American Vice

American Vice is a groundbreaking and hard-hitting television series from CNBC, that was first aired in 2014. Produced by the acclaimed Kurtis Productions, this show is an illustrative dive into some of the most controversial issues in the United States. To the casual spectator, the title may suggest a morally debauched show; however, this is a work of investigative journalism aiming to shed light on several dark corners of American society.

Led by the host, Lowell Bergman - a distinguished investigative journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner - American Vice takes viewers through the complex and multifaceted problems of illicit businesses and the organized crime that fuels them in America. Bergman is famous for his tenacity and skill at drilling into stories that many would prefer to turn a blind eye to.

The strategy of American Vice involves the use of sheer, straightforward realism with the central aim of educating viewers. Scenes aren't dramatized for the sake of shock value; the shock lies in the stark reality itself. Viewers are presented with a hardcore, no-filter insight into America's underbelly, where the underworld thrives on vice and corruption. The manner in which this show exposes the grim and often terrifying realities of American society is what sets it apart from other documentary series in the same grade.

Each episode of American Vice uniquely focuses on a different segment of illicit trade or activity, amongst which include, but are not limited to, illegal gambling, prostitution, drug trafficking, and loan sharking. The show shines a spotlight on aspects of American culture that are typically avoided in social discussions or are hidden behind closed doors. It does not shy away from presenting the controversial, and at times, divisive narratives that challenge the many preconceived notions about the 'land of the free'.

American Vice boasts a dynamic narrative, skilfully interspersing the investigative process and forensic accounting, intensified with interviews of people directly involved or affected. It includes authentic conversations with perpetrators, victims, law enforcement officers, whistleblowers, and informants. This raw and honest interaction with the subjects not only adds authenticity to the series but also paints a complete picture of the magnitude of the problem at hand.

Bergman, with his analytical approach and eye for detail, meticulously unravels the intricacies of the American underworld. His unflinching determination to present the facts, irrespective of how grim or shocking they may be, takes the viewer through a captivating journey, which is both eye-opening and thought-provoking.

American Vice refuses to draw clear lines between heroes and villains. Instead, it acknowledges all parts of the spectrum, presenting a broader and more complex picture of the problem, its causes, its effects and potential solutions. The series aims to stimulate questions rather than provide easy answers.

Realistic, haunting, and unequivocally bold, American Vice offers a thought-provoking exploration of clandestine commerce, addicting audiences in a chilling visual narrative of the grim realities beyond the polished facades of American society. It exposes an underlying issue that society often forgets - the presence and impact of vice on an individual, a community, a nation.

While the show has a heavy premise, it presents the narrative in an engaging manner. The cinematography is stark and impactful, enhancing the overall narrative of the series by setting the mood right from the start. Even with its grim subject matter, American Vice manages to be captivating without resorting to sensationalism by maintaining a thoroughly balanced perspective.

In sum, American Vice is a daring exploration of topics that many might consider taboo, showcasing the grim and uncomfortable realities of vice in America. However, the show's central aim is not just to unearth these subjects, but to start an authentic discourse about them, understanding their origins, repercussions, and potential solutions. Through this compelling journey, American Vice offers an introspective look at the dark corners of American civilization that are often ignored, thus compelling viewers to question, reflect and possibly act in response.