Tom Hiddleston takes centre stage in National Geographic's new three-part docudrama, 'Pompeii: Out of Time With Tom Hiddleston', which is currently streaming in the UK. The series, which blends historical re-enactments with expert insights, sees the acclaimed British actor guide viewers through the catastrophic events of AD79 when Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii and its inhabitants.
Hiddleston, known for his roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and 'The Night Manager', adopts an intensely emotional narrative style, which has been described by some critics as both 'embarrassing and exhausting' yet 'undeniably entertaining'. The programme opens with Hiddleston dramatically setting the scene, emphasising the harrowing nature of the single day that destroyed Pompeii, and promising a focus on individual survival within the tragedy.
The actor reveals a personal connection to the ancient city, sharing that he visited Pompeii with friends in 1998 at the age of 17. He attributes this early experience to inspiring his study of Latin and classics at university, and ultimately influencing his acting career with a desire to 'bring people back' to historical narratives. This personal touch underpins his approach throughout the series, as he aims to 'walk alongside' the Pompeiians whose stories he traces.
In the docudrama, Hiddleston collaborates with experts such as Professor Steven L Tuck, leader of the Pompeii Survivors' Project, and other 'Helpful Classicists' and 'Helpful Archaeologists'. Together, they delve into ancient records to identify and follow the stories of three individuals: a boy named Lucius Avianius, and a bathhouse owner called Julia, whose initial mistranslation by Hiddleston provides a moment of levity before her story of property ownership and resilience is explored.
The series also features interviews with a disaster psychologist, explaining human behaviour during crises, which Hiddleston connects to on a personal level. While the programme's dramatic flair and Hiddleston's passionate delivery have garnered attention, some viewers and critics have highlighted moments that border on the 'cringe' spectrum, suggesting a fine line between compelling historical storytelling and overly theatrical interpretation.