The Deuce (HBO)

About The Deuce (HBO)

"The Deuce" is a drama series by HBO that first aired on September 10, 2017. The show takes place in the 1970s and 1980s in New York City and provides a detailed exploration of the burgeoning pornography industry. Gritty and deeply humanizing, it pulls back the curtain on an industry often sensationalized and vilified while telling the story of flawed but relatable characters whose lives are intertwined with its rise.

Making / Production

George Pelecanos and David Simon, the critically acclaimed creators of 'The Wire,' developed 'The Deuce.' Showing their adept ability to bring to life the nuanced drama of an urban landscape, they paint a vivid portrait of New York City during its most tumultuous times. With James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal as executive producers, the show is a power-packed display of superb storytelling.

Actors

• James Franco as twins Vincent and Frankie Martino: Franco delivers a standout dual performance, displaying both Martino brothers' varying personalities and immersing himself completely in the spirit of the 1970s.


• Maggie Gyllenhaal as Eileen "Candy" Merrell, a prostitute turned adult film director: Gyllenhaal compellingly embodies the struggles and aspirations of her character, giving us a deep dive into the life of a woman trying to survive in a male-dominated industry and transform it in the process.


• Gary Carr as C.C., a ruthless pimp: Carr presents a chilling portrayal of his character, lending authenticity to the show's depiction of the dark side of the industry.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• James Franco, in a testament to his acting prowess, plays two roles in The Deuce: Vincent and Frankie Martino.


• The title of the series, 'The Deuce,' is a slang reference to 42nd Street in Manhattan which was popularly known for adult-entertainment, including pornographic theaters, during the 70s and 80s.

Awards

"The Deuce" has received critical acclaim, with Maggie Gyllenhaal earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Drama for her role as Eileen "Candy" Merrell.

Quotes

• "This isn't about making love. This is about getting off." - Candy


• "People are always gonna want to get high. People are always gonna want sex." - Vincent Martino

Music, Soundtrack

• The Deuce features a lively 70s and 80s soundtrack capturing the spirit of the era. Artists include Elvis Costello, Johnny Thunders, and Curtis Mayfield.


• The opening theme, "(Don't Worry) If There's a Hell Below, We're All Going to Go" by Curtis Mayfield, perfectly sets the tone for the show.