Fashion shoots... Versace murder
Top drama examines designer’s killing
AWARD-WINNING series American Crime Story returns to FX in the US on January 17 with the muchhyped The Assassination of Gianni Versace.
The good news this side of the Atlantic is the BBC will also air the nine-part drama – most likely within days or weeks of its Stateside debut.
In a blistering trailer, viewers are confronted with the chaos left in the wake of the fashion designer’s shocking murder.
Versace was shot in the back of the head at point blank range on the steps of his Miami Beach mansion on July 15, 1997, at the age of 50.
Footage shows the Italian’s blood-spattered lover Antonio D’amico, played by singer Ricky Martin, screaming for help.
Versace is portrayed by Edgar Ramirez while Penelope Cruz stars as his sister Donatella, also a top designer.
Two decades on, the mystery surrounding his death is explored in a fastpaced thriller directed by awardwinning Ryan Murphy, whose credits include The People vs OJ Simpson.
Versace was a household name whose design genius was adored by leading celebrities including Elton John, Princess Diana, Naomi Campbell and Madonna.
He would ordinarily have sent one of his assistants to get his morning paper and coffee but elected to do so himself on the day he was gunned down.
The series delves into the past of his killer, 27-year-old Andrew Cunanan, who had already committed four murders and used the same gun to take his own life eight days later.
Cunanan embarked on his killing spree two months earlier when he battered his friend Jeffrey Trail with a hammer.
He then moved on to target his ex-lover David Madson, who he kept hostage then shot. Cunanan, who worked as a prostitute, then went to Chicago and beat tycoon Lee Miglin, 72, to death in the garage of his luxury home. He made his getaway in his victim’s car and drove to New Jersey where he met his fourth victim, cemetery caretaker William Reese. Describing the series, Murphy said: “We’re not interested in the killer-of-the-week approach.
“We’re trying to understand the psychology of someone who would be driven to do those deeds.”
The flamboyant designer’s home later became a boutique hotel after his gruesome death.
The Villa Casa Casuarina still reflects Versace’s opulent lifestyle and guests can swim in the pool lined with 24-carat gold tiles which he personally designed.
The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story premieres on FX on January 17 at 10pm and is expected to air shortly afterwards on BBC.