American Crime Story

This article is about the FX TV series. It is not to be confused with American Crime (TV series).
American Crime Story

Season 1 poster
Genre True crime
Created by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski
Based on The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson by Jeffrey Toobin (season 1)
Starring
Composer(s) Mac Quayle
Country of origin United States
Original language(s) English
No. of seasons 1
No. of episodes 10 (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)
Producer(s) Chip Vucelich
John Travolta
Alexis Martin Woodall
Editor(s) Adam Penn
C. Chi-Yoon Chung
Stewart Schill
Location(s) Los Angeles, California
Cinematography Nelson Cragg
Running time 41–58 minutes
Production company(s)
Distributor 20th Television
Release
Original network FX
Original release February 2, 2016 (2016-02-02) – present
External links
Website

American Crime Story is an American true crime anthology television series developed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, who are executive producers with Brad Falchuk, Nina Jacobson, Ryan Murphy, and Brad Simpson. It premiered on the cable network FX in the United States on February 2, 2016.[1][2][3]

The first season, subtitled The People v. O.J. Simpson, presents the murder trial of O.J. Simpson, based on Jeffrey Toobin's book The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson.[4] A second season is in development and it will focus on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.[5]

Cast

The People v. O.J. Simpson

Production

Development

On October 7, 2014, it was announced that FX had ordered a ten-episode season of American Crime Story, developed/executive produced by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, while being executive produced by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, who co-created such series as Nip/Tuck, Glee, American Horror Story and Scream Queens. Murphy also directed the pilot episode. Other executive producers are Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson.[6] Co-executive producers are Anthony Hemingway and D. V. DeVincentis. All 10 episodes are expected to be written by Alexander and Karaszewski.[4][7] The series was previously in development at Fox, but since moved to the company's sibling cable network FX.[8]

Casting

Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Sarah Paulson were the first to be cast as Simpson and Marcia Clark, respectively.[9] Subsequently, David Schwimmer was cast as Robert Kardashian.[10] In January 2015, it was reported that John Travolta had joined the cast as Robert Shapiro. He will also serve as producer.[11] In February 2015, Courtney B. Vance joined the series as Johnnie Cochran.[12] It was announced that Connie Britton would co-star as Faye Resnick, in March 2015.[13] April 2015, saw the casting of Sterling K. Brown as Christopher Darden;[14] and Jordana Brewster as Denise Brown.[15] and Kenneth Choi as Judge Lance Ito.[16] In May 2015, it was confirmed Selma Blair would be portraying the role of Kris Kardashian.[17] In July 2015, it was announced Nathan Lane had joined the cast as F. Lee Bailey.[18]

Filming

Principal photography for the series began on May 14, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.[15][19]

Promotion

In October 2015, FX released its first promotional trailer for The People v. O. J. Simpson, showing an Akita dog whining, walking from its residence onto a sidewalk to bark, then walking back to its residence, leaving behind bloody paw prints.[20] Later that month, another teaser was released, where the first actual footage of Travolta as Shapiro was shown. In the teaser, Shapiro is about to ask Simpson (whose face is unseen) if he is responsible for the murder of his ex-wife. Another short teaser came out, where Simpson (again unseen) is taking a lie detector test.

In November, two new teasers were released. The first shows Simpson writing his attempted suicide letter, while a voice-over by Gooding, Jr. narrates. The second has the police chasing Simpson's white Ford Bronco, while dozens of fans cheer for him.[21]

The first full trailer was released in December, along with a poster for the season. The trailer included a suicide attempt on the part of Simpson, in the childhood bedroom of Kim Kardashian, while Robert Kardashian tries to stop him.[22]

Episodes

Season 1: The People v. O.J. Simpson (2016)
No. Title Directed by Written by Original air date Prod.
code		 U.S. viewers
(millions)
1"From the Ashes of Tragedy"Ryan MurphyScott Alexander & Larry KaraszewskiFebruary 2, 2016 (2016-02-02)1WAX015.11[23]
2"The Run of His Life"Ryan MurphyScott Alexander & Larry KaraszewskiFebruary 9, 2016 (2016-02-09)1WAX023.89[24]
3"The Dream Team"Anthony HemingwayD. V. DeVincentisFebruary 16, 2016 (2016-02-16)1WAX033.33[25]
4"100% Not Guilty"Anthony HemingwayMaya Forbes & Wallace Wolodarsky and
Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski		February 23, 2016 (2016-02-23)1WAX042.99[26]
5"The Race Card"John SingletonJoe Robert ColeMarch 1, 2016 (2016-03-01)1WAX052.72[27]
6"Marcia, Marcia, Marcia"Ryan MurphyD. V. DeVincentisMarch 8, 2016 (2016-03-08)1WAX063.00[28]
7"Conspiracy Theories"Anthony HemingwayD. V. DeVincentisMarch 15, 2016 (2016-03-15)1WAX072.89[29]
8"A Jury in Jail"Anthony HemingwayJoe Robert ColeMarch 22, 2016 (2016-03-22)1WAX082.91[30]
9"Manna from Heaven"Anthony HemingwayScott Alexander & Larry KaraszewskiMarch 29, 2016 (2016-03-29)1WAX092.76[31]
10"The Verdict"Ryan MurphyScott Alexander & Larry KaraszewskiApril 5, 2016 (2016-04-05)1WAX103.27[32]

Broadcast

International broadcast

The series first premiered worldwide in Canada on FX on February 2, 2016.[33] In the Philippines, the series premiered on February 3, 2016 on CT.[34] The series premiered on BBC Two in the United Kingdom on February 15, 2016.[35] In Australia the series premiered on Network Ten on March 6, 2016. In South Asia, the series premiered on STAR Word Premier HD on February 8, 2016. In Israel the series premiered on February 22nd, 2016.

Reception

The first season of American Crime Story has received critical acclaim. The review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes gave the season an approval rating of 97%, based on 64 reviews, with an average rating of 8.6/10. The site's critical consensus reads, "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story brings top-shelf writing, directing, and acting to bear on a still-topical story while shedding further light on the facts – and provoking passionate responses along the way."[36] On Metacritic, the season has a score of 90 out of 100, based on 43 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[37]

Many critics have singled out many cast members for the performances, particularly Paulson and Vance.[38][39][40] Dan Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter praised the performances of Paulson and Vance, writing: "As Clark's discomfort grows, Paulson's collection of tics seem more and more human[...] Vance's Cochran is sometimes hilarious, but he has a dynamic range such that he's occasionally introspective and always intelligent as well."[39] Brian Lowry of Variety praised the casting of the smaller roles, particularly Connie Britton as Faye Resnick and Nathan Lane as F. Lee Bailey.[41]

Despite the praise for the rest of the cast, Travolta's portrayal of Shapiro and Gooding's portrayal of Simpson have been met with mixed reviews by critics. Brian Lowry of Variety called Travolta "awful" in the role, adding: "Yes, Shapiro spoke in stiff, measured tones, but the actor's overly mannered line readings turn the attorney into a buffoon, in sharp contrast to the more nuanced portrayals around him."[41] Nicole Jones of Vanity Fair called his performance "campy and calculated."[42] Dan Feinberg of The Hollywood Reporter also criticized his performance, calling it "a mesmerizingly bad performance from the eyebrows down." He also wrote that "His unnecessary accent varies by episode, and Travolta's laser intensity feels arch and almost kabuki at times, turning Shapiro into a terrifying character from the next American Horror Story installment, rather than a part of this ensemble."[39] Maureen Ryan of Vanity Fair, conversely, became more impressed with Travolta as the season progressed: "I started in the realm of puzzled disbelief, arrived at amusement, and ultimately traveled to a place of sincere appreciation. You simply can’t take your eyes off Travolta, and that is a form of enchantment."[43] Dave Schilling of The Guardian panned Gooding's performance, writing: "his whiny, gravely voice sounds absolutely nothing like the real OJ Simpson’s deep, commanding tones."[44] Michael Starr of The New York Post also was highly critical of Gooding's performance, saying that he "portrays Simpson as a hollow, sad-sack cipher who speaks in a high-pitched whine and sleepwalks in a fog he never shakes after being arrested for the brutal double murder of ex-wife Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman. He’s a forgettable, annoying presence in what should be a showcase role for Gooding — who, to be fair, is reciting lines written for him, so he can only do so much with the material."[45] On the other hand, Joe McGovern was more positive on Gooding's performance, writing that his casting "takes a risk and pulls it off."[46]

Awards and nominations

Year Association Category Nominated artist/work Result
2015 5th Critics' Choice Television Awards[47]
Most Exciting New Series American Crime Story Won

References

  1. ↑ "American Crime Story: The People v. OJ Simpson – Launch". Youtube. FX Networks.
  2. ↑ Gelman, Vlada (January 18, 2015). "FX Boss Talks Ronald Reagan's Fargo Season 2 Role, The Americans' Future, Bridge Regrets and More". TVLine. Retrieved January 18, 2015.
  3. ↑ Daley, Megan (November 12, 2015). "FX announces premiere dates for American Crime Story and more". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 22, 2015.
  4. 1 2 "FX Orders American Crime Story From American Horror Story Creator". IGN.com. October 7, 2014.
  5. ↑ "FX's 'American Crime Story': Season 2 Plan Revealed (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. January 6, 2016.
  6. ↑ Zuckerman, Esther (October 7, 2014). "Ryan Murphy to tackle O.J. Simpson case with 'American Crime Story'". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  7. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (October 7, 2014). "‘American Horror Story’ Companion Series ‘American Crime Story’ From Ryan Murphy Set At FX – O.J. First Topic". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 5, 2015.
  8. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (March 20, 2013). "Fox Developing 'Shogun,' O.J. Simpson Longform Dramas". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  9. ↑ "Cuba Gooding, Jr., Sarah Paulson to Star in FX's 'American Crime Story: People v. O.J. Simpson". Yahoo! News. Retrieved December 9, 2014.
  10. ↑ Ausiello, Michael (December 19, 2014). "David Schwimmer Joins FX's OJ-Themed American Crime Story as Robert Kardashian". TVLine. Retrieved October 30, 2015.
  11. ↑ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (January 7, 2015). "John Travolta Lands Lead Role In FX’s ‘American Crime Story’". Variety. Retrieved January 8, 2015.
  12. ↑ Goldberg, Lesley (February 5, 2015). "Courtney B. Vance Set as Johnnie Cochran in FX's 'American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 7, 2015.
  13. ↑ Murphy, Ryan (March 23, 2015). "Excited to announce my friend Connie Britton will play Faye Resnick in the upcoming FX miniseries The People v. O.J. Simpson.". Twitter. Retrieved March 23, 2015.
  14. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (April 17, 2015). "Sterling K. Brown To Play Christopher Darden in "The People V. O.J. Simpson"". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  15. 1 2 Stack, Tim (April 30, 2015). "Jordana Brewster to play Denise Brown in American Crime Story: The People V. OJ Simpson". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved April 30, 2015.
  16. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie (April 30, 2015). "Kenneth Choi To Play Judge Ito In ‘The People V. O.J. Simpson’". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  17. ↑ Andreeva, Nellie. "Selma Blair To Play Kris Jenner In ‘The People V. O.J. Simpson’". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  18. ↑ Fleming Jr, Mike (July 13, 2015). "Nathan Lane Set As F. Lee Bailey In FX’s O.J. Trial Series ‘American Crime Story’". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  19. ↑ "John Travolta, Selma Blair, David Schwimmer And Cuba Gooding Jr. Were All Spotted On Their Way To Filming American Crime Story! They Look So Authentic!". perezhilton.com. Retrieved September 19, 2015.
  20. ↑ Roy, Jessica (October 9, 2015). "American Crime Story Teaser: Meet the Most Unlikely Witnesses in the O.J. Simpson Trial". TV Guide. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
  21. ↑ Stack, Tim (November 4, 2015). "American Crime Story teaser: O.J. Simpson's Bronco chase". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved November 18, 2015.
  22. ↑ Jeremy Clymer. "American Crime Story Trailer Revisits the O.J. Simpson Trial". Screenrant.com. Retrieved 2016-02-03.
  23. ↑ Welch, Alex (February 3, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' premiere soars". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  24. ↑ Welch, Alex (February 10, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' leads again". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 10, 2016.
  25. ↑ Welch, Alex (February 18, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' falls, 'Pretty Little Liars' rises". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 18, 2016.
  26. ↑ Welch, Alex (February 24, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' stays steady". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 24, 2016.
  27. ↑ Welch, Alex (March 2, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' falls". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  28. ↑ Welch, Alex (March 9, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' rises slightly". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  29. ↑ Welch, Alex (March 16, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' and 'Fixer Upper' stay steady". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 17, 2016.
  30. ↑ Welch, Alex (March 23, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'Fixer Upper' ticks up, 'If Loving You is Wrong' dips". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 25, 2016.
  31. ↑ Welch, Alex (March 30, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'Deadliest Catch' premieres well, 'The People v. O.J. Simpson' dips". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  32. ↑ Welch, Alex (April 6, 2016). "Tuesday cable ratings: 'The People v O.J. Simpson' finale stays on top". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved April 7, 2016.
  33. ↑ "Rogers Media TV Access". Rogers Media. January 25, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  34. ↑ "The People V. O.J Simpson: American Crime Story @ ClickTheCity.com TV". ClickTheCity.com. February 3, 2016. Retrieved March 10, 2016.
  35. ↑ Deeks, Sue (February 15, 2016). "BBC picks up American Crime Story". BBC. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
  36. ↑ "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story: Season 1 (2016)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  37. ↑ "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story: Season 1 reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved February 1, 2016.
  38. ↑ Sepinwall, Alan (February 1, 2016). "Review: FX's compelling 'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story'". HitFix. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  39. 1 2 3 Fienberg, Dan (January 19, 2016). "'The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story': TV Review". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 4, 2016.
  40. ↑ Bernstein, Jonathan (February 3, 2016). "The People v. OJ Simpson: American Crime Story, review: 'expertly executed entertainment'". The Telegraph. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  41. 1 2 Lowry, Brian (January 27, 2016). "TV Review: ‘The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story’". Variety. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  42. ↑ Jones, Nicole (February 2, 2016). "The People v. O.J. Simpson Recap: Episode 1 Fact Check". Vanity Fair. Retrieved February 3, 2016.
  43. ↑ Ryan, Maureen (February 10, 2016). "'In His High-Profile Return to TV, John Travolta Gets Noticed'". Retrieved March 15, 2016.
  44. ↑ Schilling, Dave. "The People v OJ Simpson: episode one – great casting, with one exception".
  45. ↑ Starr, Michael. "Cuba Gooding Jr. has made despicable O.J. Simpson boring". Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  46. ↑ McGovern, Joe. "In defense of Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson". Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  47. ↑ Surette, Tim (May 26, 2015). "Critics' Choice Awards Name Supergirl, Minority Report and More as Most Exciting New Shows". TV Guide. Retrieved May 3, 2016.

External links

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the Wednesday, May 04, 2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.