If you’ve been watching the true crime series, The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, then you are likely familiar with the character Andrew Cunanan. For those who may not know, Andrew Cunanan was a notorious serial killer who murdered five people including fashion designer Gianni Versace.
One of the most striking features of the series is the portrayal of Andrew Cunanan by actor Darren Criss. Criss delivers a chilling and complex performance that captures the essence of Cunanan’s personality.
Who is Darren Criss?
Darren Criss is an American actor, singer, and songwriter who gained fame for his role as Blaine Anderson in the hit television series Glee. He has also appeared in Broadway shows such as Hedwig and the Angry Inch and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
In The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story, Criss takes on the role of Andrew Cunanan with great skill and nuance. He captures both the charming and dangerous sides of Cunanan’s personality, making for a captivating performance.
The Transformation
To play Andrew Cunanan, Criss underwent a significant physical transformation. He had to lose weight and shave his eyebrows to achieve a more accurate look. Additionally, he worked closely with makeup artists to create prosthetics that would accurately depict Cunanan’s receding hairline.
The transformation was so convincing that many viewers were shocked by how much Criss resembled the real-life serial killer.
- The Research
In addition to his physical transformation, Darren Criss also did extensive research to prepare for his role as Andrew Cunanan. He studied interviews with people who knew Cunanan personally and read books about his life.
Criss has said in interviews that he wanted to understand what made Cunanan tick and what led him to commit such heinous acts. This dedication to his craft is evident in his performance, which is both authentic and haunting.
The Critics’ Response
Darren Criss’s performance in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story has been widely praised by critics. He won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie for his portrayal of Andrew Cunanan.
Many critics have noted the complexity of Criss’s performance, which manages to make the audience feel both sympathy and disgust towards Cunanan. It is a testament to Criss’s talent as an actor that he was able to bring such depth and nuance to such a challenging role.
The Bottom Line
In conclusion, Darren Criss delivers a powerful performance as Andrew Cunanan in The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story. His dedication to the role is evident in his physical transformation and extensive research, which culminates in a nuanced portrayal of one of America’s most infamous serial killers.
Whether you are a fan of true crime or simply enjoy great acting, Darren Criss’s portrayal of Andrew Cunanan is not to be missed.