Behind the scenes apple tv’s big cigar
"The Big Cigar" is a highly anticipated limited drama series set to make its global debut on Apple TV+ on May 17, 2024. The show chronicles the incredible true story of Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton's daring escape to Cuba in 1974, with the assistance of Hollywood producer Bert Schneider.
Plot and Premise
The series is based on the eponymous magazine article by Joshuah Bearman, known for his work that inspired the film "Argo." "The Big Cigar" tells the story of how Hollywood revolution met social revolution in a wild caper involving Newton's escape from the FBI to Cuba.
The plan, which involved a fake movie production, goes awry in every possible way, making for a thrilling and often unbelievable narrative.
Set primarily in 1974, the series explores the relationship between Newton (played by André Holland) and Schneider (Alessandro Nivola) as they devise an elaborate scheme to get Newton out of the country.
The story frequently jumps back in time to provide context and background on the formation of the Black Panthers, their accomplishments, ideological fracturing, and Newton's legal troubles.
Cast and Crew
The series boasts an impressive ensemble cast led by André Holland as Huey P. Newton. Other notable cast members include:
Alessandro Nivola as Bert Schneider
Tiffany Boone as Gwen Fontaine, Newton's girlfriend
P.J. Byrne as Steve Blauner
Marc Menchaca as Agent Sydney Clark
Moses Ingram as Teressa Dixon
Jordane Christie as Bobby Seale
Glynn Turman as Walter Newton, Huey's father
Don Cheadle, the legendary award-winning actor, producer, and director, serves as director and executive producer for the first two episodes.
The showrunner is NAACP Image Award winner Janine Sherman Barrois, known for her work on "Claws" and "The Kings of Napa." Jim Hecht, co-creator of "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty," penned the show's first episode.
Historical Context and Artistic License
"The Big Cigar" is a fact-inspired miniseries that takes some creative liberties with historical events. The show begins with a pair of disclaimers, acknowledging that certain aspects and timelines have been fictionalized for dramatic purposes.
This approach allows the series to explore the complex legacy of Huey P. Newton and the Black Panther Party while crafting a compelling narrative.The Black Panther Party, founded by Newton and Bobby Seale in Oakland, California, in 1966, was initially aimed at combating police brutality by patrolling minority communities. The organization also provided essential services such as free breakfast programs and medical clinics.
However, their public displays of weapons and perceived support of communist ideals drew intense scrutiny from the FBI during the height of the Cold War.
The Escape Plan: "The Big Cigar"
The series revolves around the elaborate escape plan dubbed "The Big Cigar," which was set in motion after Newton was arrested on July 30, 1974, following an altercation with two police officers in Oakland. Facing false accusations of killing a 17-year-old prostitute, Newton sought refuge in the Bel Air home of Schneider's friend Steve Blauner.
The escape plan involved first getting Newton to Mexico, then sailing through the Panama Canal to Cuba. Despite Schneider's efforts to equip the boat with new radar and sonar equipment, the vessel ran aground after hitting an underwater statue of Jesus in the Florida Keys.
This setback led to further complications and improvisations in the escape plan.
Themes and Exploration
"The Big Cigar" delves into several themes, including:
The complexities of Newton's character, including his volatility and drug-induced paranoia.
The relationship between Newton and Schneider, exploring their unlikely friendship and the motivations behind Schneider's support.
The impact of constant surveillance and legal troubles on Newton's mental health.
The legacy of the Black Panther Party and its contributions to social justice.
The series also touches on the broader historical context of the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Power Movement, providing viewers with a nuanced perspective on this tumultuous period in American history.
Critical Reception
Early reviews of "The Big Cigar" have been mixed, with critics praising André Holland's captivating performance as Huey P. Newton while noting some shortcomings in the series' approach to storytelling.
Some reviewers have pointed out that the focus on Newton's escape to Cuba, while undoubtedly dramatic, may overshadow other significant aspects of his life and the Black Panther Party's legacy.
The series has been criticized for not fully exploring the contributions of female Black Panther leaders and for potentially veering into "Great White Savior" territory in its portrayal of Schneider's role in Newton's escape.
Despite these criticisms, "The Big Cigar" has been lauded for its ambitious attempt to bring this little-known historical episode to the screen and for its exploration of the complex relationship between Newton and Schneider.
Conclusion
"The Big Cigar" offers viewers a unique perspective on a fascinating chapter in the life of Huey P. Newton and the history of the Black Panther Party. While the series takes some creative liberties with historical events, it provides an engaging narrative that sheds light on the intersections of social revolution and Hollywood intrigue.As the show prepares to make its debut on Apple TV+, audiences can look forward to a star-studded cast, high-stakes drama, and a thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in American history. Whether "The Big Cigar" will fully capture the complexity of Newton's legacy and the Black Panther Party's impact remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly promises to be a compelling addition to the growing canon of works examining this crucial period in the struggle for civil rights and social justice.
