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Sky’s brand new channel Sky Atlantic has used Boardwalk Empire as its poster child – it even aired the first two episodes one day after the other, with the third airing on Saturday (its regular timeslot). On TV, online and in magazines, I’ve been bombarded with images of Steve Buscemi looking thoughtful on the Atlantic City boardwalk. It made sense that this Golden Globe and SAG award champion was the focal point of advertising for the buzz it’s been generating across the pond. But is the hype worth it?
There’s no doubt that the series, based on the biography of Enoch “Nucky” Johnson (renamed ‘Thompson’ and played by Buscemi), will have a rich and sordid well of history to draw inspiration from for stories. A story of corruption and politics in the US during the Prohibition Era was dying to be told, and with the amount of talent behind the scenes it was unlikely to fail (Martin Scorsese produces the show and directed the pilot, while The Sopranos’ creator Terence Winter is the brainchild for the project).
Boardwalk Empire has the most expensive pilot ever made, and it’s evident why; starting with the artfully reconstructed Atlantic City boardwalk from the 1920s to the exquisite costumes that rival the Mad Men cast, every frame and second feel authentic, with intricate details paid attention to. Tonally, it uses music and visuals effectively to put you in the right mindset for its historical period (although the upbeat title sequence does feel somewhat out of place). It combines elements of the violent gangster genre with personal stories of abused woman Margaret Schroeder (Kelly Macdonald) and Nucky’s apprentice Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt). Easily the highlights of the first two episodes, their scenes ensure you never feel too alienated from this complex world of illegal liquor production, prostitution and power.
Having said that, its exceptional quality will not save Boardwalk Empire from not appealing to everyone; its pacing is slow, taking time to tell even the most exciting story. With previously established high expectations, I was waiting to be compelled, but instead I found myself distracted too easily from the multitude of characters and story arcs being sold to me. I also question the casting of Buscemi in the title role; as a ratty annoying sidekick to Nucky, I might have believed him, but as the man himself there’s a lack of believability, despite Buscemi playing the role with startling conviction. (Although, I’m willing to admit this may just be a stereotype I’ve become used to seeing Buscemi play.)
This HBO hit will be a treat for American history buffs, however much the biographical story is fictionalised, simply because the atmosphere it sets is intriguing and there’s so much creative muscle behind it. Similarly, I’m sure that those who are patient and don’t mind withstanding a few slow episodes until the drama builds up will probably end up reaping the benefits about halfway through the season. But whether I’m ready to make that commitment and invested enough in this story of debauchery and sleaze to stick around, I’m not quite sure yet.
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