House of Cards

About House of Cards: Explore: - About - Making / Production - Actors - Trivia / Interesting Facts - Awards - Quotes - Music - Soundtrack About: House of Cards is a critically acclaimed American political drama TV series that premiered in 2013. It is an adaptation of the 1990 BBC miniseries of the same name and is based on the novel by Michael Dobbs. Created by Beau Willimon, the show revolves around the ruthless and cunning political machinations of politician Francis Underwood, brilliantly portrayed by Kevin Spacey, as he attempts to climb the ladder of power in Washington, D.C. The plot follows Francis Underwood, a Democratic congressman from South Carolina and House Majority Whip, as he manipulates, blackmails, and conspires to achieve his own personal and political goals. Francis, along with his equally ambitious and calculating wife, Claire Underwood, played by Robin Wright, stops at nothing to achieve their aims, leaving a trail of destruction and moral compromises in their wake. The show is known for its gripping storytelling, complex characters, and exploration of the darker side of politics. It delves into themes of power, corruption, ambition, and the lengths people will go to attain and maintain power. House of Cards offers a peek into the world of high-stakes politics, challenging viewers to question the true costs of achieving success in such an environment. Making / Production: House of Cards stands out not only for its riveting storylines but also for its innovative production approach. The show was one of the first major productions to be released exclusively on a streaming platform, Netflix. This marked a shift in the television landscape, with audiences able to binge-watch whole seasons at once instead of waiting for weekly episodes. The series has also been praised for its high production values and attention to detail. The sets, costumes, and cinematography create a dark and atmospheric tone that perfectly matches the show's themes. Each episode is crafted with meticulous precision, showcasing the talents of the writing team, directors, and the entire production crew. Actors: - Kevin Spacey as Francis Underwood: Spacey delivers a mesmerizing performance as the manipulative and power-hungry protagonist. He embodies the charm, charisma, and ruthlessness required to portray such a complex character. - Robin Wright as Claire Underwood: Wright's portrayal of Francis' wife and partner in crime is equally captivating. She brings a quiet intensity and unwavering determination to the character, making Claire a force to be reckoned with. - Kate Mara as Zoe Barnes: Mara plays the ambitious and morally ambiguous young reporter who becomes entangled with Francis Underwood. Her performance captures the naiveté and ambition of her character as she navigates the treacherous world of politics. - Corey Stoll as Peter Russo: Stoll delivers a nuanced portrayal of the troubled congressman who becomes a pawn in Francis' game. He effectively conveys the internal struggle and vulnerability of his character, making him both sympathetic and flawed. - Michael Kelly as Doug Stamper: Kelly plays Francis' loyal and ruthless chief of staff. His performance adds an element of cold efficiency to the show, as he carries out Francis' orders without question. Trivia / Interesting Facts: - House of Cards was the first original series produced by Netflix. - The show is known for breaking the fourth wall, with Francis Underwood frequently addressing the audience directly. - Kevin Spacey won a Golden Globe for his performance in the series. - The show has been praised for its realistic portrayal of Washington politics, with former politicians serving as consultants. Awards: House of Cards has received numerous accolades throughout its run. It has won several Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Directing, Outstanding Casting, and Outstanding Cinematography. Additionally, Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright have both won Golden Globe Awards for their performances in the show. Quotes: - "The road to power is paved with hypocrisy." - Francis Underwood - "I have no patience for useless things." - Claire Underwood - "The nature of promises, Linda, is that they remain immune to changing circumstances." - Francis Underwood - "For those of us climbing to the top of the food chain, there can be no mercy. There is but one rule: hunt or be hunted." - Francis Underwood Music / Soundtrack: House of Cards features a haunting and atmospheric soundtrack that adds to the tension and drama of the series. The score, composed by Jeff Beal, perfectly captures the dark and manipulative nature of the show. The main theme, with its ominous strings and pulsating percussion, sets the tone for each episode and has become synonymous with the series.