Catch-22 (miniseries) explained

Language:English
Num Episodes:6
List Episodes:
  1. Episodes
Cinematography:Martin Ruhe
Runtime:41–46 minutes

Catch-22 is a satirical dark comedy television miniseries based on the 1961 novel of the same name by Joseph Heller. It premiered on May 17, 2019, on Hulu in the United States. The series stars Christopher Abbott, Kyle Chandler, Hugh Laurie, and George Clooney, who is also an executive producer alongside Grant Heslov, Luke Davies, David Michôd, Richard Brown, Steve Golin, and Ellen Kuras. The series was written by Davies and Michôd and directed by Clooney, Heslov, and Kuras, with each directing two episodes.

Premise

John Yossarian (Christopher Abbott) is a United States Army Air Forces bombardier in World War II, furious that thousands of people are trying to kill him and that his own army keeps increasing the number of missions he must fly. He is trapped by the bureaucratic rule Catch-22, which considers a request to be relieved of duty on the grounds of fear about the danger of missions to be the process of a rational mind, so any such request must be denied.[1]

Yossarian chose bombardier, hoping the war would finish before his lengthy training but now sits exposed in the nose of a B-25, dropping bombs on enemy territory who are trying to kill him. He tried to avoid flying by feigning illness, sabotaging his intercom, poisoning everyone at the base or clandestinely moving the bomb line so it appears their target has already been captured.

The events occur in the Mediterranean theatre of World War II while the fictional 256th US Army Air Squadron is based on the (fictionalized) island of Pianosa, in the Mediterranean Sea, and conducting bombing raids over heavily defended fascist controlled Italy.

Cast and characters

Starring

Also starring

Production

Development

Around 2014, producer Richard Brown, writer Luke Davies and writer-director David Michôd discussed properties that they would like to tackle in limited series format similar to True Detective, which Brown had just executive produced. Davies brought up Heller's novel, which the trio agreed would benefit from a longer treatment than the two hours of Mike Nichols' 1970 feature film. The screen rights to the novel were held by Paramount Television where Anonymous Content had a deal. Davies and Michôd co-wrote the adaptation, which Brown developed at Anonymous. Michôd was originally set to direct until he became unavailable as a long-gestating feature film of his moved forward in production. The producers asked George Clooney to direct. He, along with his producing partner and frequent collaborator Grant Heslov, came on board as directors and executive producers.[2]

On November 16, 2017, the production was announced.[3] [4] On January 12, 2018, it was announced that Hulu was in negotiations for the series[5] and two days later it was confirmed that the production had been given a six episode order.[2] [6] [7] On March 16, 2018, it was announced that Ellen Kuras was joining Clooney and Heslov in directing. They each directed two episodes, and Kuras also served as an executive producer.[8] On May 7, 2018, it was announced that Italy's Sky Italia was joining the production as a co-producer.[9] [10]

Casting

Alongside the series order announcement, it was reported that in addition to directing the series George Clooney had been cast in the role of Colonel Cathcart.[3] On March 9, 2018, it was announced that Christopher Abbott had been cast in the lead role of John Yossarian.[11] [12] [13] [14] On April 3, 2018, it was announced that Hugh Laurie had joined the main cast in the role of Major de Coverley.[15] [16] On April 13, 2018, it was announced that Clooney would no longer be playing the role of Colonel Cathcart and would instead assume the smaller supporting role of Major (later Colonel and eventually General) Scheisskopf. It was simultaneously announced that Kyle Chandler would be replacing him in the role of Cathcart.[17] On May 3, 2018, it was reported that Daniel David Stewart, Austin Stowell, Rafi Gavron, Graham Patrick Martin, Pico Alexander, Jon Rudnitsky, Gerran Howell, and Lewis Pullman had joined the supporting cast as members of the "Merry Band."[18] A few days later, it was announced that Tessa Ferrer and Jay Paulson had been cast as Nurse Duckett and The Chaplain, respectively.[19] Towards the end of the month, it was reported that Giancarlo Giannini had been cast in the role of Marcello.[20] On June 13, 2018, it was announced that Harrison Osterfield had been cast in the role of Snowden.[21] On July 9, 2018, it was reported that Julie Ann Emery had been cast in the recurring role of Marion Scheisskopf.[22]

Filming

Principal photography was scheduled to commence at the end of May 2018 in Sardinia and Viterbo in Italy.[9] [23] On July 10, 2018, George Clooney was struck by a car while riding a motorcycle to the set of the series. He was taken to a hospital in Olbia where he was released later that same day.[24] [25] Filming for the series concluded on September 4, 2018, in Santa Teresa Gallura, Italy.[26] [27] The series was directed by Clooney, Heslov, and Kuras, who worked simultaneously as scenes were shot out of sequence across all six episodes, a practice known as "cross-boarding", while Martin Ruhe served as cinematographer.[28]

Aircraft

Four original aircraft were sourced for the filming of the miniseries: two North American B-25 Mitchell medium bombers, a Douglas C-47 Skytrain military transport, and a Junkers Ju 52 transport.[29]

By comparison, the 1970 film adaptation of Catch-22 featured 18 original B-25 Mitchells. Seventeen were in flying condition and one non-flyable example was destroyed in the filming of the crash landing scene. Fifteen of the 18 bombers used in that film remain intact to this day.[30]

Release

The series premiered on May 17, 2019.[31] In the United Kingdom, the series aired on Channel 4.[9] In France, it aired on Canal+.[32] In Australia, it was streamed on Stan. In Canada, it was streamed on Citytv Now.[33]

Reception

Critical response

At the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 84% based on 90 reviews, with an average rating of 7.2/10. The website's critical consensus states, "Though not quite as sharp as Joseph Heller's seminal novel, Catch-22 handsomely rendered, hilariously horrifying exploration of war still soars thanks to its stellar cast and reverent adherence to its source material."[34] On Metacritic, it has a weighted average score of 70 out of 100, based on 34 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".[35]

Accolades

CeremonyCategoryRecipient(s)Result
American Society of Cinematographers AwardsOutstanding Achievement in Cinematography in Motion Picture, Miniseries or Pilot Made for Television[36]
Art Directors Guild AwardsTelevision Movie or Limited SeriesDavid Gropman[37]
Critics' Choice Television AwardsBest Limited SeriesCatch-22[38]
Best Actor in a Limited Series or Television MovieChristopher Abbott
Best Supporting Actor in a Limited Series or Television MovieGeorge Clooney
Golden Globe AwardsBest Limited Series or Television FilmCatch-22[39]
Best Actor in a Limited Series or Television FilmChristopher Abbott
Primetime Creative Arts Emmy AwardsOutstanding Sound Editing for a Limited Series, Movie or SpecialJerry Ross, Doug Mountain, Byron Wilson,
Chris Assells, Jeff Fuller, Michael Alexander,
Clayton Weber, Catherine Harper,
and Catherine Rose 		[40]
Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Supporting RoleMatt Kasmir, Brian Connor, Dan Charbit,
Matthew Wheelon Hunt, Alun Cummins,
Gavin Harrison, Giovanni Casadei,
Remi Martin, and Peter Farkas

See also

Notes and References

  1. Rice . Lynette . George Clooney will star in and produce 'Catch-22' for Hulu . . January 14, 2018 . en . January 14, 2018.
  2. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. Hulu Nabs 'Catch-22' Limited Series Starring George Clooney From Anonymous Content & Paramount TV. Deadline Hollywood. January 14, 2018. January 14, 2018.
  3. Web site: Petski. Denise. George Clooney To Star In, Direct 'Catch-22' Limited Series For Paramount TV & Anonymous Content. Deadline Hollywood. January 14, 2018. January 14, 2018.
  4. Web site: Mitovich. Matt Webb. George Clooney to Star in Catch-22 Limited Series Adaptation. TVLine. January 14, 2018. November 16, 2017. May 28, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200528051649/http://tvline.com/2017/11/16/george-clooney-catch-22-limited-series/. dead.
  5. Web site: Goldberg. Lesley. George Clooney's 'Catch-22' Lands at Hulu With Series Pickup. The Hollywood Reporter. January 14, 2018. en. January 14, 2018.
  6. Web site: Levin. Gary. George Clooney is in a 'Catch-22' on Hulu (and now you can watch 'ER' there, too). USA Today. January 14, 2018. en. January 14, 2018.
  7. Kreps. Daniel. George Clooney to Lead 'Catch-22' Series for Hulu. Rolling Stone. January 14, 2018. January 14, 2018. January 16, 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180116035839/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv/news/george-clooney-to-lead-catch-22-series-for-hulu-w515431. dead.
  8. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. 'Catch-22': Ellen Kuras Boards George Clooney's Hulu Limited Series As Director. Deadline Hollywood. March 16, 2018. March 16, 2018.
  9. Web site: Vivarelli. Nick. Sky Italia, Britain's Channel 4 Board George Clooney's TV Adaptation of 'Catch-22'. Variety. May 8, 2018. May 7, 2018.
  10. Web site: White. Peter. UK's Channel 4 & Sky Italia Board George Clooney's 'Catch-22' After Deal With Paramount Television. Deadline Hollywood. May 8, 2018. May 7, 2018.
  11. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. 'Catch-22': Christopher Abbott To Star As Yossarian In George Clooney's Hulu Series. Deadline Hollywood. March 9, 2018. March 9, 2018.
  12. Web site: Otterson. Joe. Christopher Abbott to Star in George Clooney's 'Catch-22' Series at Hulu. Variety. March 9, 2018. March 9, 2018.
  13. Web site: Boucher. Ashley. George Clooney's 'Catch-22' on Hulu Casts Christopher Abbott As Lead. TheWrap. March 9, 2018. March 9, 2018.
  14. Web site: Goldberg. Lesley. Hulu's 'Catch-22' Enlists 'Girls' Grad to Star Opposite George Clooney. The Hollywood Reporter. March 9, 2018. en. March 9, 2018.
  15. Web site: Holloway. Daniel. Hugh Laurie Joins George Clooney in 'Catch-22'. Variety. April 3, 2018. April 3, 2018.
  16. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. 'Catch-22': Hugh Laurie To Co-Star In George Clooney's Hulu Limited Series. Deadline Hollywood. April 3, 2018. April 3, 2018.
  17. Web site: Andreeva. Nellie. 'Catch-22': Kyle Chandler To Star In Hulu Series As George Clooney Switches Roles. Deadline Hollywood. April 13, 2018. April 13, 2018.
  18. Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Catch-22': George Clooney's Hulu Limited Series Casts Its Merry Band. Deadline Hollywood. May 3, 2018. May 3, 2018.
  19. Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Catch-22': Tessa Ferrer & Jay Paulson Cast In George Clooney's Hulu Limited Series. Deadline Hollywood. May 8, 2018. May 8, 2018.
  20. Web site: Petski. Denise. Andreeva. Nellie. 'Catch-22': Giancarlo Giannini To Co-Star In George Clooney's Hulu Limited Series. Deadline Hollywood. May 21, 2018. May 21, 2018.
  21. Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Catch-22' Casts Harrison Osterfield; Noel Fisher Heads To 'Castle Rock'. Deadline Hollywood. June 13, 2018. June 13, 2018.
  22. Web site: Petski. Denise. 'Catch-22': Julie Ann Emery Set To Recur In George Clooney's Hulu Limited Series. Deadline Hollywood. July 9, 2018. July 9, 2018.
  23. Web site: Jarvey. Natalie. Hulu Beyond 'Handmaid's Tale': Execs and Stars on a Promising Yet Uncertain Future. The Hollywood Reporter. May 7, 2018. en. April 25, 2018.
  24. Web site: Messia. Hada. Delgrossi. Sara. George Clooney involved in scooter accident in Italy. CNN. July 10, 2018. July 10, 2018.
  25. Web site: Tartaglione. Nancy. George Clooney Suffers Minor Injury In Bike Crash Near Italian Set Of 'Catch-22'. Deadline Hollywood. July 10, 2018. July 10, 2018.
  26. Web site: Russian. Ale. George Clooney Is All Smiles as He Wraps Filming in Italy After Scary Scooter Crash. People. December 8, 2018. en. September 4, 2018.
  27. Web site: Hein. Michael. George Clooney Celebrates Filming Wrap in Italy a Month After Scooter Crash. Pop Culture. December 8, 2018. en. September 4, 2018.
  28. Web site: Cinematographers Blaze New Trails in Digital World . Variety . Todd . Longwell . May 30, 2019 . January 29, 2024.
  29. Web site: Catch-22 Remake - Warbirds Over Sardinia! . Warbirds News . June 28, 2018 . June 26, 2020.
  30. Web site: North American B-25J-20NC (TB-25N) Mitchell Carol Jean . . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20080206155418/http://www.nasm.si.edu/research/aero/aircraft/NAB-25.htm . June 26, 2020 . February 6, 2008.
  31. Web site: George Clooney 'Catch-22' Begins on Hulu May 17. February 13, 2019. March 7, 2019. Broadcasting & Cable. Michael. Malone.
  32. Web site: Wiseman. Andreas. Canal+ Scores French Rights To George Clooney's 'Catch 22' Series From Paramount. Deadline Hollywood. July 30, 2018. July 30, 2018.
  33. There's Only No Way Out. Catch-22 Premieres May 18, Streaming Exclusively on Citytv Now.. Toronto. Rogers Media. April 29, 2019. May 31, 2019. December 28, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191228080307/http://www.rogersmediatv.ca/pr_detail.php?id=1489. dead.
  34. Web site: Catch-22: Miniseries (2019). Fandango Media. Rotten Tomatoes. November 1, 2019.
  35. Web site: Catch-22 (2019). CBS. Metacritic. May 17, 2019.
  36. Web site: 'Legion' Leads TV Nominations for American Society of Cinematographers Awards. Dave. McNary. Variety. November 25, 2019. November 27, 2019.
  37. Web site: 'Parasite,' 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood' Win Art Directors Guild Awards . The Hollywood Reporter . Carolyn . Giardina . February 1, 2019 . February 1, 2020.
  38. Web site: Critics' Choice Awards 2020: Fleabag, Watchmen, When They See Us, Unbelievable Among TV Nominees . TVLine . December 8, 2019 . December 8, 2019.
  39. Web site: Golden Globes: Full List of Nominations . The Hollywood Reporter . December 9, 2019 . December 9, 2019.
  40. Web site: Catch-22 . . . July 16, 2019.

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