ACS: The Assassination of Gianni Versace
American Crime Story S2, TV Anthology Series, 2018
Premise - Famous and respected fashion designer Gianni Versace is murdered point-blank on the steps of his home by mystery man, Andrew Cunanan. Based on true events, The Assassination of Gianni Versace is truly Andrew's tale, exploring the complexity of his life as a serial killer over a span of nine episodes.
Review - This is one of the most profound pieces of television I have ever watched. Do not mistake the word "profound" for "best" or "favorite", however, as I sometimes had trouble keeping myself engaged. What I praise is the show's uniqueness, and ability to tell a story in an incredibly daring and revolutionary way. Over nine episodes, the story of Andrew Cunanan is told in backwards chronological order. Within an episode, of course, the story typically moves forward in time. Between episodes, however, the time is moved backwards, until Andrew is a young child. It is not until the very last episode that the story returns to the aftermath of Versace's death, and showcases Cunanan's ultimate outcome. I cannot recall ever seeing anything like it, and it's definitely a format that would not work for any other medium besides television drama. It has been called a "master-class in long-form screenwriting," by renowned author Stephen King. Unique and revolutionary as it may be, I do admit that this made the series difficult to keep track of and follow. It forces me to have to re-watch the series one day if I were to truly remember all of the events, though maybe that was intentional. It's good for dvd sales!
I truly watched this series for Darren Criss, who plays Andrew Cunanan. I have been a fan of his since the days of Glee and A Very Potter Musical, and I consider him to be one of my favorite entertainers. Though I rewatch old segments from Glee and AVPM all the time, I have not seen him in much else as an actor since those days. I had no idea he would be this great, but from episode one, I knew I was witnessing something profound (again, there's that word again). Darren Criss's performance in this series has to be some of the best acting I have ever seen, across all movies and television shows. I rank it up there with Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything or Rami Malek in Mr. Robot, two examples of award-winning performances that I consider the best-of-the-best. If he doesn't win an award, there will be no justice. He is absolutely terrifying in this role.
While I have praised the series' formatting, I have yet to discuss content. The People v OJ Simpson, season 1, focused on racism (specifically the tension between white and black Americans). The Assassination of Gianni Versace is all about homophobia, with the particular target of homosexual men. Gianni Versace is not the only victim who gets his story told. Every gay man that Andrew Cunanan targeted also has their story told. From homophobia in the military, to HIV prevalence, to gay-bars, to male escort agencies, we really get a sense of how gay issues stood in the 1990s. The series is really all about understanding "gay culture" and where a psychopathic killer may have fit into that lifestyle, the same way psychopaths can be found in any culture. "Gay culture" has always existed, but was forced into the shadows for the majority of our history. I found it incredibly honest and moving to open up that world to mainstream audiences. (94/100)
I truly watched this series for Darren Criss, who plays Andrew Cunanan. I have been a fan of his since the days of Glee and A Very Potter Musical, and I consider him to be one of my favorite entertainers. Though I rewatch old segments from Glee and AVPM all the time, I have not seen him in much else as an actor since those days. I had no idea he would be this great, but from episode one, I knew I was witnessing something profound (again, there's that word again). Darren Criss's performance in this series has to be some of the best acting I have ever seen, across all movies and television shows. I rank it up there with Eddie Redmayne in The Theory of Everything or Rami Malek in Mr. Robot, two examples of award-winning performances that I consider the best-of-the-best. If he doesn't win an award, there will be no justice. He is absolutely terrifying in this role.
While I have praised the series' formatting, I have yet to discuss content. The People v OJ Simpson, season 1, focused on racism (specifically the tension between white and black Americans). The Assassination of Gianni Versace is all about homophobia, with the particular target of homosexual men. Gianni Versace is not the only victim who gets his story told. Every gay man that Andrew Cunanan targeted also has their story told. From homophobia in the military, to HIV prevalence, to gay-bars, to male escort agencies, we really get a sense of how gay issues stood in the 1990s. The series is really all about understanding "gay culture" and where a psychopathic killer may have fit into that lifestyle, the same way psychopaths can be found in any culture. "Gay culture" has always existed, but was forced into the shadows for the majority of our history. I found it incredibly honest and moving to open up that world to mainstream audiences. (94/100)
What to Watch For - DARREN FREAKIN' CRISS. There is one scene in particular that I think will go down in history, in episode two. It is the scene where he dances around in a little pink speedo whilst a man is suffocating, and it basically captures the creepy af essence of the entire show.
Based on true events accounted in the book Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History by Maureen Orth.
If you liked this show, I'd recommend Kill Your Darlings!
If you liked this show, I'd recommend Kill Your Darlings!
Creators: Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski
Distribution Company: 20th Century
EDIT: SEPTEMBER 2018 DARREN CRISS DID WIN AN EMMY FOR THIS ROLE SO THERE IS JUSTICE IN THIS WORLD!
EDIT: SEPTEMBER 2018 DARREN CRISS DID WIN AN EMMY FOR THIS ROLE SO THERE IS JUSTICE IN THIS WORLD!
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