The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story reveals how sexuality is used to dehumanize and devalue gay men and raises deep questions about the consequences of such treatment. Andrew Cunanan uses his identity as a gay man to relate to his victims, and ensnare them. The violence he inflicts on straight people in the show mirrors the violence the gay community experienced for many years. He appears to be taking revenge. He seems to save his most violent acts on those who struggle with their identities and try to hide them. His actions beg the question: did society enable Andrew’s elevated levels of violence, or was he already beyond saving?
Two of Andrew’s victims show how being mistreated stunted their lives. From the outset, one appears to be a very rich, successful, happily married man. Yet he turns out to be closeted and hires Andrew to satisfy his sexual urges. This is similar to another of Andrew’s victims, a Naval Academy graduate forced to leave the military due to his sexuality. In each instance, it’s probable that these men could have led saner, happier lives if only they’d been able to be comfortable in society. Instead, they both remained hidden, stuck in relationships, or without the ability to be a part of something they’d always dreamed of. Maybe neither one would have sought out Andrew, and been murder victims.
Andrew shows his true nature when he attempts to run away with a long time lover. He vainly tries to relate to and entrap the closest thing he’s ever had to love. Andrew reveals the personality of a classic psychopath, showing more warmth to a corpse than he ever did to a human being. Andrew’s final victim (Versace) is the epitome of what most gay men couldn’t really be in the 90s — rich, successful, and openly out. In a way, this made him Andrew’s ultimate prize because he was satisfied with himself, and didn’t give Andrew the time or attention that the other more broken men did. Andrew’s dissatisfaction with himself didn’t allow him to let someone else be gay and successful as Versace was.
The show ends up being a compelling and disturbing dive into Andrew’s psychology. The imagery and music keep the story moving along, and there aren’t any dull moments throughout the show. I’d recommend it for anyone unfamiliar with the story, and for anyone who wishes to grapple with the complex psychology surrounding sexuality.
rating: B+
