Four years ago, the adaptation of Tom Wolfe's 'The Right Stuff' by Disney+ was lackluster and forgettable. The unsuccessful TV series led me to question my prior belief that a more expansive canvas would improve the adaptations of Wolfe's large-scale narratives.
The recent Netflix adaptation of Wolfe's 'A Man in Full' is a prime example. This series veers significantly from its source material, with its plot largely dimmed and its distinctive elements flat. It appears to have failed deliberately in emulating the scale, genius, humor, and eccentricity of Wolfe's original story. Yet, with a talented cast that would likely excel given the direction, the outcome is a TV series that feels too small.
The character of Charlie Croker, played by Jeff Daniels, is a former college football sensation turned successful real estate entrepreneur in Atlanta. Despite his immense wealth, Charlie is also massively in debt. A banking officer and an abrasive loan officer are keen on taking him down. Under the pressure, Charlie is dependent on his chief lawyer, Roger White, to find a solution for him. Aside from these main characters, Wolfe's complex tapestry of personas is loosely held together.
The series attempts to showcase people's struggles to actualize their ideal selves - a common trope in Wolfe's works. However, the characters continuously talk about their legacies rather than demonstrating these struggles with tangible actions.
This Netflix adaptation seems to have tossed away the core events of the novel. Yet, what it effectively mitigates is the cringe factor of Wolfe's failed efforts to mimic street vernacular and college girl lingo. Nonetheless, the show does not successfully depict the vibrant African American community of Atlanta.
The TV series is set in Atlanta but lacks the rich atmosphere of the actual city. Even when the story should heighten into a carnival-like atmosphere in certain scenes, the direction remains subdued and unauthenti c.
A Man in Full has enigmatic characters played by talented actors. Still, it lacks a clear satirical target, which is confusing given the creator's successful take on L.A., Boston, and Monterey in his past works. Kelley begins with a multi-layered story, but it ultimately shrinks to focus on courtroom drama.
The best part of this Netflix adaptation is its performances, specifically Daniels's characterization of Charlie. Everyone in the cast seems to be searching for more involvement in a series that scarcely reaches half of its potential storytelling power.
