Thursday, January 14th, 2016. On Sunday January 10, the long-awaited Golden Globes were held; the gala that honors the performances of artists of films and television. This year’s Best Actor in a Drama Series was taken indisputably by John Hamm; who has spent a long time bringing Don Draper to life, the mastermind of the Mad Men series.
The award comes after eight years shooting the pilot episode of the series. But what is “Mad Men”? It’s a series by Mathew Weiner set in the 60’s in Roger Sterling’s company; an advertising agency in downtown New York that counts with the most coveted of all creative director, Don Draper.
Draper is an icon in the skin. It is one of the most complete characters of the current TV, according to specialized lists. Each chapter makes us feel a constant love/hate relationship with Draper. His presence is the essence of the program, despite his mistakes; he is one of our favorites and we do not want anything bad to happen to him.
The actor responsible for realizing this role is Jon Hamm, 42 years old; whose face reminds us of this character. Before “Mad Men”, he was virtually unknown, and that created higher expectations within the viewing public.
The heart of the show is the advertising agency, there all types of problems arise linked to the private lives of the characters, and chaos is reveled all throughout the seven seasons of the series. Mad Men is the kind of series that makes it seem like nothing is happening; it doesn’t have any aggressive actions or excessive blood, much less eternal and epic romances. The series is life itself, every detail is well maintained, creating a symbolic encounter with the America from the 60’s that worshiped cigarettes and alcohol.
Throughout the seasons, we see how some characters are strengthened; first Don Draper, the star publicist who represents a brilliant mind gradually fades by social vices, always achieving his redemption. It is a dark and confidential role, because he keeps a secret. Sometimes he is unstable and cruel, and others caring and empathetic; Draper plays human nature itself. Others who caught the public were Roger Sterling, Joan Holloway and Peggy Olson.
These three interpretations were praised by the press and critics, and basically were taken to account into each specialized award. Precisely this year “Mad Men” ends bidding farewell by honorary John Hamm with the Golden Globe, for eight years of excellent acting, and for allowing us to get to know Don Draper, a natural visionary; we just recap the perfect end of a series about the 60’s, but of timeless enjoyment.
ALFA