Director: Juan Jose Campanella
Starring: Lee Pace, Scoot McNairy, Mackenzie Davis, Toby Huss, August Emerson, Kerry Bishe
AMC’S Halt and Catch Fire offers an intense and drama-ridden show that focuses on the computer revolution of the 1980s. From its details in the era to solid writing throughout, the show is a winner.
Co-created by Christopher Cantwell and Christopher C. Rogers, Halt and Catch Fire presents a fictionalised view of the personal computer revolution. They follow 3 unlikely mavericks in the race to build a computer that will revolutionise the modern world. When former IBM executive Joe MacMillan (Lee Pace) plans to reverse engineer IBM s flagship product in the hope of producing a smaller and faster PC, he enlists the help of engineer Gordon Clark (Scoot McNairy) and volatile prodigy Cameron Howe (MacKenzie Davis) who between them put their personal and professional lives at risk.
From the offset, the show offers a homely feel and doesn’t get bogged down in the technical world, by instead offering an enticing fast-paced drama. Each episode is like a mini-movie; director Juan Jose Campanella deserves much of the credit as his work with framing, composition and lighting conjures luxurious visuals.
There’s a lot of real vigour within the cast as they consume their complex characters and breathe life into them. Pace’s fiery exec is a mesmerizing manipulator who demands your attention with his charming, yet callous, persona. Pace, McNairy, Huss, Mackenzie Davis and Kerry Bishe all dazzle and live up to the stellar writing and are one of many reasons the show is sure to continue with a loyal following. Although the premise is relatively simple, it’s rife with drama and I think could well set itself up to contend with some of AMC’s finest including Breaking Bad, Mad Men and The Walking Dead to name a few.
Just as Suits isn’t just for lawyers, Halt and Catch Fire isn’t just for I.T geeks. With an incredible director and talent, the series has a promising future. With an endless labyrinth of drama and edge-of-your-seat viewing, I highly recommended.
[usr=4] Halt And Catch Fire Season One is available now to buy.
