We all have to decide for ourselves how much sin we can live with. – Nucky Thompson
HBO’s Boardwalk Empire stands as a monumental achievement in television drama, blending historical authenticity with compelling storytelling. Created by Terence Winter, a veteran writer from The Sopranos, the series transports viewers to the Prohibition-era Atlantic City of the 1920s and 1930s. The series centers around Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, portrayed by Steve Buscemi, a political figure who rises to power and controls Atlantic City through a web of corruption and organized crime. The character is inspired by the real-life political boss Enoch L. Johnson, and the show skillfully intertwines historical figures with fictional narratives to create a vivid portrayal of the era. The series explores themes of power, corruption, loyalty, and betrayal, examining the impact of Prohibition on American society, from the rise of speakeasies and bootlegging to the violent turf wars between rival gangs. The federal government’s efforts to enforce Prohibition laws and combat organized crime add another layer of tension and drama to the series.
Boardwalk Empire features a blend of real historical figures and fictional characters, creating a rich tapestry of narratives that are both engaging and educational. Steve Buscemi’s portrayal of Nucky Thompson is central to the narrative of Boardwalk Empire, who is a rather complex protagonist, embodying both the charm and ruthlessness required to maintain his power in Atlantic City during Prohibition. Buscemi’s performance is lauded for its depth, capturing Nucky’s political cunning and moral ambiguity. The character’s development is marked by his transition from a corrupt treasurer to a full-fledged gangster, a journey that is both compelling and tragic. While the show takes creative liberties with Nucky’s storyline and physical appearance, it remains rooted in the historical context of his influence and activities during the Prohibition era. Other characters, such as Al Capone (Stephen Graham), Charlie Luciano (Vincent Piazza), and Arnold Rothstein (Michael Stuhlbarg), are based on real-life gangsters who played significant roles in the criminal underworld of the time. The show portrays their rise to power and their interactions with Nucky Thompson, providing a dramatized yet informative glimpse into the era’s criminal activities. Meanwhile, Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt), a Princeton dropout and World War I veteran, is a vital fictional figure in the series, whose return to Atlantic City sees him quickly entangled in its criminal underworld. Despite his initial heroism, Jimmy’s choices lead him down a dark path, culminating in his betrayal and eventual downfall. Gillian Darmody (Gretchen Mol), Jimmy’s mother, Jimmy’s manipulative and troubled mother, is a complex mix of maternal devotion and ruthless ambition, whose interactions with Jimmy and other characters reveal the dark undercurrents of family dynamics and the impact of past traumas. Such fictional characters’ development is a poignant exploration of lost potential and the corrupting influence of power.
One of the most striking aspects of Boardwalk Empire is its meticulous attention to period detail, which significantly contributes to the show’s authenticity and immersive experience. The show’s commitment to historical accuracy is evident in the visual style, set design, elaborate clothing, language, vintage cars, meticulously designed interiors that reflect the opulence and decadence of the era, and even the smallest props used by the characters. The production team went to great lengths to recreate the Atlantic City boardwalk as it appeared in the early 20th century. The production team built a 300-foot-long replica of the boardwalk in an empty lot in Brooklyn at the cost of $5 million. This set included detailed recreations of period-specific buildings, advertisements, and other elements to transport viewers back to the 1920s. Also, this outdoor set allowed the actors to perform in an environment that closely mimicked the real Atlantic City, complete with the sea air and natural lighting, which added to the authenticity of their performances. Meanwhile, the show’s production designer, Bill Groom, faced the challenge of creating different versions of the boardwalk to depict various time periods, from 1868 to 1931. This involved constructing buildings that evolved over the years, reflecting the architectural changes and growth of Atlantic City. The attention to detail in these sets, from the storefronts to the street lamps, helps transport viewers back in time and provides a visually rich backdrop for the series’ events.
The cinematography of Boardwalk Empire employs a variety of techniques to enhance the narrative and emotional impact of the series. The use of lighting, camera angles, and color palettes is carefully considered to reflect the mood and themes of each scene. For instance, the series often uses low-key lighting to create a sense of tension and foreboding, particularly in scenes involving criminal activities or moral ambiguity and employs a vibrant color palette to signify key events or emotional turning points. The camera work in Boardwalk Empire is also noteworthy. The series frequently employs long takes and tracking shots to create a sense of continuity and immersion. These techniques allow viewers to feel as though they are part of the action, moving through the world of Atlantic City alongside the characters.
First rule of politics, kiddo: never let the truth get in the way of a good story. – Nucky Thompson
