“American Crime Story” promises to recreate the trial of the century. “The People v. O.J. Simpson” relives the 1994 story that captivated the nation.
Presented as a true crime series, “American Crime Story” dramatizes the behind the scenes events of one of the most famous media events the U.S. has seen: the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and the trial of her ex-husband, O.J. Simpson.
FX continues to prove it is in the Ryan Murphy business with this anthology. “Crime Story” is considered a spin-off of “American Horror Story,” which has brought immense popularity to the network. Murphy, however, is less involved in “American Crime Story.” This is a positive for FX, given his track record with the decline of “Glee” and “American Horror Story.”
From the very beginning, the show overtly parallels modern society by depicting the violent riots over police brutality in 1992 Los Angeles. Starting out the series with these riots is certainly a nod to the outcome of the case in question. Despite a few too many Kardashian references, “American Crime Story” brilliantly examines all sides of the case through a retrospective lens.
“American Crime Story” could have easily become a melodramatic and over-the-top Lifetime series, but the premiere proves the show to be far better. It is sharp and laser-focused. “Crime Story” has the perfect amount of exposition and doesn’t choose a side. The show lets the audience decide for themselves if Simpson is guilty or innocent.
In true Murphy fashion, the cast is spectacular: prosecutor Marcia Clark is portrayed by Sarah Paulson, who continues to prove she is one of the best actresses in the business; Cuba Gooding, Jr. portrays Simpson in what could be a career comeback; David Schwimmer, Courtney B. Vance and Connie Britton all put in solid performances playing Robert Kardashian, Johnnie Cochran and Faye Resnick, respectively.
Yet the strangest part of the cast is perhaps the biggest actor attached to the project: John Travolta. His performance as defense attorney Robert Shapiro is out of place and forced. When compared with the rest of the cast, Travolta seems out of his element.
Despite Murphy’s erratic camera movements, “American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson” is off to a riveting jump-start. The first few episodes will now set the scene with the double homicide and the famous Simpson car chase. With an all-star cast and sharp writing, “Crime Story” is sure to become more exhilarating as it approaches the famous trial originally watched by millions.
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