Tulipomania

Cast : Christopher Lambert, Siobhán Callaghan, Tam Williams, Joshua Consigli, Kim Boulukos, Maria Pia Ruspoli, Rupert Wynne-James

Introduction

We are in 17th century Holland, during the period of "Tulipomania," a phase of intense speculation on tulip bulbs that led to a dizzying rise and then a sudden collapse of prices. The narrative interweaves the stories of several characters belonging to various social classes, whose lives are deeply influenced by this collective craze.

Joost van Swieten, a wealthy and influential merchant, has married the young Laura. Despite the marriage initially being one of convenience, Joost develops a deep love for his wife. However, he is also a wise man and observes the growing and irrational speculation on tulips with concern. Laura, during the sittings for her portrait painted by Noah, feels attracted to him, creating emotional tension. Noah is a talented mulatto artist, the son of Grace, the maid of Princess Claire, and Kanelo, a former slave who has managed to become a rich merchant. Princess Claire has always shown benevolence towards Grace and Noah, supporting his artistic education. During the creation of Laura's portrait, Noah falls in love with her, a feeling that seems to be partly 2 reciprocated, but ultimately does not materialize due to Laura's loyalty to her husband.

After many years of separation, Grace unexpectedly finds Kanelo, her past love and Noah's father, who has returned to Amsterdam after gaining his freedom and making his fortune, seeking his son. Their reunion leads to the healing of past wounds, and Kanelo asks Grace to marry him, a proposal she accepts. Demonstrating financial acumen, Kanelo decides to withdraw his investments from tulip bulbs before the crash and invests the money in an account for his son Noah.
Johannes Jansen, a jeweler, is commissioned by Princess Claire to create a precious pendant inspired by a rare tulip. The Princess, mute for years following a tragic past event related to protecting Noah, is a respected and influential figure. The banker Gandolfi actively promotes investments in the tulip market, but men like Kanelo and Joost, while having dealings with his bank, prove cautious and wise in withdrawing their capital before the crisis. Father Luuk, during his homilies, warns the community against the dangerous greed generated by the tulip fever.

Parallel to the main events, other stories unfold. Liv, one of the three bookseller friends invited to the Princess's ball, has a special bond with Dr. Damien Visser, a doctor who had helped Kanelo escape slavery in the past. Julia, another of the friends, seems to find a romantic interest in Noah after his affair woith Laura. Lucas, the Princess's gardener unrequitedly in love with Grace, invests his hopes for a better life in tulip cultivation.
The speculative bubble reaches its peak and then bursts in March 1637, causing the financial ruin of many who had believed in easy and unlimited wealth. Geert, a man who had become rich quickly through the bulb trade, becoming arrogant and superficial, loses everything and takes his own life in despair. Gandolfi suffers a violent attack. Despite the tragic end of many and the economic crisis, the tulip, with its intrinsic beauty, continues to maintain a special significance for Holland. The story concludes with hints of new relationships and a sense of reconstruction after the collective madness.