World-building is a topic that tends to come up with science-fiction sagas or fantasy epics, but “The Deuce” is one of the most impressive examples in recent memory. Not only did the HBO drama immediately immerse audiences in a historical facsimile of 42nd Street, Manhattan, with XXX theaters and denizens of the night aplenty, but creators David Simon and George Pelecanos, alongside their producing partner Nina Noble and a top-notch crew lead by production designer Scott Dougan, replicated the so-called Deuce’s transformation over three separate time periods: first in 1971, then in the high-end porn days of 1977, and finally in the turbulent ’80s, specifically 1985, as the neighborhood is about to be transformed.
In terms of sheer artistic value, these touches can’t be praised highly enough. “The Deuce” isn’t breaking the budget, compared to other Home Box Office hits, but it’s a stunning, transportive experience each and every episode.
In terms of sheer artistic value, these touches can’t be praised highly enough. “The Deuce” isn’t breaking the budget, compared to other Home Box Office hits, but it’s a stunning, transportive experience each and every episode.
- 9/9/2019
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
In the first season of HBO’s “The Deuce,” Eileen “Candy” Merrell (Maggie Gyllenhaal) goes from a Times Square prostitute to an entrepreneurial pornography director. Getting there, however, is not easy. As a prostitute, she tries to have control over her life by refusing to work for a pimp, even when Rodney (Method Man) tries to woo her away from her independent life with promises of protection from johns who physically abuse her. In a pivotal episode five scene, Rodney is both charming and menacing, smooth and brutal as he tries to persuade Candy to join him, and she tries to escape. It’s a dynamic the creators say grew very organically out of giving the actors space to experiment and play in — a feat that was also not easy because of what behind-the-scenes work went into creating a realistic New York City street of 45 years ago.
Scott Dougan
Art...
Scott Dougan
Art...
- 6/4/2018
- by Andrea Reiher
- Variety Film + TV
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.