by Christos Zabounis

His name is Steven Knight, creator of the acclaimed television series Peaky Blinders. From there I borrow the line: “You can change what you do, but you can’t change what you want.” The multi-award-winning British director and screenwriter returns with a series centered on the Guinness family—of the namesake beer, but also of the world record book that bears their name. The behind-the-scenes story of this production is just as fascinating as what appears on screen. Ten years ago, one of the descendants of the brewery’s founder, Sir Arthur Guinness, had an epiphany while watching Downton Abbey. She realized that the story of her own family could also, potentially, be brought to the small or big screen. She then sat down and wrote a short script, including the many secrets—because there are quite a few—that had been passed down from generation to generation. This little “gem” landed in Knight’s hands, and he immediately set to work. Beyond the historical and social backdrop of 19th-century Ireland, the creator was inspired by the complexity and morally ambiguous nature of the characters, as well as by their irresistible ambition. Their struggle for power against the rising Irish independence movement, the intrigues and compromises, the philanthropy that counterbalances social injustice, and the strong erotic element—particularly the forbidden kind—make up the canvas of his work, with a host of theater actors who rightfully represent the pride of the United Kingdom. Naturally, along with the glowing reviews, there were also reactions: both from “staunch” Irish critics, who spoke of a “caricature,” and from members of the Guinness family themselves, who were displeased to see their “dirty laundry” aired in public. A voir.