Angelyne

Angelyne, the 2022 Peacock limited series is an attention-grabbing drama, unapologetically colorful and brimming with 80s nostalgia. It is a dazzling exploration of identity, fame, and obsession, interrogating the American dream and the lengths some will go to construct their own realities. The series is based on a true story that came from an investigative article for “The Hollywood Reporter” by Gary Baum.

The narrative revolves around an enigmatic Hollywood billboard diva named Angelyne who became an undeniable 80s LA symbol. She rose to cult celebrity status, predominately as a result of her eye-catching self-promotion and has held a firm position in Los Angeles lore. The cherub-faced character seems innocent but is a complex figure whose past was a closely-guarded secret.

Emmy Rossum portrays Angelyne in the series, delivering a performance that is nothing short of an all-out spectacle. Rossum’s transformation into the bleached-blond bombshell, complete with a glowing pink wardrobe and an impossibly tight corset, engages the audiences in a distilled portrayal of Hollywood’s obsession with image. The character's incessant desire for fame and attention is flawlessly captured by the actress.

Rossum is surrounded by a dynamic supporting cast, including Martin Freeman, Charlie Rowe, and others. Freeman represents a rare grounded counterpart, as the calculating and ambitious investigator becomes tangled in Angelyne’s web of intrigue. Charlie Rowe gives a solid performance as Angelyne's lover and manager, an intricately designed gray character caught between exploitation and genuine affection.

The series oscillates between brilliancy and contradictions. It is as vivacious as Angelyne's flashy clothes and signage but also explores the identity crisis faced by Angelyne, delving deep into her past to reveal her transformative journey. At its core, it's a narrative about a woman who transformed herself into a living, breathing work of art.

Angelyne investigates a fascinating aspect of fame and the lengths individuals go to achieve it. The series offers a poignant commentary on the superficial construct of identity in Hollywood, challenging the idea of self and the multiple layers beneath it.

The visual treatment of Angelyne is aesthetically pleasing. Singing and driving in her pink Corvette, Angelyne radiates against the smoggy, sun-bleached backdrop of 1980s Los Angeles. The cinematography and set design cleverly reflect the time period, with a saturated color palette and meticulously recreated 80s icons scattered throughout the series.

The series is produced by Emmy Rossum herself alongside her husband, Sam Esmail, known for his work on “Mr. Robot.” This added understanding and intimacy undoubtedly help to capture the nuanced essence of Angelyne as a person and as a symbol.

On a deeper level, Angelyne raises questions about the concept of self-made fame. The storylines carefully trace the thin line between embellishing and fabricating one's image for public consumption, underscoring the manipulation inherent in the grooming of a celebrity persona. The series equally delves into the loneliness, vulnerability, and fear cloaked underneath that loud and vibrant exterior.

Elegant and deliberate, Angelyne is a true testament to the power of storytelling, bringing to life a little-known yet significant piece of Hollywood history. Well-written, compelling and complex, Angelyne pulls the curtain back on a mysterious personality, awakening empathetic curiosity into a construct obsessed with outer showiness, challenging viewers' values, perceptions and judgments.

Through its main character Angelyne, the series forces viewers to reflect on the fleeting nature of fame and the often-unseen costs of its pursuit. At the same time, it is a story of resilience, of a woman who creates herself from scratch and conquers the city of dreams on her own terms.

All in all, Angelyne is a vibrant, slightly tragicomic, and deeply engaging series that goes for more than just surface flash. It is a worthwhile exploration of fame, identity, and ambition in the city of dreams and illusions, offering both entertainment and food for thought. It is both a look back into recent history and an exploration of timeless themes. This limited series is a standout offering from Peacock you won't want to miss.