Tag: review

Big Gay Binge | Darren Criss is a fashion killer in ACS: Versace

The cold blooded murder of fashion demigod, Gianni Versace was a scandal that rocked a decade. When rent boy/serial killer Andrew Cunanan gunned down Versace on the front steps of his Miami mansion he not only took a life, he nearly toppled an empire.

Season one of American Crime Story tackled another equally salacious scandal about the trial of OJ Simpson and season two retains the gritty tone but it’s presented in a much glossier package. The sets, cinematography and costumes are all stunning to look at; anything less would have been a disservice to Versace’s memory.

This season is less about the man who learned his craft at his seamstress mother’s side to become a fashion icon that it is an exploration of the twisted psyche of a sexually aggressive pathological liar. Cunanan is played by Glee’s Darren Criss who knocks it out of the park with a portrayal of a young man so steeped in denial and self-loathing that is surely set to garner him many accolades come awards season.

Much internet chatter has surrounded the level of truth in this series. The Versace family has denounced it as a work of pure fiction. What is for certain is that Cunanan was a deeply disturbed individual who had an at best casual relationship with the truth teamed with an unslakable thirst to be loved. His slide into addiction details his back story of an implied abusive relationship with his father that explains his serious next level daddy issues.

It wouldn’t be a fashion based story without a few heavy hitting celebrity names riding the casting couch; in a case of incredibly kind casting, the beautiful Penelope Cruz takes up the role of the once pretty but now tragic victim of bad plastic surgery Donatella Versace. The “openly Latino” pop star Ricky Martin plays Versace’s long-time companion who displays a not before seen emotional range proving he’s not just a pretty package with a microphone. Judith Light (Ugly Betty, Transparent) lends some gravitas playing the elegant wife of one of Cunanan’s wealthy married suitors.

Whether or not this instalment of the American Crime Story stays faithful to the facts it nevertheless provides a fascinating voyeuristic look into the depths of the superficial world of fashion and the notions of truth, beauty and desire that propel that world. The performances are uniformly excellent and the story of internalised homophobia gone viral makes for an excellent binge worthy candidate to while away a lost rainy weekend.

Big Gay Binge | Darren Criss is a fashion killer in ACS: Versace

Music Supervisors Pick Their Favourite TV Syncs of 2018 So Far (Part 1) – Synchblog by Synchtank

Garrett McElver, SuperMusicVision (The Tick, Seal Team)

Show: American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace – Music Supervised by Amanda Krieg Thomas

Episode 4 – ‘House By The Lake’

Song: “Drive” – The Cars (on-camera performance by Aimee Mann)

“Drive” comes about midway through the season, and as a viewer we’re just so traumatized by everything that’s happened (and what we know will happen soon) that this music moment really cuts through. It’s a great showcase of the collaboration between the writers, director, executive producers, music supervisor, and Aimee Mann herself, as they’re all accomplishing a lot with a big featured song moment with an on-camera performance. We feel so helpless for the character David as he’s essentially been kidnapped by his murderous ex-lover Andrew. David’s whole life has crashed down around him, and we know there’s really no way out for him. As Andrew and David stop in a local bar during their escape out of town, we see the incredible Aimee Mann as the evening’s anonymous performer, and she begins to play a rendition of the song made famous by The Cars. David considers escaping through the bathroom window but ultimately does not, in fear of not making it very far and because Andrew’s manipulative reasoning for staying has gotten to him.

While Andrew sits at the table watching this performance by himself, we get to witness one of the very few honest human emotions from Andrew as he breaks into tears. So much of Andrew’s story showcases how manipulative and fake he is, but in this moment, something comes out. I love that this song can really resonate with both characters in this moment. Lyrically applying to David feeling lost and trapped in this situation with no literal or emotional escape. Who is going to be there for him? Who will drive him home? And also with Andrew, who we can tell thinks he’s in the right, feeling alone in his own regard. He feels he’s lost David. Andrew has put himself into this situation where murdering those in his way is the only conceivable choice left in his mind. Who’s gonna pay attention to his dreams? Who’s gonna drive him home? Seemingly no one, as he feels woefully under appreciated by the world around him. He cries at the bar, but we know these are not tears of a lesson learned, it’s fuel for his continued spree to come. Aimee Mann’s performance captures this sense of loss and dread so beautifully and hauntingly. It’s heartbreaking, it’s frustrating, it’s unfair. It’s a great scene.

Music Supervisors Pick Their Favourite TV Syncs of 2018 So Far (Part 1) – Synchblog by Synchtank

Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2018 (So Far)

The best TV shows of 2018 so far can be found right here. For this list, we’re taking a look at new and ongoing TV shows that made a huge splash in the first half of 2018. Our list includes shows like Westworld, Barry, Atlanta, The Americans, The Handmaid’s Tale, Cobra Kai, and more. Join WatchMojo as we count down our picks for the Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2018 So Far. | 21 July 2018

*The Assassination of Gianni Versace ranked #6 at 4:17

(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)

The Top 10 TV Shows of 2018 (So Far) | Staff List – Verified Tasks

07. The Assassination of Gianna Versace: American Crime Story (FX)

Season: two, following The Individuals v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story. 9 episodes. Finale aired March 21st.

Who’s In It? Darren Criss, Edgar Ramirez, Penelope Cruz, Cody Fern, Finn Wittrock, Ricky Martin, Judith Mild, Mike Farrell, Max Greenfield

Greatest Outing: Episode 5, “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell”

Should-See TV: If David Lynch reigned over tv in 2017, this yr belongs to Ryan Murphy. However, we already knew that again in January, when the second season of American Crime Story swept everybody away to the lascivious ’90s. On the floor, it’s a complete distillation of Murphy’s worst logos — his hit-or-miss model of melodrama, his ensemble of larger-than-life caricatures, and his manic, sweeping gesticulations at cultural commentary — solely it’s made pure via execution. Trendy, sensual, and curiously affecting, The Assassination of Gianni Versace looks like a real assertion from the veteran producer (and from author Tom Rob Smith).

Very similar to the primary season wasn’t actually concerning the OJ Simpson, this collection is hardly about Versace. As an alternative, it’s a lavish and sobering portrait of queer tradition, not only for yesterday, however at present. Via the eyes of spree killer Andrew Cunanan, performed to dizzying spectacle by Darren Criss, we witness a thriving scene hampered by society round it. It’s a difficult line Murphy toes, and one which hasn’t been with out its share of controversy, however he nails it. And due to a saucy soundtrack that ranges from Phil Collins to Laura Branigan to Aimee Mann overlaying the goddamn Automobiles, Murphy makes it an occasion. –Michael Roffman

The Top 10 TV Shows of 2018 (So Far) | Staff List – Verified Tasks

15 Best TV Shows of 2018 (So Far) – New TV Series to Watch Now

American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

American Crime Story has proven to be an anthology series that focuses on various social issues. Season 1 followed the O.J. Simpson trial, which turned out to be a great vehicle for examining race in America. The best episodes of that season, like “Marcia Marcia Marcia,” used the intersection of race and gender to paint a devastating portrait of a moment in American life. The second season attempts the same kind of exploration, but for the gay male experience in the United States.

Season 2 of American Crime Story doesn’t succeed as completely as Season 1, partially because Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss), the killer at the center of this story, isn’t the same towering cultural figure that Simpson was. Cunanan’s victims, including an aging closeted real estate developer, a man trying to balance his identity as a naval officer and a gay man, and of course, the fashion designer Gianni Versace, prove far more interesting and compelling vessels for exploring this season’s themes. And the lesser episodes are sometimes limited by the depth of their subjects.

ACS: Versace isn’t perfect, but the best episodes (penned by London Spy writer Tom Rob Smith) stand among the top TV of the year. In particular, the pilot, which examines Versace’s complicated and luxurious South Beach lifestyle, and “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” which follows Lt. Jeff Trail (Finn Wittrock) as he makes the decision to out himself and end his naval career, will stick with you long after the credits roll.

15 Best TV Shows of 2018 (So Far) – New TV Series to Watch Now

The Versace: ACS moments that scored Darren Criss an Emmy nomination

Darren Criss took on the role of spree killer Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s FX series The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. The actor’s portrayal scored him a nomination in the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series category. Other actors in the race for the big prize include Antonio Banderas in Genius: Picasso, John Legend in Jesus Christ Superstar, and Jesse Plemons in Black Mirror. All worthy talent, but we’re betting Criss will take home the honor.

Below, we take a look back Criss’ best moments as Cunanan.

Cunanan is no “Easy Lover”

Episode two “Manhunt”

This episode features the first time we see Andrew Cunanan’s devilish tricks. He and Ronnie (Max Greenfield) find an older businessman who is down for some discreet fun with Cunanan. Unfortunately for him, Cunanan had a different idea of a good time. In a scene that looks right out of Ryan Murphy’s American Horror Story, Cunanan covers the married man’s face in duct tape and turns up the volume to Phillip Bailey and Phil Collins’ “Easy Lover.” The man panics as he begins to suffocate, but Cunanan is busy dancing his heart out! He jumps on top of the man gasping for air and tells him to submit before cutting an air hole just in time.

A heartless Cunanan- Episode three “A Random Killing”

This entire episode showcases brilliant performances, but Darren Criss’ ruthless portrayal of Cunanan stands out. Out of all the episodes in the series, “A Random Killing,” is by far the most violent and difficult to watch. But to the cruel Cunanan, it’s just another day on his way to get to Gianni Versace.

Cunanan pumps it up – Episode four “House By The Lake”

After beating Jeff (Finn Wittrock) to death, Andrew takes off with David (Cody Fern). And instead of being afraid or feeling regret for his actions, Cunanan opens the car window and jams to Technotronic’s “Pump Up The Jam.”

Cunanan’s dad – Episode eight “Creator/Destroyer”

The moment Andrew Cunanan and Lizzie (Annaleigh Ashford) first meet is pretty fabulous! But the scene that steals the show in episode eight, “Creator/Destroyer,” is when Cunanan is forced to face the harsh reality of who his father, Modesto (Jon Jon Brinoes), really is. Angry, Cunanan tells his father he will never be like him, but he already was.

The finale – Episode nine, “Alone”

Cunanan, believing his father is coming to the rescue, sits tight with the television on. He somehow still imagines he’ll walk out of this with no consequences, but that hope quickly vanishes when his best friend Lizzie appears on television pleading Andrew to turn himself in. This is followed by an interview with David Madson’s father. Finally, the one person Cunanan still had love for, Modesto Cunanan, is on TV announcing a television program about his son, already cashing in on this tragedy. All of this breaks Cunanan as he realizes how alone he is.

Who are you rooting for? Are you hoping Darren Criss takes home the Emmy? The 70th Primetime Emmy Awards air Monday, September 17, on NBC.

The Versace: ACS moments that scored Darren Criss an Emmy nomination

Emmys 2018: The Ultimate Binge Guide — How to Catch Up on 30 Nominees

THE ASSASSINATION OF GIANNI VERSACE: AMERICAN CRIME STORY

Nominations: 18, including Limited Series

Total Episodes: 9 (1 season)

Ryan Murphy’s FX anthology took a lavish, colorful turn with the story of Versace killer Andrew Cunanan; it’s worth watching for Darren Criss’ mesmerizing performance alone.

Where to Watch: Amazon (for purchase), iTunes

Emmys 2018: The Ultimate Binge Guide — How to Catch Up on 30 Nominees

10 Best TV Shows Of 2018 (So Far)

9. The Assassination Of Gianni Versace

The strength of The People v O.J. Simpson (alongside its great cast and direction) was the way it gradually unfolded its titular case, adding new pieces each week until it all came together.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace could have followed that model, which may have guaranteed it some more hype from expectant American Crime Story fans, but instead it did the exact opposite: starting with the ‘main’ event, and then going backwards in time to show how and why it happened.

This isn’t so much a story about a murder case as it is about making a murderer, with the Ryan Murphy series shining a light on the societal and cultural issues that ultimately led Andrew Cunanan (played by an Emmy-deserving Darren Criss) killing Versace and a number of others on his murder spree.

It delves into Cunanan’s psyche, with Criss giving a performance that manages to be both unhinged and yet tragically human, and explores homophobia and what it means to be gay in America during the 90s. Uncompromising, fascinating, and with some stunning direction, this is a very different show to O.J., and might not have the same broad appeal, but is equally as deserving of your time.

10 Best TV Shows Of 2018 (So Far)

Critics Pick the Best TV Soundtracks of the Year (So Far) – IndieWire Survey

Joyce Eng (@joyceeng61), GoldDerby

If this were 2017, I’d say “Big Little Lies,” no contest. This year, I’ve enjoyed the ’90s tunes of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” and the era-transporting hybrid mixes on “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.”, which had to tell the story without Pac’s and Biggie’s music.

Critics Pick the Best TV Soundtracks of the Year (So Far) – IndieWire Survey