When watching entertainment, there would always be a certain film character that we would remember standing out to us. Whether or not it was the way that they talk, dress or a specific characteristic in them that caught on our attention. Moreover, we would also remember a specific characteristic or a dialogue from that character as well. For this assignment of analysing an existing character from a film. I have chosen to focus and explore a historical character from a well known as well as a recently released Hulu TV series ‘The Great’. And the character that I would be analysing is the one and only Emperor Peter or also known as Peter, the third of Russia who is played by the actor Nicholas Hoult in this series. It is inaccurately based on the true story about the rise of Catherine the Great, an outsider and a naïve German Princess who gained the title as the longest-reigning female ruler in the whole of Russia’s history. This TV series welcomes its audience with a comical, satirical, good mix of amusing dark humour and a few thoughtful, genuine moments along in the drama series as well. Although this tv series is based on the perspective of the character Catherine the Great.
I found the character, Emperor Peter or Peter to be quite unique and distinctive even though his character is presented as a very unlikeable, childish and narcissist in the series. Whilst viewing this series, I noticed that Peter speeches are mostly explicit, quite short, very demanding and almost child-like and with a high range of repetitive obnoxiousness. For example, in the scenario of when he is feeling joyous, satisfied or even when he has a drinking cup in his hands, the language of his speeches tends to always end with a shoutout of the catchphrase “Huzzah!”. In particular, scenes that include the word “Huzzah!”, it was figured that this phrase interprets as an act to cease an ending point of a conversation or a conclusion and likewise it is also used as a celebratory cheer as well. For instance, in the first episode of this series where a dinner banquet is held to celebrate and welcome Catherine on becoming the wife of Peter and Empress of Russia. Peter gave out a speech in welcoming his wife and after having to end the speech. The attendees who were present at the banquet shouted out a “Huzzah!” and was shortly followed by a series of glass smashing to the floor as an act of cheering. However on the other hand, when it comes to making a decision, he tends to be alone, backing away from seeking help and listening to his council’s advice. He would mostly make random and rash decisions with sayings such as “Shut up Orlo”, not allowing his support staff to talk or distancing himself in sentences such as “I like to be alone in the morning”. In an interview article from The Playlist, Hoult explained that the character Peter, deep down is terrified and feels pressured in living after his father’s, Peter the Great footsteps. He constantly fears of others comparing him with his father and not having to do a better job. In conclusion, although Peter is hateful and reprehensible. It is a delight to analyse and discover the backstory of this certain character through the process of their dialogues.
Word Count: 561 words
Reference List
Ellwood, G 2020, ‘Huzzah! Nicholas Hoult On Playing A Fratboy Peter III In ‘The Great’ [Interview]’, The Playlist, viewed 06 August 2020, <https://theplaylist.net/nicholas-hoult-great-interview-20200514/>.
Foussianes, C 2020, ‘Catherine the Great’s Husband Peter III Ruled Over Russia—Until He Didn’t’, Town & Country, viewed 06 August 2020, <https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a32475842/catherine-the-great-peter-iii-husband-true-story/>.
Hulu 2020, Watch “The Great” Series Premiere May 15 | Hulu, Hulu, viewed 06 August 2020, <https://www.hulu.com/series/the-great-238db0d4-c476-47ed-9bee-d326fd302f7d>.
Images
Hulu 2020, The Great, n.d. photograph, viewed 6 August 2020, <https://pyxis.nymag.com/v1/imgs/938/04d/f140d813a268cfe58b5b9b9fa250287f5c-the-great-hulu.rsquare.w1200.jpg>
Hulu 2020, The Great, n.d. photograph, viewed 6 August 2020, <https://pmcvariety.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/the-great.jpg?w=681&h=383&crop=1>.
Audiovisual
Ciccio29can 2020, The Great – Peter vs. Hugo, YouTube, 4 June, viewed 06 August 2020, <https://youtu.be/F8nLmJIFoWY>.
Justice Victor30 2020, The Great (2020) – Wedding Scene [HD], YouTube, 15 May, viewed 06 May 2020, <https://youtu.be/WVnwj0q-09Q>.
Hulu 2020, The Great – Trailer (Official) • A Hulu Original, 23 April, viewed 06 August 2020, <https://youtu.be/hJGedvRfHYg>.
Hulu 2020, The Great – Teaser (Official) • A Hulu Original, 23 March, viewed 06 August 2020, <https://youtu.be/CWaJ6pzrV5U>.
Swizzbold 2020, Huzzah-aplooza: Our Favorite Moments from The Great, Season 1, YouTube, 4 June, viewed 06 August 2020, <https://youtu.be/1j2D2EToUF4>.
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