UPDATED: Marcia Clark weighs in on “O.J.: Made in America”; Part 3 airs tonight on ESPN
ESPN Films’ most ambitious project to date, “O.J.: Made in America,” premiered Tuesday on ESPN. Part 1 of the 30 for 30 documentary, which was previewed to the nation on Saturday evening on ABC, aired at 7 p.m. ET and was followed by the premiere of Part 2 at 9 p.m. ET. Tonight, Part 2 re-airs at 7 p.m. Part 3 airs tonight at 9 p.m. on ESPN.
It is inarguably the defining cultural tale of modern America – a saga of race, celebrity, media, violence, and the criminal justice system. Two decades after its unforgettable climax, this story continues to fascinate, polarize and even develop new chapters.
– Marcia Clark
From Peabody and Emmy-award winning director Ezra Edelman, “O.J.: Made in America,” is a 10-hour, five-part documentary production that will air tonight and June 15, 17 and 18 on ESPN. Front Row asked former prosecutor and author (“Blood Defense”) Marcia Clark, who appears in the film, for her thoughts.
What are your thoughts on the nation being able to see this film?
I was so glad to hear that it was going to be airing on both network and cable television because I think it is an important film that truly gives context to everything that has happened with the “O.J. story” – not just the trial. Showing it on both networks will expose it to a much wider audience and I really hope people see this film.
“O.J.: Made In America” director Ezra Edelman is slated to appear as a guest on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers” on Wednesday, June 15.
What aspect of the documentary did you like the most and why?
What really strikes me about the film that Ezra has made is how it is really about the larger issues that were at play. This documentary is presented through a very wide lens view showcasing everything from the culture of Los Angeles, the influences of fame and celebrity and the issue of domestic violence. It gives viewers real context to understand everything that unfolded.
How do you compare FX series “The People V. O.J. Simpson: America Crime Story” to “O.J.: Made in America”?
They are incredibly different projects. The FX series was a dramatization using actors and this is an extensive, exhaustive and very well-researched documentary. Even those of us involved in the actual trial learned new pieces of information about O.J.’s earlier life while watching Ezra’s film.
