American Crime Story has recently debuted – with the first series providing an in-depth review of the famous OJ Simpson murder trial. With an all-star cast, fantastic locations and realism, and of course a great plotline to help, it is an all-round classic already. While there is not the element of surprise that you would expect from a fictional drama, this series is still worth every second.
Nicknamed the ‘Trial of the Century’ – the OJ Simpson murder trial was an unprecedented case in terms of public interest, media coverage and celebrity appeal. OJ Simpson – famous American football player, was tried against murder charges, with Ron Goldman and OJ’s ex-wife Nicole Simpson tragically murdered in 1994. The trial lasted almost a full year, where eventually OJ Simpson was acquitted – found innocent. The whole episode is being covered by American Crime Story.
The trial as mentioned garnered unprecedented attention. Despite now being over twenty years ago – it is still widely analysed to this day. Gaining a previously-unseen insight into the trial via this program is very interesting. Of course not all of it is true, some of it is the work of estimation, but nevertheless, it provides a very intriguing insight into the trial, which makes a perfect drama.
The entire trial was one of the most controversial in history. The issue of race was integral throughout. Polls conducted around USA found that black people felt Simpson was innocent, with many seeing him as a ‘pillar’ of the Black community. White respondents had alternative views largely. Simpson, at the estimated cost of almost $6M, hired leading lawyers, creating ‘the dream team’. Every twist and turn of the trial is covered well throughout the drama.
As mentioned, there is an all-star cast. Cuba Gooding Jr plays OJ Simpson superbly. While no one but Simpson himself knows what he went through throughout the trial, Gooding plays the part superbly. The ‘Dream team’ lawyers also boast big names – with the evergreen John Travolta as Robert Shapiro, David Schwimmer playing Rob Kardashian, and Courtney B. Vance as the charismatic Johnnie Cochrane. Sarah Paulson also deserves mention for her superb portrayal as Marcia Clark – prosecutor.
Having to rely on the BBC showing this American import, I am only a few episodes into this series. However I already thoroughly enjoy it, and would certainly recommend it to any prospective viewer. The rave reviews that the show has received provides evidence of the fine content involved with the show. The best part is, ‘American Crime Story’ is an anthology – meaning more is surely to follow after the OJ Simpson trial.
Overall, this is a must-watch. With a strong showing of the different aspects of the trial in question, this is a very good show. As mentioned, the OJ Simpson trial was on a scale never seen before – likely to never be seen again. This dramatization provides a strong insight into the ‘trial of the century’ – and is certainly well worth watching.
/MF/
(‘074’)
Millicent Faith 