At A Glance: Boardwalk Empire
The pilot of HBO’s new series, a riveting portrayal of gangster-ridden America during the Prohibition era, certainly feels very Scorsese, and you could sense that without knowing he directed the episode and is an executive producer along with A-lister Mark Wahlberg. The introduction to our main “protagonists” is very convincing, leaving room for more development, but ultimately quickly exposing our heroes for what they really are – corrupted people in power seeking to make it rich by selling bootleg alcohol.
The most likable quickly become abrasive and violent, but not without their soft sides (Steve Buscemi’s remarkable, brilliant portrayal of “Nucky” Thompson, based on Enoch Johnson, is rapidly ruthless, but also charitable). Scorsese’s vision is seen throughout and will remain for future episodes, and it’s a perfect mood that Marty has mastered – telling the darkest tales of our history under his watchful eye. Boardwalk Empire is one to look out for next awards season.
Boardwalk Empire airs Sundays on HBO.
