none of us would have a clue, at this moment, of what the budget would be I'd still think the funds would be available for a such a project. Especially tied in to what I imagine would be some significant publicity if it were tied into the 100th anniversary. It's not like this would be the first historically focuses mini-series ever undertaken and the subject matter is no less attractive than most other themes that haven't already been beaten to death..

.

I agree. Now it seems you hear about the Titanic a lot, because the 100th anniversary is approaching.  But the Titanic story is well known and has been done many times.

However, NAOTMAA had barely been touched for decades, with the exception of the 1971 movie, because of the lack of information.  However, now that we have access to info that wasn't available in 1971, we can make a more accurate portrayal of the IF and their lives.  Also, as Erik said, this could be made to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the murders.  Also, as I said above, we could have access to the actual palaces and such where they once lived, making it even more accurate.

[Kalafrana]

I agree that starting with the death of Alexander III would be good, and natural.

Apart from the 1971 film, the only relatively recent treatment of Nicholas and Alexandra is in the BBC series 'Fall of Eagles' in 1973, which, to my mind, was extremely well done, and started with the last few months before Alexander's death.

Definitely include Rasputin's death, but as a fairly brutal murder, please.

Ann

[bestfriendsgirl]

I agree with you about Rasputin's death. And no sexing up OTMA! That would be my greatest fear if "Hollywood" was involved in a big way.

[Kalafrana]

Thinking back to 'Fall of Eagles', it started in spring 1894, with some scene-setting, then Nicholas and Alexandra getting engaged, followed by the run-up to Alexander's death. That was the first Romanov episode. There was then an episode on Lenin, followed by one set in 1908 and concentrating on relations between Nicholas and the Kaiser. There was then a WW1 and revolution episode, but I will need to look up my DVD to see where it finishes.

Ann

[Robert_Hall]

Fall of Eagles is brilliant ! I watch it at least every other year [the same with I Claudius].
 Tim,  I agree with you about the deaths.  That episode would debunk all the claimants and their  fantasies. But other than that,  what else do you think would be relevant in a new treatment of their story ? Perhaps some personal details, ?
 And spot on about the locations.   Interiors would most likely be done in a studio, as  AP, for instance is not like it was when they lived there. Studios are easier anyway and probably less costly. As the Standardt was an important part of their lives, recreating that would be a studio affair I would imagine.
 Now, for cost.  We are talking about a big budget production here. Any real story about the Romanovs would have to be. Actor's and writer's fees,  Production costs,including crews wages. License fees.  Sets & locations. The list goes on, does it not ?  Costumes and wigs alone would rack up a bundle  Travel costs.  etc.
 Reality sets in I do not  see this happening, at least the way I would like it to.
 And, this is a limited interest market.  The whole world is not all that fascinated by the Romanovs, as many as there are here, the vast majority of  viewers have only a vague, if that, knowledge of them.

[edubs31]

And, this is a limited interest market.  The whole world is not all that fascinated by the Romanovs, as many as there are here, the vast majority of  viewers have only a vague, if that, knowledge of them.

Well at the risk of my obvious personal bias seeping through I'd think this story would connect with a pretty large audience Robert.

Look no further than to the success of certain other mini-series. Remember how big a hit the "Thorn Birds" was? I'm sure there were some thinking that this would appeal only to a limited audience. How about "John Adams"? Now obviously we are talking about a former President and Founding Father here but hardly anyone identifies with Adams more than, say, Washington, Jefferson and Franklin. That series pretty well transcended what I'm sure many believed would appeal only to historians, politically junkies and those with an esoteric appreciation of Adams' life. Or how about "Angels in America"? The kind of subject matter that has a lot of people turning away from the outset. Yet the quality of it and the "star power" helped it succeed.

I'd be surprised if the objections of a big production company would be, "we just aren't sure this subject and story will connect with audiences". On the other hand I wouldn't be shocked to hear them say, "we like the idea and love the story, but are afraid that it's just going to cost too damn much to do it well."

[Robert_Hall]

I understand your bias and share it to a certain extent.   But, let's face it,  ultimately this business is about money. The series you mentioned, I have never seen,. I am more Downton Abbey and Upstairs, Downstairs. I did follow Shogun and  FoE  as well. And Roots, of course.  I think the whole country was riveted by that one.
  However, something about an obscure Imperial Family of old Russia would not, IMO grip American audiences. It would attract some, but not  a lot.  It would definitely sell in Europe though.  and probably Asia.
 And, who knows, I Claudius was a huge it here, so perhaps N&A could be.
 

[TimM]

I'm thinking that people in Russia might be curious too.  This is a chapter of their history, a chapter that was suppressed for decades (in the bad old Soviet days, even talking about the IF could land you in trouble).  Also, I agree that it would be big in Europe, because it's set in their neighbourhood.

Okay, they would have to use studios for indoor scenes, but they could shoot outdoors at Tsarskoe Selo and such.  They would have to make sure no modern cars were in shot and such, but it could be done.

[Robert_Hall]

That part would be easy, Tim, BBC does it all the time in their shows. They must have a stable full of antique cars. I do not know about Russia though. It might work, but the Russians I know think the Romanovs are a curiosty,mainly  for tourists.. They are more concerned about the present and future than the past.  A pity, as it is such a rich past.
 As an aside,  they were taught about the Romanovs, in a revolutionary context.  Rather abstract, I would think.No great detail, but it was not a forbidden topic.  Unless, of course, someone made an issue of it.
 Stalin was even on/off with the topic.  But that man was weird to begin with.

[TimM]

It might work, but the Russians I know think the Romanovs are a curiosty,mainly  for tourists.. They are more concerned about the present and future than the past.  A pity, as it is such a rich past.
 As an aside,  they were taught about the Romanovs, in a revolutionary context.

That's just it, it's a rich past and it wouldn't hurt present day Russians to learn about it, without Communist propaganda getting in the way.  I can only imagine what was taught in the Soviet days, lying is what Communists did best, in order to make themselves look good.

Nicholas, Alexandra, all of them, belong to Russia, it's their past, their history, and they should learn about it.  Russia does have a rich and colourful past, thankfully, the 75 year abomination that Lenin and his goons imposed did not totally destroy it. 

This proposed miniseries would be good for all, Russians and non-Russians alike.