Thomas Jefferson

The 1997 PBS documentary, Thomas Jefferson, provides an in-depth portrayal of the one of the United States' founding fathers, a man whose influence still resonates today. Sam Waterston of “Law & Order” is the talented actor who takes on the role of the third president of the United States, Jefferson. The film presents a comprehensive view of this enigmatic, deeply influential figure, whose contradictions, accomplishments, and philosophies are intrinsically tied to the development of the nation.

Running for approximately three hours, this two-part documentary investigates the complex facets of Jefferson's life and character, constructing a balanced and thought-provoking narrative that humanizes the man behind the many roles he played in American history. Jefferson is presented not only as a statesman, philosopher, and politician, but also as a flawed human being, filled with contradictions.

The docu-drama opens with President Jefferson in his later years, residing in his famed home of Monticello in Virginia. From this starting point, the film works its way backward, unfolding a narrative that encompasses his political career, his formative years, and his relationship with key figures of the time.

Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrow and acclaimed actress Blythe Danner offer their compelling performances as Jefferson's daughter and wife, and the relationships between these characters offer a more intimate and personal perspective into Jefferson’s life. Their performances help to highlight the private struggles Jefferson faced, grappling with the loss of his beloved wife Martha and the personal impact of the political transformations he was part of instigating.

Fueling a compelling narrative, Ossie Davis brings a powerful performance as Jupiter, Jefferson's devoted yet greatly undervalued manservant, embodying the tension between Jefferson's personal life and his public rhetoric on liberty and equality. The core dilemma of the American dream - balancing the pursuit of freedom and equality against entrenched injustices - is thereby symbolically embodied in their interpersonal relationship.

Thomas Jefferson is a visually stunning documentary, with beautifully crafted cinematic scenes and artistic shots that mirror the era it portrays, enhancing the overall experience for the audience. Scenes are set with meticulous attention to 18th century detail, and the cinematography uses these details to underline the rich, multilayered narrative. The viewer is practically transported back in time, immersing themselves in pivotal moments of American history.

Not to be overlooked is the eloquent narration by Waterston, who delivers Jefferson's scholarly wisdom and complex philosophy with sincerity and authority. This stirring performance paints the portrait of a diligent and principled, yet utterly human, character. Viewers are privy to powerful recitations from Jefferson's writings, highlighting his essential influence on the philosophical foundation of America as a nation.

Adding to the impressive enactment and visual appeal, the PBS documentary also incorporates historians’ accounts and insights, which substantiates the narrative with an accurate and thought-provoking historic backdrop. Vivid re-creations of historical moments, combined with deeply researched commentaries, make the documentary an enriching, educational experience for all viewers interested in American history and its enduring impact.

One of the fundamental strengths of this documentary is its refusal to shy away from the paradoxes that riddled Jefferson's life. His significant contribution to the building and defining of a free, democratic society is profoundly contrasted with his status as a slave owner. Such contradictions are explored with sensitivity and honesty, delving into deeply revealing dialogues about the persistent dilemmas of American history and identity.

In the end, Thomas Jefferson is a genuinely compelling exploration of the man, his times, and his impact. It provides the audience with a better understanding of the complexities and contradictions within one of America's founding fathers, making it an engrossingly human historical document. While it bridges the past with the present, it also prompts contemplation on the ongoing relevance of Jefferson's principles in contemporary America.

Every American history enthusiast and scholar alike will find this documentary deeply interesting, informative, and reflective of the indomitable spirit that shaped the United States of America. True to PBS tradition, it is an absorbing, well-researched and brilliantly executed portrayal of a key figure in American history.