Lying in state
THIS is the latest in Ryan Murphy’s gripping American Crime Story series, following the ratings hits The People v O J Simpson and The Assassination Of Gianni Versace.
The 10-episode drama delves into the escalating crisis that led to the first impeachment of a US president in over a century – when Bill Clinton was impeached for “high crimes and misdemeanours”.
Seen through the eyes of the women at the centre of events, it stars Beanie Feldstein as Monica Lewinsky, Sarah Paulson as Linda Tripp and Annaleigh Ashford as Paula Jones.
All three were thrust into the spotlight during a time of shifting sexual politics and a changing media landscape.
Beginning in 1998, the year of the impeachment, we see Monica ambushed by the FBI, accompanied by Linda, in the food court of a shopping mall.
“You’re in serious trouble, we just want to talk to you,” says an FBI agent.
Monica has been betrayed by Linda, who has set her up to be questioned.
But then the action flashes back to 1993, when it was Linda who felt wronged, abruptly side-lined from her job in the White House.
She considers selling her story to sensation-hungry literary agent Lucianne Goldberg.
Meanwhile, former Arkansas state employee Paula Jones accuses President Clinton (played by British actor Clive Owen) of sexually harassing her during his time as governor.
Events snowball from there leading to reports of Clinton’s affair with intern Lewinsky rocking the White House.
This is an interesting take on the whole affair, from a uniquely female perspective.