Zelda

The leads are far too old for their roles. Ricci cannot pass for 16, and can't fake the relative innocence of a teen. Similarly, Hoflin is 40, trying to play 20. Embarrassing, really. The terrible casting of the leads may be one reason the story doesn't draw me -- it's implausible, start to finish. I am sure that the story itself would make a great series, if well cast. But this is not that series.

I thourouly enjoyed the series. Struggles of a writer and the struggles of being a wife of a writer. Kept me intrigued continuously. I love Zeldas spirit and personality! She's awesome.

First, I'll comment on the divided reviews. Although not typically my cup of tea; the production was well done. Considering this is basically a historical Bio-Drama, which took place in an era some 100 years ago, it wasn't bad at all. I was surprised to see Ricci cast as Zelda, but she did a decent job, as did Fitzgerald's portrayer. If you know the story of Fitzgerald, it's really a very depressing ballad. He was a serious alcoholic up until a year prior to his premature death. Zelda was perhaps worse as her mental illness truly manifest itself as she aged, but still relatively young. I believe the production did a good job in a few areas, not the least of which was, early on, conveying to the viewer their self-absorbed pretentiousness. Whether or not this was typical with success in those circles, it was honestly, fairly disgusting. As such, I'm sure most viewers could not empathize with either of them (let alone sympathize.) The series is slow at times and my wife and I watched it in pieces over several nights. As is so often the case, the producers/writers just plain ignored quite a bit. Just as well. I mean how much misery can we take. But the sets, attire, music, and filters did indeed achieve a good (shall we say) "flapper" atmosphere & ambience. All that said, I do agree with the praises by other reviewers. But it not going to have appeal for those who don't go in for this type of production. For me, I was OK with it, but certainly, could never venture a 2nd viewing. Bob R.

But Christina Ricci just looks too old to pass for a teenager. The trivia section said they digitally altered her image to appear younger, they forgot the crows feet! Completely distracting.

Ricci's southern accent was too forced, Scott surely had more depth than character revealed...but the story was entertaining and I'm frustrated to learn today that it was cancelled after 10 episodes. I would think the spillover from Downton Abbey popularity would have been a clue to executives that there would be interest in this period piece. Please bring it back!

I can't Believe they gave eight and seven stars for this stupid movie it's just a waste of time it should be -0 and she was so stupid and he also very very idiotic husband and character week writer it's just stupid !!!!!!,,,,

It must be remembered that this movie is based on a fictionalization of the Fitzgerald's real lives. If one reads the Great Gatsby and other novels by F. Scott one sees the direct correlation between their lives and the fiction. Christina Ricci is indeed too old to play Zelda. It's sad because Ricci was once a very beautiful, petite and young woman but she's a decade or two too late to play Zelda who was about 20 years old when the Fitzgerald's married. Ricci is too mature for Zelda Sayre who was a young woman with limited life experience. Ricci is definitely a woman and an experienced one at that - innocence is tough to create on screen. Also the digital enhancement of her as a girl is a bit contrived. Ricci is also quite made-up in order to create a youthful image for the camera. David Hoflin is handsome but he is not 20 years old. Fitzgerald was a young, rakish man, a boy really when he went to New York to try to "make it". Hoflin has a hard time carrying of the impetuous and irresponsible Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald of late has been rumored, along with Hemingway of being either bisexual or gay. There's zero proof that this was true. But Hemingway had a way with the men in his life as he did with women. He tended to live large and Fitzgerald tended to compete with and try to "one up" him. Both believed they were "men's men". The movie captured the incredible passion the two had for each other and others. It even includes a brief appearance by none other than Tallulah "Codeine...bourbon..." Bankhead. And little wonder. Bankehead's father was the 42nd Speaker of the US House of Representatives. The two had a great deal in common and knew one another well. For one thing both drank like fish. David Straithairn tries to master Zelda's father who was quiet, aloof and rather nondescript. Most writing about him would make him so boring that Straithairn couldn't really play him "straight". This movie is very good given the situation. You have two actors who are double the age of the real people trying to play young, impetuous, entitled, very free young people during the time just following the Great War. Zelda typified the Flapper and Scott had an eye for the ladies and a penchant for hard living with the men. Little wonder that he did associate with men like Papa Hemingway. The book tries to capture Fitzgerald's Hollywood years but misses the mark. Zelda sadly of course passes away in a mental institution from smoke inhalation. If she hadn't been locked away when the fire broke out in 1940, she would have probably lived quite a few more years.