O.J. Simpson has died, leaving behind a legacy that is as controversial as it is complicated. From his rise as a sports superstar, punctuated by the infamous declaration “I’m not black, I’m OJ”, to his adept exploitation of the racial tensions that deeply divided America during his sensational murder trial, Simpson’s story represents a complex intersection of race, celebrity and justice in America.
To understand his life, two shows both released in 2016 are essential viewing – documentary series O.J. Simpson: Made in America, and drama series The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
If you only have time to watch one, make it O.J. Simpson: Made in America. This five-part documentary series directed by Ezra Edelman provides an in-depth exploration of the life, career and controversial legacy of O.J. Simpson, one of the most iconic figures in American sports and pop culture.
The series delves into Simpson’s rise to fame as a football superstar, his transition into Hollywood, and the events surrounding the infamous murder trial of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman.
Through archival footage, interviews with key figures, and meticulous storytelling, O.J. Simpson: Made in America offers a comprehensive and thought-provoking perspective on one of the most widely publicised cases in history.
The second show about Simpson worth watching – The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story – is a critically acclaimed television series based on Jeffrey Toobin’s book The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson.
It provides a dramatised account of the infamous trial, following it from the perspectives of the lawyers involved, including Simpson’s defence team led by Johnnie Cochran, the prosecution team headed by Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden, and the presiding judge, Lance Ito.
It depicts the legal strategies, media frenzy and societal implications surrounding the trial, while also delving into broader themes such as race, privilege and the American justice system.
With a stellar cast including Sarah Paulson, Sterling K. Brown, Courtney B. Vance and Cuba Gooding Jr. as O.J. Simpson, The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story offers a gripping and compelling portrayal of one of the most notorious trials in modern history.
