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Since LB is inconsistent with TV shows I have to post my True Detective review here as a thread.
Visceral, sinister, mysterious, and often hysterical. A true lightning in a bottle; a monumental achievement of television, and the greatest mystery-thriller of any visual medium.
Visceral, sinister, mysterious, and often hysterical. A true lightning in a bottle; a monumental achievement of television, and the greatest mystery-thriller of any visual medium.
Exemplary and brilliant writing. It focuses less on the actual crime investigation and primarily on the relationship between Rust & Marty, both of whom are vessels for many of the show’s themes.
Rust’s long monologues explain how religion and reality cannot co-exist and there is no rationale in religion. He’s a pessimist who discusses and alludes to the cynical nature of humanity.
Marty’s short temper, infidelity, and hypocrisy serve as examples of toxic masculinity. It’s okay for him to cheat on his wife multiple times but when she cheats on him once, he damn near strangles her.
The investigation itself and the series of murders showcases how horribly women are treated; many murders/disappearances going unreported which is an unfortunate reality of real life, that crimes against women often times aren’t taken seriously.
Furthermore, it’s a reflection of bureaucracy and corruption in law enforcement.
The story structure, told non-linearly from two different but similar perspectives, spanning nearly two decades, gives True Detective a sense of epic scope. It’s friends to enemies, then a reunion and one last mission with a feeling of a nostalgic sendoff.
Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson is a match made in heaven. It’s a match we never thought would be as perfect as it ended up being. They have some of the greatest chemistry ever put on any screen. Their banter is truly the heart of the show.
You completely forget they’re even acting. They each give two of the greatest performances you’ll ever see.
The filmmaking here is a technical marvel. Fukunaga, in addition to directing two of the greatest performances ever, gives True Detective a very sinister, Se7en-esque feeling. It’s a visceral and even dirty feeling.
The editing is masterful, seamlessly intercutting the timelines and different perspectives. The cinematography is stunning. Even the set design is immaculate (especially the old fort in Childress’ backyard).
