You can use your Las Vegas-Clark County Library District card to borrow titles from these partner libraries:
1 of 1 copy available
Since its final episode aired in 2008, HBO's acclaimed crime drama The Wire has only become more popular and influential. The issues it tackled, from the failures of the drug war and criminal justice system to systemic bias in law enforcement and other social institutions, have become more urgent and central to the national conversation. The show's actors, such as Idris Elba, Dominic West, and Michael B. Jordan, have gone on to become major stars. Its creators and writers, including David Simon and Richard Price, have developed dedicated cult followings of their own. Universities use the show to teach everything from film theory to criminal justice to sociology. Politicians and activists reference it when discussing policy. When critics compile lists of the Greatest TV Shows of All Time, The Wire routinely takes the top spot. It is arguably one of the great works of art America has produced in the 20th century.
But while there has been a great deal of critical analysis of the show and its themes, until now there has never been a definitive, behind-the-scenes take on how it came to be made. With unparalleled access to all the key actors and writers involved in its creation, Jonathan Abrams tells the astonishing, compelling, and complete account of The Wire, from its inception and creation through its end and powerful legacy.
-
Creators
-
Publisher
-
Release date
February 13, 2018 -
Formats
-
OverDrive Listen audiobook
- ISBN: 9780525529262
- File size: 365030 KB
- Duration: 12:40:28
-
-
Languages
- English
-
Reviews
-
December 18, 2017
Lovers of HBO’s The Wire rejoice: journalist Abrams (Boys Among Men) delivers a comprehensive study of what goes into creating an acclaimed TV show. In what is essentially, aside from some contextual summaries, an oral history, Abrams displays his thoroughness, interviewing many of The Wire’s actors (Idris Elba, Michael B. Jordan, and Dominic West to name a few) as well as the series’ creators and writers, and even HBO’s chairman. Abrams explores the creative decisions that set The Wire apart from other programs, among them creator David Simon’s decision to have the series play out like a novel and the decision that no character would be a pure hero—all of the show’s characters have many faults. Abrams’s access to the show’s players gives new insight, as when actor Andre Royo tells him: “People ask me what was the best character on the show. I always say Baltimore.” Abrams indisputably has created a thorough examination of The Wire’s conception, production, and lingering cultural afterlife.
-