American Crime Story comes back with a new version of a criminal’s story that distressed America two decades ago. Series One, The People V. O.J. Simpson, was based on the murders of Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman and America’s speculation of OJ Simpson being the culprit. But this Series Two has to do with the icon Gianni Versace and his untimely murder by Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
The series is directed by Ryan Murphy and produced by Larry Karaszewski. They interpreted the book, Vulgar Favors: Andrew Cunanan, Gianni Versace, and the Largest Failed Manhunt in U.S. History by Maureen Orth into a 9-part television season set around 1997 in Miami, Florida. This series stars Edgar Ramirez, Darren Criss, Ricky Martin, and Penelope Cruz, all of whom have the challenge of bringing their characters’ crazy lives to the screen.
Ramirez plays Versace, the famous designer, who sadly gets assassinated on his front porch; Criss plays Anthony Cunanan, the skilled psychopath who hunted down Versace; and Martin and Cruz plays Versace’s loving boyfriend and sister, respectively, both of whom give support before Versace dies and tie up loose ends after.
Although there is a lot of heavy and emotional events going on in the plot, the show is still able to create a sense of beauty and an authentic Miami-vibe in style. There are many 90’s patterns and pastel greens and pinks to make the audience believe that they are watching a show filmed 2 decades ago.
Being in a believable setting and having these characters based on real people lets actors portray their characters in a scarily-realistic way. A memorable scene occurs right after the crime was committed. Criss walks into a hotel bar and watches the citizens react to his work. The way that he watches and mimics their response, in order to fit in, is chilling. But the show doesn’t always create a stressful atmosphere–sometimes it is targeted at the viewers’ waterworks. With an obvious chemistry between Ramirez and Cruz, during a heart-breaking scene, Cruz voiced her love for her brother after the incident in a way that was extremely heartwarming but painful.
On the other hand, there are some problems with the show. The main issue is, at times, it is confusing to follow. Since the show jumps from their current time, time of the kill, and years, before it is hard to keep the order of events straight. There are dates that help keep things in order, but a lot of attention is necessary, so this isn’t one to watch when you’re falling asleep.
Overall, this show has a lot going for it. It has a good balance of telling an entertaining story while also keeping it factual and believable–since it is a true story. If you only watch TV when you’re about to go to sleep or just after a long day, this show may be a little too confusing. The actors bring their all and make you feel like you’re part of the mystery.
American Crime Story Returns: The Assassination of Gianni Versace
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