Everyone knows Emily Dickinson; she’s one of the greatest poets in American history. Apple’s new comedy “Dickinson” wants to explode everything you thought you knew.
Born in 1830 in Amherst, Michigan, Emily Dickinson as a person is known primarily in broad strokes: Her literary genius, her prolific output, her life as a recluse, her extremely close relationship with her sister-in-law, which may or may not have been more than platonic.
But by and large, Dickinson exists far back enough in the fog of history that many aspects of her life remain open to imagination. Premiering on Apple TV+ on Friday, “Dickinson” aims to shade in those details and bring Dickinson alive for a modern-day audience — with a twist.
“I had always had this idea to do an experimental half-hour series about Emily Dickinson. I just didn’t know what that would look like,” series creator Alena Smith said in an interview with TheWrap. The seeds of the idea, she said, were first planted in her head after reading Alfred Habegger’s tome of a biography, “My Wars Are Laid Away in Books: The Life of Emily Dickinson.”
What that would look like is a funhouse mirror of a biopic that plays almost like historical fan fiction. It’s at once meticulously faithful to Dickinson’s biography and uninterested in the realities of her existence, opting instead for a more modern sensibility and a version of Dickinson who says things like, “What up?”
And as if to underscore its central anachronistic conceit, the series’ titular poet is played by one of the biggest stars of the current era of Young Hollywood, Hailee Steinfeld, who brings the same disaffected-millennial impetuousness to the role that defined her performance in 2017’s “Edge of Seventeen.”
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“At its core the show is quite dramatic, but I wanted it to have those comedic elements, and Hailee is really able to nail those turns,” Smith said. “And aside from being just an amazing actress, she’s able to speak to this younger generation of fans.”
Steinfeld’s Dickinson stomps through 19th century Amherst as if in protest of its very existence. She bears deep affection for her family and friends, but detests the social structures that confine her. And she’s hardly the kind of woman one would describe as a “recluse.”
In the show’s third episode, their parents go away for a night and she and her siblings throw the American Victorian equivalent of a rager, complete with opium-laced punch and a 19th century contredanse set to an EDM-trap banger. At one point, she and her sister-in-law-slash-lover dress up as men to sneak into a science lecture at the Amherst Academy. She breaks out of her house in the middle of the night to go for a carriage ride with Death.
“Dickinson’s” Dickinson is contemptuous of the burdens and protocols of what would be considered a proper social life, especially when that time could be better spent writing or doing literally anything else. That’s in line with Habegger’s biography, which suggests that the real Dickinson was perhaps less of a recluse and just simply busy writing the thousands of poems and letters she would author in her relatively short life.
When her mother (played as if her sanity is held together by a thread by “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s” Jane Krakowski) brings home a suitor in the first episode hoping to get her insouciant daughter out of the house and off of her hands, Steinfeld’s Dickinson has no qualms about making her disdain for the courtship ritual known. She twirls into the room like Samara from “The Ring,” then, once she realizes the suitor is a friend, plops down onto the sofa with the rubbery posture of a teenager about to throw on an episode of “Riverdale.”
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“A lot of what ended up in the whole thing, but those first two episodes specifically, were things that we were just trying out,” Steinfeld said of working with director David Gordon Green to develop Dickinson’s attitude in her physicality. “That was our time to figure out what we were doing with this show.”
“Emily Dickinson was — and this was a fact about her — she was known to fight back about constraints and she wanted to break the rules,” she said. “To sit properly like a lady and sit up with shoulders back, that is not who she was, that’s not who she is in this show. So sitting down in front of a suitor that mother is introducing me to, there was no world in which Emily was going to sit up and straight and be intrigued and interested in this situation, you know? So it was fun to play against what was expected of her.”
The real-life Dickinson never found fame in her lifetime, and it remains unclear how much she actually sought to be known though her writing. What’s even less clear is how much can be understood about Dickinson through her writing.
Fewer than a dozen of her poems were published while she was alive, all of them under a pseudonym. It wasn’t until her sister Lavinia discovered a cache of her sister’s writing after her death that Dickinson’s work was widely published for the first time. Many of her poems weren’t even shared with friends or family, suggesting at least some ambivalence about putting her writing up for mass consumption.
One of her most quotable works puts it simply: “Publication – is the Auction / Of the Mind of Man … reduce no Human Spirit / To Disgrace of Price -.”
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Steinfeld’s Dickinson, on the other hand, seeks out notoriety. She pursues a friend to have her work published despite her father’s strong disapproval, responding to the friend referencing one of her poems back to her with, “Nice. I love it when people quote me.”
Eventually, of course, Dickinson’s poems were published posthumously, but those early editions contained none of Dickinson’s stylistic idiosyncrasies — the seemingly arbitrary capitalization and punctuation, as well as what would become her signature dash. In some places, entire words were replaced and her meaning was changed entirely.
Nearly a century later, her style would be restored, but a look at her handwritten work reveals even that might not be sufficient — that “dash” actually encompasses a huge variety of strokes, with no indication that they were all meant to be interpreted in the same way. It’s possible no single typeface can capture the full scope and musicality of Dickinson’s writing.
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In his biography, Habegger warns against the restrictiveness of trying to confine or categorize Dickinson either as a person or as a writer.
“What must be noted here is the dubiousness of construing this profoundly one-of-a-kind writer by first enrolling her in any group at all,” he wrote, going on to apply a quote from George Steiner to all of Dickinson’s work: “At certain levels, we are not meant to understand at all, and our interpretation, indeed our reading itself, is an intrusion.”
Smith’s show clearly takes the same attitude. Costumes and sets and other period details are rendered perfectly. In terms of place, “Dickinson” exists wholly in the the 1850s. The character and her attitude, though, is very much of the year 2019, and the show revels in that dissonance. The soundtrack is filled with the likes of A$AP Rocky and Billie Eilish playing over characters reading by lantern light or fetching water from a well.
“This show is us reading her poetry and being inspired in a different sort of way. It’s not a straightforward biopic,” Steinfeld said. “Alena has taken the facts that we do know to be true about her and her life and her family, and incorporated all of them, or the majority of them into the show. But this is unlike any Emily you’ve seen before.”
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“It was really important to me that those details all be period accurate,” Smith said, “But, in a way, the show has a lot more to say about the present day.”
It’s an echo of the way Habegger notes in his book that an attempt to parse Dickinson’s writing inevitably reveals more about the reader than the author: “One of Dickinson’s paradoxes is that she both invites and deflects such intimacy. ‘Not telling’ was one of the things she did to perfection.”
So perhaps, Smith and Steinfeld seem to suggest, the best way to understand her is as a funhouse mirror.
“Emily Dickinson lived in a time where being creative was forbidden. Having a creative mind and having an intellectual desire was forbidden,” Steinfeld said. “But this character, Emily, she’s unapologetically herself. She knows that she’s different, and she knows that, creatively, she’s on a different level than those around her. And she’s okay with that.”
She continued, “I hope that young women can watch this show and feel like their voices deserve to be heard. That they feel like they can do or have to do whatever they need to do to make themselves heard.”
Apple TV+
New episodes of “Dickinson” premiere Fridays on Apple TV+.
Apple TV+: Here Are All the Original Shows in the Works for Apple's Streaming Service (Photos)
Apple TV+ finally launches on Friday with four original series, some kids' programming and a little non-fiction content. But Apple's forthcoming streaming service, which is the tech giant's attempt to compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon, will begin to roll out even more programs in the coming months from star players like M. Night Shyamalan and Octavia Spencer. TheWrap has rounded up all the shows that have been set for the streaming service so far, or are currently in development, so you know what you'll get if you subscribe for $4.99/month. We've also noted which series will be available with the Nov. 1 launch.
“The Morning Show” Taking an inside look at the dark side of morning TV, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston executive produce and star in the drama series. Witherspoon comes to this off her hit HBO drama “Big Little Lies” and Aniston returns to TV in a major role for the first time since her hit sitcom “Friends” went off the air. Steve Carell will also star on the series from Kerry Ehrin. (Available at launch)
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“Dickinson” This coming-of-age comedy series will star Hailee Steinfeld as Emily Dickinson, exploring the constraints of society, gender, and family that she experienced as a budding writer. The show is written by Alena Smith and directed by David Gordon Green. (Available at launch)
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“Ghostwriter" A reinvention of the beloved original series, follows four kids who are brought together by a mysterious ghost in a neighborhood bookstore, and must team up to release fictional characters from works of literature. (Available at launch)
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“See” Francis Lawrence, best-known for directing "Red Sparrow" and the final three "Hunger Games" films, will direct and produce this drama written by Steven Knight and starring Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard. The sci-fi series is set in a future where humans are born blind. (Available at launch)
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“For All Mankind” "Outlander" and "Battlestar Galactica" showrunner Ronald D. Moore created and will write and produce the science fiction drama, premised on the idea that the Space Race of the Cold War never ended. He co-created the series with “Fargo” executive producers Matt Wolpert and Ben Nedivi. (Available at launch)
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“Helpsters” The first series set up as part of Sesame Workshop’s partnership with Apple, the show stars Cody and a team of vibrant monsters who love to help solve problems. It all starts with a plan. (Available at launch)
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"Snoopy in Space" A new original from Peanuts Worldwide and DHX Media, takes viewers on a journey with Snoopy as he follows his dreams to become an astronaut. Together, Snoopy, Charlie Brown and the Peanuts crew take command of the International Space Station and explore the moon and beyond. (Available at launch)
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Oprah Winfrey docuseries As part of Oprah's multi-year content deal with Apple, she revealed she's working on a documentary called "Toxic Labor" and a multi-part untitled series about mental health. She is also bringing back her book club as a show, "Oprah's Book Club." ("Oprah's Book Club" will be available at launch)
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“Servant” "Sixth Sense" and "Glass" director M. Night Shyamalan will executive produce this psychological thriller, with Tony Basgallop writing. Lauren Ambrose and Rupert Grint star as a young couple who hire a nanny (Nell Tiger Free) to care for their newborn. (Premiering Nov. 28)
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“Truth Be Told” Based on Kathleen Barber’s novel of the same name, the series centers on investigative reporter Poppy Parnell (Octavia Spencer) as she follows an old murder case through her podcast, and will explore America's obsession with true-crime podcasts. Aaron Paul, Lizzy Caplan, Elizabeth Perkins and Mekhi Phifer also star, with Reese Witherspoon executive producing. Peter Chernin, Jenno Topping and Kristen Campo from Chernin Entertainment are also set to serve as executive producers. (Premiering Dec. 6)
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“Amazing Stories” Steven Spielberg will executive produce the revival of “Amazing Stories,” the science fiction and horror anthology he co-created for NBC that ran for two seasons in the 1980s. After some behind-the-scenes shakeups, including the departure of original showrunner Bryan Fuller, "Once Upon a Time" creators Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz signed on to run the reboot.
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“Calls” The new, short-form English adaptation of creator Timothée Hochet’s French series will take on an innovative form of storytelling, utilizing real-life audio sources and minimal visuals.
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“Defending Jacob” Described as a gripping, character-driven thriller based on the 2012 novel by William Landay, “Defending Jacob” stars Chris Evans, with “Planet of the Apes” screenwriter Mark Bomback to serve as showrunner.
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“Home Before Dark” The mystery series follows a girl who moves from Brooklyn to a small lakeside town, and subsequently uncovers a cold case that residents attempted to bury. The project was inspired by the real-life story of Hilde Lysiak, a young investigative reporter who exposed a murder in her hometown of Selinsgrove, PA, garnering national and international attention. Brooklynn Prince and Jim Sturgess will star.
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"My Glory Was I Had Such Friends" Jennifer Garner is set to star in the J.J. Abrams-produced series based on Amy Silverstein's 2017 memoir about an extraordinary group of women who supported Silverstein as she waited for a second life-saving heart transplant.
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“Pachinko” An eight-episode adaptation of the 2017 bestseller by Min Jin Lee, Apple’s “epic in scope” adaptation of “Pachinko” will be set in Korea, Japan and America. “The Terror” alum Soo Hugh will serve as showrunner.
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“Foundation” Based on Isaac Asimov’s novel series of the same name, this series stars Jared Harris and Lee Pace and tracks the future history of the human race during and after the decline and fall of a galaxy-spanning empire. David S. Goyer serves as showrunner.
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“Central Park” Josh Gad and Loren Bouchard are set to produce this animated musical series about a family of caretakers who live and work in -- and end up saving -- Central Park. The voice cast includes Gad, “Frozen” star Kristen Bell, and “Hamilton's” Daveed Diggs and Leslie Odom Jr.
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“Home” The 10-episode docuseries centers on innovative homes around the world as well as the people who built them. Matt Tyrnauer directs and serves as one of the executive producers.
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“Little America” This show tells the stories of immigrants in America, drawing from true stories featured in Epic Magazine. The show will be written and executive produced by Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon, the husband-and-wife team behind the hit romantic comedy “The Big Sick,” which hit theaters in the summer of 2017 to critical and commercial success.
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“Little Voice” The dramedy featuring original music from Sara Bareilles focuses on finding your authentic voice in your early 20s and is inspired by the diverse musicality of New York. It is produced by J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.
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“Mythic Quest” Co-created by “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” duo Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day will star McElhenney as the head of a video game development studio. F. Murray Abraham, Imani Hakim, David Hornsby and Danny Pudi also star.
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"Shantaram" An international drama series based on Gregory David Robert's novel, "Shantaram" stars Charlie Hunnam as Lin, a man who has escaped an Australian prison and carves out a new life in Bombay. The series is written and executive produced by Eric Warren Singer.
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Untitled Brie Larson project Based on the memoir by Amaryllis Fox titled “Life Undercover,” the untitled series will star Brie Larson as a young woman recruited to join the CIA. “Animal Kingdom” writer and executive producer Megan Martin is in talks to write and executive produce the series from Medias Res.
Photographed for TheWrap by Patrick Fraser
Untitled Curtis Sittenfeld project Inspired by Curtis Sittenfeld's short story collection "You Think It, I’ll Say It.” Colleen McGuinness serves as showrunner, while Reese Witherspoon and Lauren Neustadter serve as executive producers. "Saturday Night Live" alum Kristen Wiig was originally attached to star but dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
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Untitled Damien Chazelle project Damien Chazelle, who became the youngest person ever to nab the Academy Award for Best Director when he won for “La La Land," will write, direct, and produce a one-hour drama for Apple, alongside executive producers Jordan Horowitz and Frank Berger.
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"Time Bandits" Taika Waititi is developing an adaptation of Terry Gilliam’s 1981 film, “Time Bandits” for Apple. Waititi will co-write and direct the pilot for the potential series, which is being co-produced by Anonymous Content, Paramount Television and MRC. He also will serve as executive producer alongside Gilliam and producer Dan Halsted.
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"Mr. Corman" Joseph Gordon-Levitt is set to write, direct, executive produce and star on “Mr. Corman,” a dramedy series in development at Apple TV+. The show, which hails from A24 and Gordon-Levitt’s HitRECord banner, follows the life of a public schoolteacher (Gordon-Levitt) in California’s San Fernando Valley.
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"Mosquito Coast" Justin Theroux will star in this series based on the 1981 novel by his uncle, novelist Paul Theroux. The show, which has been ordered to series, follows an idealist who uproots his family to Latin America. “Luther” creator Neil Cross will co-write the first episode with Tom Bissell and serve as showrunner on the series.
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"Swagger" “Black Panther” and “Us” star Winston Duke leads this basketball drama from NBA superstar Kevin Durant. Duke will star as Ike, a youth basketball coach and former star player. The series went into production this month.
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"Lisey's Story" Clive Owen and Julianne Moore will star in this limited series from Stephen King and J.J. Abrams. Based on King's best-selling 2006 novel, the deeply personal thriller follows Lisey (Moore) two years after the death of her husband. A series of events causes her to begin facing amazing realities about her husband that she had repressed and forgotten.
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"Masters of Air" This limited World War II drama series comes from Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg and will be the first series produced in-house by Apple. The show is based the book of the same name by Donald L. Miller and follows the true, deeply personal story of the American bomber boys in World War II who brought the war to Hitler’s doorstep. It is the third series in Spielberg and Hank’s “WWII saga,” following “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific,” both of which aired on HBO.
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"Ted Lasso" Jason Sudeikis is bringing back his clueless football coach character Ted Lasso for a new series at Apple TV+. “Ted Lasso” — named for the character Sudeikis first originated on NBC during the networks Premier League coverage — stars the “Saturday Night Live” alum as an idealistic all-American football coach hired to manage an English football club, despite having no soccer coaching experience at all. In addition to starring, Sudeikis will serve writer and executive producer on the comedy, which has been given a series order.
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"El Gato Negro" adaptation Robert Rodriguez and Diego Boneta are adapting Mexican comic book “El Gato Negro” into a TV series for Apple. The MGM Television-produced project, which is in the early stages of development at the forthcoming streaming service, would be directed and executive produced by Rodriguez and star Boneta, who would also executive produce. “Supergirl” writer Eric Carrasco is writing the script, with Joel Novoa set as a co-producer for the potential series.
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Tech giant’s attempt to compete in SVOD space launched Friday
Apple TV+ finally launches on Friday with four original series, some kids' programming and a little non-fiction content. But Apple's forthcoming streaming service, which is the tech giant's attempt to compete with the likes of Netflix and Amazon, will begin to roll out even more programs in the coming months from star players like M. Night Shyamalan and Octavia Spencer. TheWrap has rounded up all the shows that have been set for the streaming service so far, or are currently in development, so you know what you'll get if you subscribe for $4.99/month. We've also noted which series will be available with the Nov. 1 launch.