The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

Independent wrote:
Golden Globes 2019 predictions: Who will win and who should win?

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Will Win: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story

Should Win: The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
American Crime Story may soon prove to be the most successful Ryan Murphy show when it comes to awards recognition. After a firecracker of a season that was The People v OJ Simpson, the series returned with an altogether different, darker, and pulpier take with The Assassination of Gianni Versace. Although it’s competing against the also excellent Sharp Objects, a slow-burning Gillian Flynn adaptation, The Assassination of Gianni Versace is simply too ambitious for the HFPA to resist.



Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television

Will Win: Darren Criss, The Assassination of Gianni Versace​

Should Win: Darren Criss, The Assassination of Gianni Versace

American Crime Story is all about the show-stopping performances. When it came to The People v OJ Simpson, there wasn’t a clear scene-stealer, although Sarah “I am begging your from my soul” Paulson was the one to pick up a Golden Globe for it. This time around, however, it’s all about Darren Criss. The former Glee star is nothing short of revelatory as serial killer Andrew Cunanan, a sociopath that we revile but whose story we can’t resist investing in, as the show traces back to the origins of his murder spree.

Consequences of Sound wrote:
Golden Globes 2019: Who Will Win, Who Should Win

January 3, 2019

BEST ACTOR IN A LIMITED SERIES, OR TV MOVIE

Antonio Banderas, Genius: Picasso
Daniel Bruhl, The Alienist
Darren Criss, The Assassination of Gianni Versace
Benedict Cumberbatch, Patrick Melrose
Hugh Grant, A Very English Scandal

Who Should Win: Darren Criss

Who Will Win: Darren Criss
::glances at list of names:: Duh, Darren Criss. —Michael Roffman



BEST LIMITED SERIES OR TV MOVIE
The Alienist
The Assasination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Dirty John
Escape at Dannemora
Sharp Objects
A Very English Scandal

Who Should Win: The Assassination of Gianni Versace

Who Will Win: Sharp ObjectsThere’s so much star power emanating from HBO’s Sharp Objects, and star power is the fuel of the Globes. Another promising factor is that the series dominates every category in television this year. And, yeah, it also doesn’t hurt that Jean-Marc Vallée is involved, whose Big Little Lies ran away with nearly every award last year. Still, nobody puts Ryan Murphy in the corner, so don’t count out Versace … but don’t bet on it, either. –Michael Roffman

K Site TV wrote:
Shilo Adams: Top 25 TV Shows of 2018

Jan. 2, 2019

10. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (FX)

The Assassination of Gianni Versace is a case of needing to see the forest in spite of the trees. Once you get past the unconventional structure which reverse chronologically follows Versace murderer Andrew Cunanan in lieu of fleshing out its title subject, the season eschews typical true crime trappings and becomes a visceral, almost smothering examination of homophobia buttressed by sumptuous direction and a towering and layered performance from Emmy winner Darren Criss. Its stylish, almost operatic extravagance and deep sense of empathy help the sometimes bloated episode times, while the prioritizing of character-focused episodes and the “why” over the “how” produces many a narrative gut punch. Versace still believes that Cunanan was a monster for what he did to the iconic fashion designer, as well as everything that led up to the events of that fateful day in July 1997, but it spends nine episodes showing you that not all monsters are born that way. Sometimes they’re created by those around them.

Variety wrote:
Golden Globes Predictions: Who Will Win (and Who Should)

January 3, 2019

LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE

Will win: “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX)

Should win: “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX)

Don’t count out: “A Very English Scandal” (Amazon)

Ryan Murphy’s true crime anthology series is back in the running for the second time, and after taking the trophy for its “The People v. O.J. Simpson” installment in 2017, it is poised to see another win. The Emmy wins and star turn for Darren Criss certainly helped boost its profile — as did more recent headlines from Criss who said this would be his last gay role. Murphy may have mastered the format, but Amazon’s three-part limited series based on former Parliament leader Jeremy Thorpe’s real-life sex scandal left the audience wanting more and may prove to be tough competition, too.



LIMITED SERIES/TV MOVIE ACTOR

Will win: Hugh Grant (“A Very English Scandal”)

Should win: Hugh Grant (“A Very English Scandal”)

Don’t count out: Darren Criss (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”)

Hugh Grant took on real-life politician Jeremy Thorpe for his first small screen role and proved a maturity in doing so. Normally nominated for rom-coms on the film side of the ballot, spending more time (three episodes) with a more serious side of him made him a shoo-in for recognition once again. However, Criss’ own star turn as the infamous Andrew Cunanan earned him an Emmy and caused the audience to empathize, even if not fully sympathize, with a spree killer.

Time wrote:
Here's Who Will Win at the 2019 Golden Globes

January 3, 2019

Best Limited Series
The Alienist | The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story | Escape at Dannemora | Sharp Objects | A Very English Scandal

Ryan Murphy is prolific. He has now been nominated five times and won once at the Golden Globes. He has two shows nominated this year: Pose in the competitive Drama category, and The Assassination of Gianni Versace in the slightly less competitive Limited Series category. Voters will probably give a win to Versace, which already has plenty of awards show momentum thanks to an all-star cast and an Emmy-winning turn from Darren Criss.

TV Guide wrote:
Who Will Win at the Golden Globes (And Who Should)?

Jan. 4, 2019

Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

The Alienist
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Escape at Dannemora
Sharp Objects
A Very English Scandal

Who Should Win: Sharp Objects. Don’t tell mama.

Who Will Win: Expect The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story to play the role of Big Little Lies at this year’s ceremony, winning all over the place.




Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television

Antonio Banderas, Genius: Picasso
Daniel Bruhl, The Alienist
Darren Criss, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story
Benedict Cumberbatch, Patrick Melrose
Hugh Grant, A Very English Scandal

Who Should Win: Darren Criss was a breakout star in 2018 and with good reason. His performance in The Assassination of Gianni Versace was unmatched.

Who Will Win: Criss.

Inquirer wrote:
Will it be a night of historic firsts at Golden Globes?

January 03, 2019

LOS ANGELES—Will it be a night of historic firsts at the 76th Golden Globe Awards?

If Darren Criss wins best actor-limited series or TV movie for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story,” he will be the first Filipino-American to win a Golden Globe Award.

Darren is the first Fil-Am to be nominated in this category of the Golden Globes, which honors excellence in both film and television, to be handed out on Sunday (Monday morning, Manila time) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Darren is up against Antonio Banderas (“Genius: Picasso”), Daniel Brühl (“The Alienist”), Benedict Cumberbatch (“Patrick Melrose”) and Hugh Grant (“A Very English Scandal”).

Lou Diamond Phillips has the honor of being the first Fil-Am to earn a Globe nod. He garnered the best supporting actor nomination for “Stand and Deliver” in 1989.

Last September, Darren already made history when he became the first Fil-Am to win a lead actor Emmy trophy.

HFPA in Conversation: Ryan Murphy, Golden Globe Veteran

As a child, Ryan Murphy already dreamed of a career in Hollywood.  After a short stint in TV visionary, who has been breaking boundaries since the late 90s.  In the last 20 years, he has created, produced and directed shows like Nip/Tuck, The New Normal, Glee, Scream Queens, Feud, American Horror Story – that launched a season-long anthology format eight years ago -, 9-1-1, Pose and American Crime Story. | 2 January 2019

Too Fab wrote:
Golden Globe Predictions: Who Will Win and Who Should Win in 2019

January 1, 2019

Best Actor (Limited Series or Movie Made for Television)

Antonio Banderas, “Genius: Picasso”
Daniel Bruhl, “The Alienist”
Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”
Benedict Cumberbatch, “Patrick Melrose”
Hugh Grant, “A Very English Scandal”

This might be the easiest category of the night. Hugh Grant does a great job playing against type for “A Very English Scandal,” but he’s outshined by Ben Whishaw, who could surprise with a supporting win. We don’t think “The Alienist” really garnered enough attention for Daniel Bruhl to stand out above his more well-known counterparts, while Benedict Cumberbatch and Antonio Banderas are the “famous” nominations (though both were transformative performances). Still, this one should be a slam-dunk for Darren Criss, who embodied serial killer Andrew Cunanan with a sinister, tragic and deranged humanity we could not take our eyes off of. Already an Emmy winner, we expect follow-up gold.

Should Win: Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

Will Win: Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”




Best Limited Series or Movie Made for Television

“The Alienist” (TNT)
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (FX) - EMMY
“Escape at Dannemora” (Showtime)
“Sharp Objects” (HBO)
“A Very English Scandal” (Amazon)

Honestly, this category seems like a foregone conclusion. “Sharp Objects” was a boutique piece that fell flat in execution, “The Alienist” didn’t quite rise to the occasion, while “Escape at Dannemora” flew very under the radar. “A Very English Scandal” was compelling and got some amazing performances from its cast, so it could be a contender here, and especially with the HFPA voting. But it’s still hard to picture anything more deserving than “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” which was absolutely must-see TV from start to finish.

Should Win: “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

“"Will Win:** "The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

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The producers of “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” accept the award for Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards. | 6 January 2019

Darren Criss accepts the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or a Motion Picture Made for Television at the 76th Annual Golden Globe Awards. | 6 January 2019

Golden Globes 2019: Darren Criss Before His Big Win (Exclusive)

ET spoke with the ‘Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ star at the Golden Globe Awards, which aired Sunday on NBC. | 6 January 2019

Edgar Ramirez Promotes Gender Equality at 2019 Golden Globes

The “American Crime Story” star speaks about his fight against gender inequality on the 2019 Golden Globes red carpet. Hear about the U.N. initiative HeForShe! | 6 January 2019

Cody Fern, Billy Porter, Judy Greer Defy Gender Types On Golden Globes Red Carpet

Graeme O'Neil reacts to Cody Fern, Billy Porter, and Judy Greer playing the gender norms with their red carpet looks at the 2019 Golden Globes. | 6 January 2019

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A higher quality video of the ACS Versace cast interview at the Golden Globes

American Cinema Editors wrote:
ACE 69TH ANNUAL EDDIE AWARD NOMINEES

BEST EDITED LIMITED SERIES OR MOTION PICTURE FOR TELEVISION:

The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story: “A Random Killing”
Emily Greene

Escape at Dannemora: “Episode Seven”
Malcolm Jamieson & Geoffrey Richman ACE


Sharp Objects: “Milk”
Véronique Barbe, Dominique Champagne, Justin Lachance, Maxime Lahaie, Émile Vallée & Jai M. Vee

Variety wrote:
‘Buster Scruggs,’ ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Haunting of Hill House’ Nominated for Art Directors Guild Awards

January 7, 2019

The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) has announced nominees for excellence in production design in feature film and television for 2018.

Television Movie or Miniseries

“The Alienist” – “The Boy on the Bridge” (Mara LePere-Schloop)
“American Horror Story: Apocalypse” – “Fire and Reign” (Valdar Wilt)
“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story” (Judy Becker)
“Maniac” (Alex Digerlando)
“Sharp Objects” (John Paino)

Cinema Audio Society wrote:
CINEMA AUDIO SOCIETY NOMINATIONS FOR THE 55th ANNUAL CAS AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN SOUND MIXING FOR 2018

January 8, 2019

TELEVISION MOVIE or LIMITED SERIES


American Crime Story: The Assassination of Gianni Versace (Part 1) The Man Who Would Be Vogue

Production Mixer – John Bauman, CAS
Re-recording Mixer – Joe Earle, CAS
Re-recording Mixer – Doug Andham, CAS
ADR Mixer – Judah Getz, CAS
Foley Mixer – Arno Stephanian


Escape at Dannemore: Episode 101

Fahrenheit 451

Genius: Picasso “Chapter 1”

The Romanoffs: House of Special Purpose

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GMA News Online wrote:
Golden Globes 2019: A night of firsts

January 9, 2019

Beverly Hills — It was a night of firsts at the recently held 76th Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton.

Darren Criss, 31, who bagged the Best Performance by an Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television for portraying serial killer Andrew Cunanan in Ryan Murphy’s “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” became the first Filipino-American to win a Golden Globe in this category.

Everybody was moved when Darren thanked his mom: “As we’ve seen, this has been a marvelous year for representation in Hollywood, and I am so enormously proud to be a teeny tiny part of that as the son of a firecracker Filipina woman from Cebu who dreamed of coming to this country and getting to be invited to cool parties like this. So, mom, I know you’re watching this. You are hugely responsible for most of the good things in my life. I love you dearly. I dedicate this to you.”

LA Times wrote:
SAG Awards predictions: A 'Black Panther' cast win will shift the Oscar best picture race

MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR LIMITED SERIES

The nominees: Antonio Banderas, “Genius: Picasso”; Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”; Hugh Grant, “A Very English Scandal”; Anthony Hopkins, “King Lear”; Bill Pullman, “The Sinner”

And the winner is: Probably Emmy-winner Criss, both for the work and the simple fact that it is easily the most-seen performance.

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Gold Derby wrote:
Darren Criss, Rachel Brosnahan on a roll after winning Emmys, Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Awards

January 16, 2019

Just about everyone in Hollywood knows how hard it is to win an award. Winning three [awards] for one performance is another thing altogether. That’s what Rachel Brosnahan (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and Darren Criss (“The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”) just experienced after adding a Critics’ Choice Award to their respective mantles last weekend, following victories at the Emmys and Golden Globes.

Unlike with film awards, we don’t often see full sweeps on the TV side. Only five actors have pulled off a total sweep of the major TV prizes (Emmy, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, Screen Actors Guild Award and Television Critics’ Association Award): Bryan Cranston for “Breaking Bad,” Claire Danes for “Homeland,” Tina Fey for “30 Rock,” Julianna Margulies for “The Good Wife” and Sarah Paulson for “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.” For Brosnahan and Criss to win three major awards within four months of each other is a huge accomplishment, speaking to how their performances have connected with critics and the industry alike.

[ . . . ]

Brosnahan and Criss are also up for Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 27, where they clearly have a strong chance of extending their winning streaks. Criss won’t be able to sweep all five television awards considering he already lost the TCA Award last year, and “The Assassination of Gianni Versace” is a limited series so he wouldn’t have the opportunity to win it for a future season.

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Darren Criss Army wrote:Happy Anniversary to ACS Versace!

Yes, it’s actually been a full year since the show premiered in the US & Canada! Can you believe it?

And now it is also available on Netflix!

Backstage wrote:

Your 2019 SAG Voters’ Guide: The TV Nominees

January 17, 2019

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES

Penélope Cruz, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

Entrances don’t get more fabulous than the one Cruz’s Donatella Versace makes in this show’s first episode. Clad in black, emerging from a private jet, and projecting an icy grimness that feels distinctly Italian, the legendary designer strolls into the aftermath of her brother’s assassination and Cruz proceeds to steal the show. The actor proved again why she’s an icon on camera—is it too much to hope she comes back to TV?

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR IN A TELEVISION MOVIE OR MINISERIES


Darren Criss, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story”

Together with creator Ryan Murphy, the Emmy-winning Criss created one of the most complex, compelling gay characters ever on TV in the second outing of “American Crime Story.” This season zeroed in not on Versace, but on his killer, Andrew Cunanan: a sociopathic monster, yes, but one born of an internalized homophobia that we, as an audience watching his intricate devolution, are tempted to blame on the world around him.

Gold Derby wrote:
PGA Awards predictions: Best Limited Series will be a cakewalk for ‘Versace’

January 18, 2019

“Versace,”  . . .  has swept the limited series/TV movie prizes so far, claiming the Emmy, Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award. A victory would also make the “American Crime Story” anthology series the second program with multiple wins in the category, following its FX brethren “Fargo” (2015-16); “The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story” similarly dominated the season two years ago.

Decider wrote:
‘The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story’ Is Now on Netflix

Jan. 18, 2019

Netflix has just landed one of the most critically praised dramas of last year. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Ryan Murphy’s ode to the notorious fashion designer who was murdered far too soon, is now streaming.

[ . . . ]

. . . The series aptly side-steps any simple characterizations or cheap plot twists when it comes to this layered story. Every moment, from when Andrew Cunanan first pulls the trigger on the legendary Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramírez), to nine episodes later when he turns the gun on himself, is treated with solemnity. Under Murphy and his executive production team of Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Brad Falchuk, Scott Alexander, and Larry Karaszewski, the series somberly depicts the poisons of systematic homophobia. The true horror and sorrow of this series don’t have anything to do with its unhinged killer. It comes from the fact that Andrew Cunanan and the crimes he committed were entirely stoppable, yet no one was paying attention to the community that needed help the most.

The Assassination of Gianni Versace is indisputably one of the most powerful, emotional, and gorgeous projects Murphy and his team have ever produced. And since it’s already won 20 awards to date including seven Emmys and two Golden Globes, it’s a series that absolutely needs to be your weekend binge. Throw it on and get ready for Finn Wittrock to break your heart.

Decider wrote:
Why 2018 Felt Like the Closing of a Chapter for Ryan Murphy

January 17, 2019

2018 was, by all measures, a huge year for TV producer Ryan Murphy. Creatively, he reached some of his peaks, with American Crime Story‘s season on the death of Gianni Versace producing some of the best, most affecting work of his TV career; with Pose breaking all kinds of ground for trans representation on TV, and with a most unlikely hit in 9-1-1 on FOX. But it was behind the scenes where Murphy made his biggest headlines. In February, Murphy inked a five-year deal with Netflix that was reportedly worth upwards of $300 million, the priciest deal in TV history. The deal enhanced Netflix’s reputation — with Murphy and Shonda Rhimes in their stable, Netflix has essentially locked up the two most influential TV creators of the current era — while also setting Murphy’s reputation at the very top of the mountain.

Murphy’s Netflix era hasn’t begun to bear fruit yet — though he’s announced projects The Politician (starring Brad Pitt and co-created with his Glee cohorts Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan) and Ratched (a villain-centric remake of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest) — but what we did get were three Murphy-produced seasons on FX last year that, when seen as a whole, served as a perfect swan song to the years he’s spent with the network, starting with Nip/Tuck premiered in 2003. Starting with The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, continuing with Pose over the summer, and concluding with the 8th season of American Horror Story, subtitled “Apocalypse,” this trio of shows might have been the perfect way for Murphy to go out with a bang.

With The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Murphy may well have reached his creative peak. This limited series had almost everything Murphy’s work has been circling around all this time: an obsession with fame and glamour, stomach-turning violence, and a surprising resonance about the role that anti-gay prejudice plays (and played) in America. With a structure (so often Murphy’s bugaboo) provided by screenwriter Tom Rob Smith, Versace was able to move back in time from Andrew Cunanan killing Versace through a parallel examination of their lives and how a society steeped in institutional homophobia set them both on a collision course towards each other.

Versace alone could have been Murphy’s mic-drop at FX, leaving on the highest of high notes (Versace went on to win Emmy and Golden Globe Awards). But in June came one of his most daring shows to date. Pose looked back to the lives and experiences of the queer — and mostly queer people of color — community in New York City in the mid-’80s, and in particular the house balls that influenced everybody from RuPaul to Madonna. In producing the series, and using his clout to make sure that the cast would include queer and trans performers, Murphy used his fame and fortune in order to better his community and the greater LGBTQ+ community. And in co-producing the series with creator Steven Canals, Murphy put some power into the hands of a talent who needed a boost, putting the reins of this newly buzzy show in the hands of the man who pitched it to him in the first place.

But that sense of completion for Ryan Murphy wasn’t truly present until American Horror Story aired its 8th season and, in a surprise twist, it turned into a continuation of season 3’s wildly popular “Coven” storyline. Even better, Murphy wrote in an episode-long revisiting of season 1’s “Murder House” (complete with Jessica Lange reprising her Emmy-winning role as Constance Langdon). Apocalypse was a wild and crazy gift to the fans who were there for Murder House and Coven, back when American Horror Story was a daring cable-TV experiment, not a television institution. Not only did the season have a reunion vibe, but the greater storyline was about the actual end of the world. There were themes on themes, just waiting for Murphy to announce that he was stepping away from his FX projects.

Except … he didn’t. Because he’s not. Not yet, anyway. The Netflix series are beginning production, but we’re also in for at least two more American Horror Story seasons, and Pose is gearing up for their second season as well. And thus far, Ryan Murphy has shown no interest in leaving either show (nor the currently-dormant-but-could-revive-at-any-time American Crime Story and Feud series). Does this mean Murphy is setting himself up to be spread incredibly thin between two platforms and at least five shows? Or is he just the most productive television professional working today? It’s important to note that Murphy has never worked alone. He partnered with Falchuk and Brennan on Glee, with Falchuk and Tim Minear on American Horror Story, with Falchuk and Canals on Pose, and with Minear again on 9-1-1. American Crime Story has been a co-production with Nina Jacobson and Brad Simpson, with each season featuring its own head writers (Tom Rob Smith on Versace; Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski on O.J. Simpson). If any TV empire is situated to stay standing after its top dog walks away, it’s Murphy’s.

Either way, the future for Ryan Murphy is Netflix, not FX. And if you’re looking for a year that put a fitting capper on his FX past, it was 2018.

One year ago "the Man Who Would Be Vogue aired

The murder of Gianni Versace turns the eyes of the world onto Miami Beach.

Listen to Vanity Fair’s “Still Watching: Versace” review of episode 1 along with an interview with Ricky Martin



Reviews

The Daily Beast wrote:A hypnotizing, wordless first act, backed by a rousing string-heavy score, gives a Shakespearean start to the whole endeavor, echoed, of course, in the horror of the murder by gunshot that left Versace bleeding to death at the front gate of his home in 1997. - The Daily Beast

https://www.thedailybeast.com/versace-american-crime-story-will-actually-be-about-being-gay-in-the-90s

TV Guide wrote:Murphy delights in showing monsters up close, as he does in American Horror Story, but he’s most poignant when he probes how real-life monsters became that way. The Assassination of Gianni Versace allows Murphy to do what he does best: make viewers understand — but not empathize — with the devil. And only Murphy could achieve the delicate balance of vilifying a person without vilifying an entire culture — exactly what kept the case from having the same kind of cultural impact that O.J. had. That long overdue impact can now finally occur in Murphy’s dramatic retelling. - TV Guide

Source:  https://www.tvguide.com/news/assassination-of-gianni-versace-fx/

Garage wrote:Ryan Murphy’s latest season of his pop procedural anthology, American Crime Story, covers the 1997 shooting of Versace in nine fifty-minute episodes; and yet so un-boring is the pilot that we see the murder seven minutes in. The twinky killer, Andrew Cunanan, is a fantasist played with a cold and twitchily unreal demeanor by the android-perfect Darren Criss. Introduced as an unreliable narrator, then a Ripley-esque savant at social climbing, he creates two big impressions: one in a scene that shows him covering his mouth in a pantomime of horror when he’s really smiling, and another that’s a bona fide showcase for his ass. He’s closeted around his straight friends, gay around his gay friends, and completely unashamed to say out loud that his objective is to “tell people whatever they need to hear”—a primo marker for a sociopath.  - Garage

https://garage.vice.com/en_us/article/wjpan5/american-crime-story-versace-dove

Yahoo wrote:“The Man Who Would Be Vogue” was quite simply one of the best first-episodes of a show I’ve seen in a while. Relying on sweeping visuals over dialogue, and allowing gaudiness to exist beside sincerity, it gripped me right away. While we know this is not a happy story and it doesn’t end particularly well, it does feel as important and timely as ever, much like its predecessor The People v. O.J. Simpson. It remains to be seen whether this season will catch on with viewers and critics like that one did, but either way it’s hard not to be grateful for something this special. - Yahoo

Source:  https://www.yahoo.com/amphtml/entertainment/assassination-gianni-versace-american-crime-story-premiere-recap-doves-die-041433102.html?soc_src=hl-viewer&soc_trk=tw&__twitter_impression=true

Horror News Network wrote:
The performers of The Assassination of Gianni Versace are all acting at the top of their game. Just like how The People v. O.J. showed us actors and actresses in a new and interesting light, Assassination captures the spirit of Versace’s loving sister and business partner, Donatella, through a strong performance by Penelope Cruz. Musician Ricky Martin acted in Argentinian television programs at the start of his career, and his appearance in Assassination is enough to make you think he never left the craft. Darren Criss is versatile in his intense portrayal of serial killer Andrew Cunanan. The first episode shifts between a couple of different moments in time, and Criss’ Cunanan is sometimes enigmatic, sometimes detestable, and always engaging. In one moment he shares with Ramirez’ Versace, I could have sworn he was channeling Christian Bale’s portrayal of Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. And that’s one of the major things that sets Assassination apart from O.J.: it’s clear that Assassination will be spending much more time inside of the suspect’s head. In O.J. there were so many fascinating characters and so many unusual things going on that we often only viewed Cuba Gooding Jr.’s O.J. from other characters’ perspectives. Trust me: Assassination is not lacking in fascinating characters, but it does seem to be taking much more time to dwell on the actions of Cunanan than O.J. ever did with, well, O.J.  - Horror News Network

Source:  https://www.horrornewsnetwork.net/assassination-gianni-versace-american-crime-story-episode-1-review/

Den of Geek wrote:Penelope Cruz, who is apparently a friend of Donatella’s and has her blessing, has a tall order to serve. First, the voice. Anyone who knows anything about Donatella Versace knows that her distinct looks comes with an equally distinct accent. Cruz has to play it believably, without dipping into caricature or being so true to life that the audience can’t understand her. Second, she finds herself playing the day to day villain for much of this. She’s the one who dislikes the boyfriend that we’ve all fallen in love with after the cops are so rude to him. She’s the one who cancels the IPO. She’s the one with a sizeable reputation preceding her. And yet, Cruz’s Donatella comes across as powerful, stricken, at a lost, and completely unwilling to lose an inch of her brother’s legacy. - Den of Geek

Source:  https://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/american-crime-story/270314/the-assassination-of-gianni-versace-episode-1-review-the-man-who-would-be-vogue

Vulture wrote:Seriously, though, this first episode of Versace is absolutely gorgeous. Just think about all of the lush images that pop out of the screen like an IMAX version of a Vogue issue. There’s the elegant pool of the opera singer’s sequin dress as she belts on stage. There’s Gianni Versace (Edgar Ramírez), delicately sipping his espresso from a black gilded cup, shot from above so his breakfast table is just off center of the Medusa logo that he made famous. There’s the hollow chime of crystal champagne flutes clinking together on the set at the opera. There’s Gianni’s sister Donatella (Penélope Cruz), with that famous platinum hair and doorknocker of a nose standing at the top of a little portico. And let us not forget that perfect peach emoji of an ass as Andrew Cunanan (Darren Criss) strides into his roommate’s husband’s closet to steal a suit. - Vulture

Source:  https://www.vulture.com/2018/01/american-crime-story-versace-recap-episode-1.html

Telegraph UK wrote:Season two, by contrast, packs a gilded punch. The first episode bounces between the slaying of Versace to his first encounter, in a San Fransisco gay club, with Cunanan. The future killer is a Walter Mitty-like social climber whose life is wallpapered with so many habitual lies it’s unclear whether even he knows truth from fiction. Preppy of manner and soulless of gaze, he gives Murphy something the Simpson case lacked – an unambiguous villain scary even when he isn’t shooting dead international fashion designers.  - Telegraph UK

Source:  https://www.telegraph.co.uk/tv/0/assassination-gianni-versace-american-crime-story-episode-1/

Decider wrote:But there’s pain in Andrew, too. Recall how he screams into the ocean water during his pre-slaying swim, how he vomits into a public toilet as he works up the nerve to pull the trigger. When he bullshits his way into Versace’s presence and winds up attending the opera for which he’s the costume designer, the music moves him to tears. After the show, he clearly wants to believe all the kind, supportive things Gianni is saying about him as they hang out on stage together. (And there’s every reason to believe Gianni means every word, him being such a mensch.) Andrew sucks people in with lies and sucks life out of his resulting proximity to wealth, glamour, sex, and power to fill a hole in his heart, yes, but his heart really does exist. He’s a vacuum, not a void. It’s a subtle distinction, but so far it seems to be a crucial one.  - Decider

Source:  https://decider.com/2018/01/17/the-assassination-of-gianni-versace-american-crime-story-episode-1-recap/

Paste Magazine wrote:It is, rather, a bold, ambitious, riveting wrestling match between cultural shame and communal pride, in which glittering wedding gowns and glossy magazines, club hits and tank tops, are emblems for which we choose the meaning, just as we might choose to adopt as our own that unutterable word, that unforgivable commonplace, that useful descriptor—that reclamation. As the designer says of the “Versace bride,” preparing for a fashion show, “She won’t be dainty. She won’t be timid. She will be proud and strong.” I realize now, upon finishing what may be Murphy’s riskiest and most radiant gambit to date, that as I grow older, and more comfortable in my own skin, I’m not only able to hear the sentiment, but also to identify with it.  - Paste Magazine (warning for slurs)

Source:  https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/01/american-crime-story-assassination-of-gianni-versa.html

Other Links wrote:
Ricky Martin on ACS: Versace, Coming Out, and ‘Normalizing’ Open Relationships

Yahoo Entertainment’s meme recap

ACS Versace Soundtrack and Score Spotify Playlist

Fandom score: 9.255

Episode rank: #5

Behind the Scenes

GMA News wrote:
Sarah Paulson talks about Jon Jon Briones in Ryan Murphy's next project 'Ratched'

January 21, 2019

After the euphoria that happened after the Golden Globe win of Darren Criss, we have another piece of good new: Filipino actor Jon Jon Briones, who played Modesto Cunanan, (the father of Andrew Cunanan in “The Assassination of Gianni Versace”) is now lined up to do another Ryan Murphy potential goldmine, “Ratched.”

After Ryan Murphy’s multi-awarded TV mini series, “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” he is now in pre-production for “Ratched,” a prequel to the film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975). Jon Jon is set to play Dr. Richard Hanover.

Beginning in 1947, it follows Nurse Ratched’s journey and evolution from nurse to full-fledged monster (portrayed by Sarah Paulson) and track her murderous progression through the mental health care system.

Ordered straight to series, Netflix has two seasons with a total of 18 episodes lined up for "Ratched." Created by Evan Romansky, the drama is produced by Ryan, Michael Douglas, and Sarah Paulson among others.

Joining Sarah and Jon Jon, are Sharon Stone, Cynthia Nixon, Finn Wittrock, Charlie Carver, Judy Davis, Harriet Sansom Harris, Hunter Parrish, Amanda Plummer, Corey Stoll.

Ryan announced the line up on his Instagram post, adding “Ratched on Netflix starts shooting in a couple of weeks. On behalf of myself and Ms. Sarah Catherine Paulson who plays the title role and is also a big fancy producer on it, we are thrilled to announce our amazing cast…a true murderers’ row of talent. So many of these actors are supremely talented folks who Sarah and I have both longed to work with…More to come, but come on…Sarah, Cynthia, Judy, Amanda and Sharon, all doing scenes together? I cannot WAIT.”

We were lucky to get to talk to Sarah in New York about “Ratched”, Ryan Murphy and working with Jon Jon.

Below are excerpts of our conversation with her:

On working with Jon Jon Briones: 

I shot “American Horror Story” last year with Jon Jon Briones, which was a real highlight. He’s an extraordinary actor. I thought he was so incredible in “Versace” and, obviously, Ryan did too, that’s why he has wanted to work with him again and again.

We start shooting "Ratched," I believe, on February 6th. I don’t have a schedule so I don’t know when I will be reunited with him but I think he’s a real find. Ryan has such a wonderful (knack) for those kinds of things, he just finds somebody really special who has been working in the theater and in the New York stage and television for many years, but tapped him and now we have him in our wonderful fold of actors. I feel very lucky.