Mad Men: Season 1 (2007)

Sometimes I come across a movie or a show that I’m reluctant to review because it can’t be either quickly summarized, or if I tried to go in depth it would seem too daunting, Mad Men is one such show. Series creator and head writer Matthew Weiner wanted to capture the early 60’s, its ethos, social norms, popular culture, everything and then simultaneity deconstruct and pay tribute to an era of incredible transition. It’s about the mythology of the time, how we view it now and how it was lived then. The characters are complicated internally, and often act a role on the outside. The role is dictated by the circumstances of their lives, their aspirations, social expectations, psychological needs. Like other period pieces, The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit, The Apartment, Revolutionary Road, it’s a show about the cynicism of a supposedly innocent time. One can relate to the characters because (to mine the Kennedy vs. Nixon motif that permeates the entire first season) its about the battle between who we really are and what we aspire to be, and how often we fall short. Grade: A.

I think this little montage from episode 4 captures the essence of the series.