"Hemingway" (2021 release; 3 episodes of about 115 min. Each) is a new documentary about Ernest Hemingway. As Episode 1 "The Writer (1899-1928)" opens, we get some introductory remarks of various experts and talking heads. As writer Michael Katakis puts it: "Despite all of his flaws, he seems to understand humans." Someone else puts it more succinct: "I hate Hemingway the myth, as it obscures Hemingway the man." We then go back in time, to the early years of Hemingway's upbringing in Oak Park, a comfortable Chicago suburb, with his 5 siblings and his parents. At this point we are 10 min. Into the documentary.
Couple of comments: this is the latest project from Ken Burns, co-directed by Burns and his longtime collaborator Lynn Novick. Here they tackle the man, the myth that is Ernest Hemingway. Despite his notoriety and reputation, I must admit I knew virtually nothing of his life, let alone much of his work. To say that Hemingway had an interesting life would be the understatement of the year. There are 3 episodes in this series. Besides the afore-mentioned Episode 1, there is also EP 2 "The Avatar (1928-1944)" and EP 3 "The Blank Page (1944-1961)". If Episode 1 is an indication of what is yet to come (and why wouldn't it), the film makers have meticulously researched Hemingway in order to present to us who he really was, going beyond the myth, the legend. The fascinating part of Episode 1 is that Hemingway struggled, and struggled long, to become a respected and eventually successful writer. Basically an "overnight success that was years in the making". The amount of (B&W) pictures and even some archive footage that Burns and Novick were able to dig up is impressive. Bottom line, this is a thoroughly insightful, educational and yes, entertaining reassessment of the life and times of Ernest Hemingway, and I can't wait to check out the remaining two episodes.
"Hemingway" premiered this week on PBS and is now available on PBS On Demand, Amazon Instant Video, and other streaming services. If you have any interest in Ernest Hemingway (even if you don't really know much about him--as was for case for me), or are simply a fan of Ken Burns, I'd readily suggest you check this out, and draw your own conclusion.
UPDATE 4/10/21 I've now seen the other 2 episodes, and they only confirm all of the good that appeared in the first episodes. All around a terrific documentary series.
