Tony McNamara is an Australian screenwriter and playwright renowned for his sharp wit and incisive storytelling. With a knack for crafting compelling narratives that blend dark humor with social commentary, McNamara has made a significant mark on both stage and screen. One of his most acclaimed works includes “The Favourite,” along with his latest project, “Poor Things,” both of which have garnered numerous awards. However, my personal favorite among his repertoire is “The Great,” a satirical portrayal of Catherine the Great’s reign in Russia. McNamara’s distinctive style is characterized by his comedic yet poignant approach to period pieces, as seen in his interpretations of Queen Anne and Catherine the Great.
What I find particularly captivating about McNamara’s work is his adeptness at satirizing the monarchy and the upper classes through his parody-style approach to period dramas. By infusing his narratives with comedic storytelling, he cleverly mirrors modern-day social commentary on the upper classe through a fresh perspective on historical themes – although not neccecerally historically accurate – while entertaining audiences with his wit and insight.
In “The Great,” Catherine is thrust into the Russian Royal court upon her marriage to Peter, only to have her romanticized notions of royalty and high society shattered by the harsh realities of the upper classes. Instead of refinement and elegance, she encounters a world of indulgence, where exotic foods, sexual escapades, excessive alcohol consumption, adultery, violent entertainment, and the latest French rococo fashions reign supreme. Catherine faces scrutiny for her reluctance to conform to these extravagant customs, even receiving a pet bear as a wedding gift, which becomes an unexpected companion in the court. The reckless extravagance of the court is further underscored by the ritualistic smashing of full glasses as a peculiar form of admiration and celebration. This serves as a stark commentary on the indulgent nature of society, both then and now. The court’s obsession with extravagant foods, lavish parties, and fashionable trends mirrors contemporary society’s preoccupation with consumerism and the pursuit of the latest fashions and trends. Through this lens, the series offers a poignant reflection on the enduring allure of indulgence and the consequences of chasing superficial pleasures, making it a compelling and relevant narrative for audiences today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7WmKSy8Y2Q
Holes were poked at the ladies of the court trying to follow French fashion trends with misplaced wigs and over the top mouches of diffrent designs.


I have taken ispiration from this for my next photoshoot for my consumerism article to adapt a editorial and also Mcnamera’s satorical take on indulgence and consumerism. I also want to extend this photoshoot into video format inspired by The Great as a short fashion film to promote Studio Remoda on YouTube to extrend the internet presence of studio remode and produce a well rounded final outcome of website design, writing, photography, styling, and film content.