"The Gilded Age" and the trouble with American period pieces
Nov 3, 2023
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The podcast discusses the allure of period dramas like 'The Gilded Age' and how they romanticize history. They also critique the show for its racial microaggression and lack of historical accuracy. The representation of black characters in the show is explored, comparing it to British adaptations. The chapter also touches on the similarities between gothic stories and Gilded Age viewers.
Period dramas offer a sentimental and nostalgic depiction of the past, providing an aesthetically pleasing illusion with simple resolutions and affirmed moral codes.
The portrayal of black characters in period dramas like The Gilded Age exposes the dissonance, as they often fail to accurately represent their experiences and historical context.
Deep dives
The Pleasures of Period Dramas
Period dramas like The Gilded Age are appealing because they offer a sentimental and nostalgic depiction of the past. They present an aesthetically pleasing illusion of history, where problems have simple resolutions and moral codes are affirmed. The material spectacle and affirmation of values make period dramas enjoyable.
The Dissonance of the Gilded Age
The portrayal of black characters in The Gilded Age exposes the dissonance of period dramas. While the show attempts to include black characters, it falls short in portraying their experiences accurately. The microaggressions and the lack of representation of historical context undermine the authenticity of the storytelling.
Desire for Social Order
Period dramas reflect our current desire for social order and structure. They offer an escape from the chaotic and fragmented modern world. In shows like The Gilded Age, we find comfort in watching wealthy characters navigate their struggles within a carefully constructed societal framework.
The Gilded Age delighted audiences with its lavish sets, decadent costumes and social sniping when it debuted. Lucky for us, the period drama just returned to HBO Max with a second season. But if we look a little closer at the show, it reveals what we truly want out of period pieces: to remake the past with our modern sensibilities and values. As Brandon Taylor wrote in his essay called "morgan spector pls break me in half," The Gilded Age engenders "self-delusion" about our history – because to reflect our past more accurately, would be "too horrifying" for a somewhat soapy show. Brittany Luse sits down with Brandon to discuss sentimentality, why we're particularly drawn to this era now and how it's portrayal could be done better.