I, Claudius

[Artorius13]

I see this conversation has lain dormant for a while, so I will attempt to revive it.

I first watched I, Claudius back in high school (early 90's) and was inspired to read the books. I agree that reading the books one actually believes that they are hearing the Emperor's voice!

My only complaint about the series is that it took liberty with historical rumor and wrote it off as historical fact. Most historians now agree that Livia, though strong-willed, did not go around murdering anyone who threatened her son's accention to the imperial throne. Many also dispute the debaucheries of Tiberius as mere slander (think modern tabloids). It also took a few liberties with timelines, such as Germanicus returning in triumph and standing before Augustus after avenging the Teutoburger Wald disaster, even though the culminating Battle of Idistaviso did not take place until 16 A.D., two years after Augustus' death. That and I always wonder why is it that every film prior to HBO's "ROME" always shows Agrippa as an old man?? (he would have only been 39 at the beginning of I, Claudius) Granted, these complaints are minor, when one looks at the epic "big picture" of the books and series.

As for the series itself, its strongest asset was the casting, which was almost perfect.
-I still picture Sian Phillips whenever I write about Livia in my books.
-George Baker was also perfect as Tiberius, and the inspiration that drove me to learn more about the real Emperor (who I believe was grossly misunderstood).
-John Hurt had Caligula down to a tee, and Derek Jacobi proved immortal as Claudius himself.
-Brian Blessed (in the only role I have ever seen without his trademark beard) may not have looked like the historical Augustus, but you cannot deny the sheer command presence that he resonated, much in the same way I'm certain the real Augustus did!
-Minor characters played by actors before they became stars was great to witness. John Rhys Davies has always been a favorite of mine ever since the first Indiana Jones movie, and I do wonder if Patrick Stewart has aged a day?

Comparing to HBO's ROME (which I also own on DVD) is a bit difficult. I, Claudius came out over 30 years ago, and is more of a situational drama that does not rely on visual effects. ROME was also made for HBO, not public television; therefore there they had a lot more leeway when it came to profanity, nudity/sex, as well as the graphic violence.

One thing I tell fans of ROME (who like me are disappointed that they are not making a third season) is that if they want to know what happened afterwards, watch I, CLAUDIUS. After all, it takes place just seven years after Actium!