About The Plot Against America (HBO)

The Plot Against America is an HBO miniseries that premiered in 2020. The series, based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Philip Roth, is an alternative history that imagines an America where Charles Lindbergh, a xenophobic and populist hero, becomes president, leading the country towards fascism.

Making / Production

The miniseries was created by the captivating duo of David Simon and Ed Burns, the creative minds behind some of the most critically acclaimed TV shows, such as The Wire and Generation Kill. The series visually captures the era meticulously, bringing the various socio-political scenes of the period to life as a backdrop to the story.

Actors

• Zoe Kazan as Bess Levin: She excels in her role as a mother trying to protect her family in a turbulent time.
• Morgan Spector as Herman Levin: As a bullish father figure, Spector brings authenticity to his character’s stubborn idealism.
• Winona Ryder as Evelyn Finkel: Ryder convincingly portrays the complex emotions of a woman caught between family loyalties and a dangerous love affair.
• John Turturro as Rabbi Lionel Bengelsdorf: Providing a voice of authority, Turturro masterfully portrays the controversial rabbi.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The series is a fictional story which is an amalgam of historical facts.
• The novel, which the series is based on, won the Society of American Historians’ Prize for "the outstanding historical novel on an American theme for 2003-2004."
• Zoe Kazan, who plays Bess, is the granddaughter of famed director Elia Kazan who was awarded an honorary Oscar in 1999.

Awards

The Plot Against America has not received any major awards as of yet. However, it has been widely praised for its powerful screenplay, excellent performances and intense storyline.

Quotes

• "Fear is the most dangerous thing." - Herman Levin
• "If Lindbergh wins, I leave the country." - Evelyn Finkel
• "We're all scared now. We could lose everything." - Bess Levin

Music and Soundtrack

• The series features a haunting score composed by David Wingo, amplifying the political suspense and tension present throughout the series.
• Apart from the score, the series also features period-specific music that sets the tone for the 1940s setting.
• Christy Carew, who has worked in over 35 documentary films, short films, and TV/web series, was part of the music team.