Czech Television’s “I, Mattoni“ Faces Criticism After costly Production Falls Flat
Prague, Czech Republic – A Czech Television (CT) past drama, “I, Mattoni,” budgeted at 120 million CZK (approximately $5.3 million USD), is facing widespread criticism for failing to resonate with audiences and reviewers despite its record-breaking price tag. The series, intended to showcase Czech production capabilities, is now being described as a notable disappointment and a cautionary tale of wasted resources.
The series recounts the life of Jan E. Mattoni, the founder of the mattoni mineral water company. However, critics have lambasted the show for a lack of engaging plotlines and a protagonist described as “a selfish skirt without moral scruples.” One reviewer stated, ”Boring, lack of interest. It looks like a standard production, what made here ten years ago, you just know a little that it’s expensive.”
Comparisons to triumphant British historical sagas highlight the Czech production’s shortcomings. Reviewers noted the inability to manage multiple storylines effectively,unlike its foreign counterparts,and a failure to extract tension,emotion,or humor from the available material.
Despite a large-scale advertising campaign, including prominent placement during the Karlovy Vary festival, viewership declined sharply after the initial episodes. Online discussions reportedly reflected “anger and disillusionment” from viewers.
CT director General Petr Dvořák approved the series,aiming to compete with international productions. however, the outcome serves as a stark reminder that “finance will not replace talent and good processing,” and that “an attempt to please everyone means not to satisfy anyone.”
Sources: reflex.cz, csfd.cz, idnes.cz
