Binge or bust: The People v. O.J. Simpson

As someone who was born in 2001, it isn’t surprising to say that I know little about the murders of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman. O.J. Simpson was tried for this crime in a case that not only shocked but also divided our country. The People v. O.J. Simpson is a 2016 mini-series that was produced by FX but was recently released onto Netflix. This series may be considered “old news,” however, after watching it I decided this show was one of the most eye-opening films I have ever seen.

The mini-series is basically a live recreation of not only what occurred inside of the courtroom but gives the viewer an idea of the morals and factors that surrounded and affected the case outside of the true legalities. It’s hard to decide whether or not a few liberties were taken outside of the scene of the courtroom, but the way in which the actors portrayed the people in this film created an amazing storyline.

A main issue that took place in the verdict and ultimate acquittal of O.J. Simpson was the record of racism and dishonesty that had festered itself into the Los Angeles Police Department. This history of neglect was used to turn the heat of the trial from Mr. Simpson to the police officers that were first responders at the scene of the crime and had been believed to plant evidence against O.J. simply because of his success and race.

Marcia Clark, the lead prosecutor in the O.J. Simpson case, was portrayed by Sarah Paulson and is one of the most powerful female actors of our time. She was able to portray the struggles that Marcia went through during the trial regarding an ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband, claims of being racially biased, and media hate simply based on her personal appearance and hairstyle.

One of my favorite parts about watching this production is that though it is definitely hinting towards O.J. being guilty, the direction that the actors take help you understand and sympathize with both arguments at one point or another. Because of this, it helps put our modernized minds into the mindset of someone who had lived during that time and seen O.J. as both America’s most beloved athlete and a someone that brutally took away two lives. I highly recommend taking the time to watch this mini-series.