Carnivale (HBO)
Mystical journey through Dust Bowl-era America
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About Carnivale (HBO)
Released: 2003
Platform: Max
Rating: TV-MA
Run time: 2 Seasons Available (24 Episodes)
Cast
Nick Stahl, Clancy Brown, Amy Madigan, Ralph Waite, Adrienne Barbeau, Patrick Bauchau, Tim DeKay, Michael J. Anderson, Toby Huss, Clea DuVall, Debra Christofferson, Michael Anderson, Michael J. Anderson, Cynthia Ettinger, Carla Gallo, Brian Turk, Diane Salinger, John Savage, Scott Macdonald, Robert Knepper, John Fleck, Karyne Steben, John Carroll Lynch, Sarah Steben, Blake Shields, K Callan, Bill Moseley, Amanda Aday, Daniel Browning Smith, Don Swayze, Glenn Shadix, Time Winters, Matt McCoy, Frank Collison, Paul Hipp, Bree Walker, Valeria Hernandez, Gene Wolande, Eliza Pryor Nagel, Kim Robillard, Daniel Knauf, Jeff Beal, Clancy Brown, Adrienne Barbeau, Nick Stahl, Tim DeKay, Clea DuVall, Toby Huss, Amy Madigan, Patrick Bauchau, Ralph Waite
About Carnivale (HBO)
Carnivale is a unique American television series that aired on HBO from 2003 to 2005. The series blends elements of real-world history, religion and mythology to create a complex and fascinating plot. Set during the 1930s Dust Bowl era, it follows the journey of two primary groups of people - a travelling carnival led by an amoral but mysteriously powerful dwarf named Samson, and a young, disturbed preacher named Brother Justin Crowe.
Making/Production
The series was created and primarily written by Daniel Knauf, who directed it along with a team of talented directors including Rodrigo Garcia and Jack Bender. Carnivale was known for its high production values, with meticulous attention given to the look and feel of the series, from the period-accurate costumes and sets to the special effects and cinematography.
Actors
- Nick Stahl as Ben Hawkins, a fugitive with bizarre healing powers who joins the carnival and slowly discovers his true destiny.
- Clea DuVall as Sofie, a tarot card reader with a tragic past and a complex relationship with Ben.
- Michael J. Anderson as Samson, the tough yet sympathetic dwarf who manages the carnival and hides more than a few secrets.
- Clancy Brown as Brother Justin Crowe, a charismatic clergyman who becomes embroiled in a moral and spiritual struggle with Ben.
Trivia / Interesting Facts
- The series was known for its incredibly high production budget, making it one of the most expensive shows in HBO history.
- Each episode in the series begins with a unique, award-winning title sequence.
- Carnivale featured a large ensemble cast but never had more than 13 episodes per season - a rarity for television shows at that time.
Awards
The series was nominated for numerous awards during its run including 15 Primetime Emmy nominations out of which it won 5, including for Outstanding Art Direction and Outstanding Cinematography.
Quotes
- "Before the beginning, after the great war between heaven and hell, god created the earth and gave dominion over it to the crafty ape he called man." - Samson
- "There are things in this universe that we cannot control, and then there are the things we can... Let fate decide the larger matters." - Brother Justin Crowe
Music, Soundtrack
- The eerie and evocative music in Carnivale was composed by Jeff Beal, who was praised for his use of unconventional instruments and haunting melodies.
- The title theme, using a mix of unusual instruments like the hurdy-gurdy and the musical saw, succeeded in capturing the show's unique atmosphere and setting.
- The series also made occasional use of period-appropriate songs and music, enhancing the feeling of authenticity.
About Carnivale (HBO)
Carnivale is a dark, mysterious Dust Bowl-era drama revolving around a wandering carnival and an evolving conflict between good and evil.
