I went into this series without many expectations; I had heard it was well done, but I was not prepared for the tour de force I saw.
What could have been trashy cable schlock turned out to be not only a cultural artifact, but a work of art in and of itself.
I was in college when the OJ trial happened, and while I was never obsessed with it (as many were), it was nonetheless inescapable. I even had a sociology professor who made us watch highlights in class every day. Everyone was talking about it. It was a defining moment of our generation.
This series captured SO MUCH of the feeling that surrounded the trial; the chaos, the morbid fascination, the passion, the dread. It was all laid bare on the screen and masterfully presented with an insight and sensitivity that frankly shocked me. The writers and director somehow managed to sustain incredible dramatic tension throughout the series despite the fact we already knew how the story ends -- in fact, I'd even say that the tension was actually heightened for that very reason.
The casting and acting was likewise perfect across the board. I've read a few complaints about Cuba Gooding Jr. not being the best choice for OJ, but I strongly disagree. While he's not exactly a dead-ringer, he embodies the character so completely and does such a good job with the role that after the first episode you stop being bothered by his lack of physical resemblance.
It's rare that I'm so pleasantly surprised by a production, but this was a standout. Bravo to all involved.
What could have been trashy cable schlock turned out to be not only a cultural artifact, but a work of art in and of itself.
I was in college when the OJ trial happened, and while I was never obsessed with it (as many were), it was nonetheless inescapable. I even had a sociology professor who made us watch highlights in class every day. Everyone was talking about it. It was a defining moment of our generation.
This series captured SO MUCH of the feeling that surrounded the trial; the chaos, the morbid fascination, the passion, the dread. It was all laid bare on the screen and masterfully presented with an insight and sensitivity that frankly shocked me. The writers and director somehow managed to sustain incredible dramatic tension throughout the series despite the fact we already knew how the story ends -- in fact, I'd even say that the tension was actually heightened for that very reason.
The casting and acting was likewise perfect across the board. I've read a few complaints about Cuba Gooding Jr. not being the best choice for OJ, but I strongly disagree. While he's not exactly a dead-ringer, he embodies the character so completely and does such a good job with the role that after the first episode you stop being bothered by his lack of physical resemblance.
It's rare that I'm so pleasantly surprised by a production, but this was a standout. Bravo to all involved.