A Machiavellian Masterpiece: House of Cards
House of Cards introduces us to Francis Underwood, a cunning and ruthless politician, who is intelligent, and always seeks the bested for himself, while trampling over others. Ambitious and strategic as she is, his wife Claire, a partner to his quest for dominance. They plot Washingtons raging political arena, fueled by vengeance along with a insatiable appetite for power
It is a somber and intense look into the sphere of political power, corruption, and manipulation. Machiavellianism, government corruption and media manipulation are some of the themes poignantly revealing the underbelly of political governance. House of Cards is a constant breaking of the fourth wall, and it helps the narrative gain mass, it also is a way to get the audience more involved.
The performances of the show be House of cards are superb, the work of Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright to mention a few. Spacey’s Frank Underwood is chillingly precise in his embodiment to Machiavellian scheming, introducing just enough religiosity to elevate him beyond the ranks of stereotypical politicians. Robin Wright (as Claire Underwood) is grounded in poise and strength as the resilient and ambitious woman balances it all.
James Foley directs Robin Wright, as Claire Underwood, and with John David Coles, operates at the deliberate, and metaphorically deceptively calm, pace of political life. House of Cards, with its collective vision, makes sure it brings suspense together with character-driven drama for this compelling show,
The music of House of Cards by Jeff Beal is hauntingly effective. The moody arrangements prompt the viewers emotional response just as subtly as the series already has and fit seamlessly into the show’s intensity.
Cinematographer Eigil Bryld adds to the visual allure of the series by crisp, dramatic shots that capture the heart of political Washington, D.C. Their cinematography serves the dark narrative well, while the production design meshes perfectly with its emphasis on meticulous detail in the show.
The production design accurately plays up the grandeur and gravitas of political settings, the hallowed halls of Congress as well as shadowed corridors of influence Richen settings set up an immersive atmosphere that integrates with the themes of the series.
Special effects arent heavily offered, considering the emphasis for the narrative to be driven by dialogue rather than spectacle. Effects are subtle, helping maintain an appearance of realism while keeping narrative focus, and editing by Lisa Bromwell and others sharp and precise in its rigidity, maintaining a through storyline within the mess of complex political maneuvering. House of Cards takes advantage of its editing rhythm and prevents each twist and turn from being overwhelming to the viewer.
House of Cards has an editing rhythm that is deliberately worked up to, fitting of the complicated plot. Its a slow burn, this careful pacing, the tension it builds and the anticipation it creates, dragging you into the web of political deceit even further.
Dialogue in House of Cards is pitch perfect, character motives are supported and furthered by razor sharp even cruel dialogue.
House of Cards is smartly written with clever, intelligent characters that work hard to draw from viewers and give us the dramatic pay off series of twists that the show is known for.
The later seasons of House of Cards are lacking in momentum and clarity. Robin Wright is a compelling narrative focus in a series that’s otherwise changed radically by the absence of Kevin Spacey in the final season.|House of Cards is a gripping look at power and corruption in the modern age of politics. This captures the relentlessness of its characters in depth and sophistication. Some mishaps in later seasons, but the series’ force is undeniable and it conjures an addictive mix of curiosity and meassage.
