A Man in Full S01E01: Intriguing Trump Allegory – De Lagarde

Jeff Daniels portrays a layered character in a mystery series about the downfall of an American opportunist.

A man lies dead next to his bed and contemplates his life. A bit like William Holden (as screenwriter Joe Gillis) in the Hollywood classic Sunset Blvd (1950). Such an opening is not very original, although you should always praise odes to Billy Wilder. However, the man in question is real estate magnate Charlie Croker (Jeff Daniels), who lives in Atlanta, and the man behind the man is none other than screenwriter David E. Kelley (Big Little Lies), who apparently mustered the courage to adapt Tom Wolfe’s infamous 1998 book (742 pages!) into a film.

But back to Croker. The plot begins ten days before his death. And Kelley briefly outlines who we are dealing with: Daniels’ character is filthy rich, and has Shania Twain as a guest on his sixtieth birthday, who even dedicates a song to him. But the best man also has problems, including huge debts with several banks. Much to the chagrin of his immensely younger fiancée Serena (Sarah Jones), who clearly manifests herself as a gold digger – soon there will be nothing left to dig! American critics have already pointed out to their readers the similarities with the life of Donald Trump (who also has several lawsuits pending) and that observation is certainly justified.

Except that you’re in A Man in Full develops some sympathy for Croker. Perhaps because he wants to help a black employee when her son is arrested. Or because Daniels almost automatically evokes pity with his layered playing (and accent). There is no doubt that you will want to keep watching, especially thanks to that intriguing opening scene. Because how will Croker meet his end?

A Man in Full S01, available in its entirety on Netflix from Thursday, May 2, 2024