The Roots mini-series came out in 1977 when I was a mere 7 years old. I recalled very little except for some of the key scenes that became famous (such as Kunta Kinte being whipped until he would say that his name was Toby). My 14 year old nephew was visiting this past week, and he had just finished studying the Civil War in school this year, so my Mom and I thought that watching Roots might be interesting.
So, I’m watching it, and although the story itself is interesting, I’m struck by how badly acted it is. Most of the performances seem rather wooden and cliched. Every line of dialogue seems forced and overwrought. I know that this series was considered groundbreaking at the time that it was released and that it won 5 Emmys.
I’m wondering if maybe the problems with the story seeming forced are due to the format. I’m watching it on DVD and the made-for-TV pacing is blatantly obvious, with a big dramatic build-up and lingering camera shot of a particular character looking determined/mournful/etc. right before the breakaway for the commercial.
Any other insights on this? I can’t say I regret watching it (again, the story and history are interesting), but I’m also having a hard time reconciling how people raved about it being the most influential mini-series ever, etc. when in retrospect, large parts of it just seem so bad.