Sky Smuggery



You know you want it...


Only seems right to follow up on the blog of anticipation re: the birth of Sky Atlantic with a review of the first epic show that I shall be committing many an hour of my tedious little existence to.

BOARDWALK EMPIRE: Episode 1

Greed, corruption, violence, betrayal: what more could you ask of a Tuesday night? Well hows about an all star cast, dazzling costumes and a wealth of acting talent worth it's weight in illegal imports.

If, like me, you enjoy anything to do with the dark, grizzly reality of the elusive "American dream" (think F. Scott Fitzgerald, Hunter S. Thompson, Arthur Miller...) then Boardwalk Empire is most definitely for you.

Not that i HATE Americans or anything, just there's something perversely comforting in seeing the "land of opportunity" being torn down to size. Just me?

Set on the day of prohibition in 1920s Atlantic City, we follow the life of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, the corrupt city treasurer: politician, criminal and ruler of the boardwalk. The series chronicles his slithery, under-handed movements with everyone from the lowly minions to the highest of society.

The first episode introduces the audience to the wide plethora of corrupt politicians, henchmen and crooks as they attempt to keep the alcohol flowing and the money rolling in uncertain times of change...

"Hands up who was shocked when I went into the wood chipper?"

Steve Buscemi is perfectly cast this role that demands more than just a quick-witted mafioso boss. The complex character Nucky is more than a mere politician or gangster. The same awkward, edginess seen in Fargo and Resevoir Dogs makes him perfect for this role. The emotion he conveys through a solitary look is palpable, and at times he seems almost in fear of his own power. But always with a dignified air of danger, suggesting he should not be crossed. Simply put - this bug-eyed wonder is brilliant.

Trout-pout tweed chic - soooo 1920s

And don't even get me started on baby-faced killer Michael Pitt. A fan of his previous work (Funny Games, The Dreamers, Dawsons Creek LOL) he has an effortless air of quiet danger that makes him perfect for the role of Jimmy, Nucky's troubled protege.


Kelly suddenly remembers Glasgow in February. Chilling.

Kelly MacDonald also impresses in the role of Irish widowed mother, Margaret Schroeder, who turns to Nucky for help. Her fragility and chemistry with Nucky asserts her presence in future episodes, as drama unfolds and relationships form.

Although a creation of the same mind that wrote the Sopranos, this is no regular tale of a violent and corrupt underworld.

Martin Scorsese describes their depiction of Al Capone and Lucky Luciano, who also make appearances, as "toddler gangsters". So obviously I instantly had in mind Bugsy Malone but EVEN CREEPIER with the hideously made up likes of Jodie Foster prancing around in huggies pull ups, threatening each others lives with water pistols and razor sharp rusks...but alas no.

Scorsese, ya auld joker, he just meant they would illustrate a new generation of "gangster" heavy handedly taking the reigns from the more subtle style of "businessmen" who knew how to keep politicians in their pockets and dealing on the down-low.

Unlike my current obsession, Mad Men, it's instantly obvious that there will be little of the polished, non-challant alcholism or jovial sexism: this is gritty, grim glamour and not without dark humour, delivered in the razor-sharp style Buscemi masters.

Brilliant.

Story-telling at its finest.

Let the stories begin...

                        Atlantic City, 1920. When alcohol was outlawed, outlaws became kings

Apparently the original concept derives from Largs...

I write this short blog with one eye on the time as in but 10 minutes a potential rival for my Mad Men obsession is hitting the screens of smug Sky viewers everywhere.

Boardwalk Empire is the hotly anticipated and widely acclaimed new offering from one of the masterminds behind the Sopranos, Terence Winter, and it's about to set imaginations and hearts alight with the promise of as much suave ganster drama and televisual stimulation as you can get from an hour-long episode.

With Martin Scorsese at the directorial helm, and Steve Buscemi in the lead role of Nucky Thompson, this tale of politics and crime on the boardwalks of Atlantic City looks set to enthrall and excite. Hopes are high for sterling performances from supporting actors Michael Pitt and Kelly MacDonald as well.

Will it live up to the Hoffman hype? (those ads really cut to the core of me) I certainly hope so.

The last film to REALLY grind my gears...

I\'d look ashamed too Martin - Ben's jacket is by far the most impressive thing to come out of this production..

...was Scorsese's ravaging of Dennis Lehane's pyschological thriller "Shutter Island".

From clumsy start to lacklustre finish I was utterly disappointed with everything from the cast and setting to the poor acting in this ham-fisted re-hashing of an excellent book. In less than 2 hours I lost faith in Scorsese, DiCaprio and mankind (too much?)

I read the book in one sitting, and this is not because I have little else to do with my time, quite the contrary in fact, but this is a skillfully crafted thriller brimming with excitement, doubt, terror and fear. The characters and setting are vividly brought to life from page one. Lehane's writing style is akin to that of Cormac McCarthy: cinematic, stark and instantly recognisable as a book that would transfer to film in one slick transaction.

But no.

Instead of sticking to Lehane's captivating and instantly enthralling opening scene, Scorsese instead opts for a bumbling and unconvincing boat-ride, omitting any sensitivity and key insight into DiCaprio's character "Teddy" and, infact, failing to even mention the significance of being out at the sea, and water - an intrisic piece of imagery that is recalled time and time again throughout the story.

Mark Ruffalo completely misses his side-kick role of "Chuck" entirely, appearing as less of the suspicious friend as intended, and more of an unconvincing oaf in an over-sized suit.

Ben Kingsley was well cast as the mysterious and cold Dr. Lawley, but even he left me feeling like something was array. The chief inspector and many of the inmates shrank in comparison to their spine-chilling descriptions in the book and were, quite frankly, laughable.



Leo's just realised what he's done in making this my reaction at the end credits...

Leonardo DiCaprio was, without doubt, the saving grace of this meagre offering but even he couldn't bring it anywhere near up to the standard of the book. His scenes with Michelle Williams were relatively emotive and believable, but nonetheless, disappointing.

Such a rich and captivating book would be a gift for any director, and when I saw Scorsese's name roll up at the end credits I just about cried. All emotion, style, sensitivity and...what's that other thing...oh yeah... NARRATIVE, were void in this adaptation.

Verdict: EPIC FAIL.