Child of the 70s

Acclaimed as an original web series, Child of the 70s is a charming, engaging and humorous depiction of the life and experiences of a man living in contemporary Hollywood, while still being heavily inspired by the vibrant spirit and vivaciousness of the disco age. Produced by and available on the specialized streaming service, Dekkoo, Child of the 70s was initially launched in 2012 and quickly gained a following for its uniquely humorous approach.

The central character of the show is Carlo Perdente, a middle-aged man working a tedious telemarketing job in New York, living a mundane life far removed from the glitz and glamour of his dreams. Perdente is a man stuck in a bygone era, adorning hHimself with polyester shirts, bell-bottomed jeans and leather platform shoes. He is the embodiment of a personification of the 1970s, living out his fascination and obsession with the period of bold fashion, distinctive music and cultural revolutions. Mimicking the disco era's iconic figures like the Bee Gees and Donna Summer, Carlo is a whimsical character who you cannot help but feel intrigued by.

One day, Carlo gets a surprising call from Hollywood, a telemarketing job offer with a celebrity named KiKi Lawrence. Intrigued with the idea of stepping into the world of celebrities, bright lights and red carpets, he decides to take a leap of faith and move to Hollywood. The transition isn't without challenges, but Carlo’s journey brings viewers face to face with hilariously exaggerated takes on Hollywood clichés and stereotypes.

In Hollywood, Carlo soon learns that the life of a celebrity personal assistant was not what he dreamed it to be, and it has more pitfalls than perks. The show then follows the hilarious journey of Carlo as he tries to navigate the labyrinth of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour, coupled with its seedy underbelly of insecurity, superficiality, and pretentiousness.

The series brilliantly dives into the complicated dynamics of the other characters' lives as well. Each character adds a different flavor to the narrative, and their interactions with Carlo encapsulate a broad spectrum of human emotions. We have KiKi Lawrence, the volatile, past-her-prime diva, who serves as the perfect foil to Carlo, and the nurturing, Mama Rose, who functions as a guide and mentor for Carlo in the harsh, demanding Hollywood landscape.

One of the refreshing aspects of 'Child of the 70s' is its open and comedic approach to the character's orientations. Carlo Perdente is a proud, openly gay man whose relationships and romantic interests are explored with the same warmth, humor and subtlety as the rest of the show's narrative, not treated as a mere plot device or sensational element. This approach adds greater depth to Carlo's character and contributes to the show's sincere representation of the LGBTQ+ community.

The collaboration with Dekkoo, the streaming service dedicated to gay films and series, amplifies the show’s commitment to showcasing diverse stories and voices. In many ways, Carlo Perdente's life, struggles, and journey can resonate with many individuals from the LGBTQ+ community who strive to find their own place and voice in a complex, fast-paced world.

On a visual level, the series truly captures an affectionate nostalgia for the 70s that is embedded in every detail-from the vibrant, retro-inspired visuals to the infectious era-fitting soundtracks. These elements of art direction and music greatly contribute to reinforcing the viewer's immersion in the setting and tone of the series.

'Child of the 70s' is exceptional in its ability to blend humor with moments of heartfelt emotion, resulting in a show that is just as likely to induce laughter as it is to provoke thought. With a nuanced script and memorable performances, the show succeeds in creating an endearing tribute to the 70s era through the eyes of a man who is hilariously out of sync with contemporary times and, at the same time, delivering a comedic yet poignant picture of Hollywood. For anyone in need of a hearty laugh, a good dose of nostalgia or a unique take on Hollywood life, 'Child of the 70s' on Dekkoo is sure to provide.