Wagner Moura's Pablo Escobar in Narcos

The small screen offers plenty of post-Vietnam, pre-Sept. 11 nostalgia these days, but don’t expect a warm and fuzzy feeling from “Narcos,” an irresistible drama that begins streaming Friday on Netflix. Expect instead a reminder of a time when a few lawless men did a lot of societal damage by spreading cocaine far and wide.

The series, fictionalized but grounded in real events, tells the story of Pablo Escobar and other drug traffickers in Colombia as they discovered, beginning in the 1970s, that a lot of money could be made by hooking people, especially wealthy Americans, on the drug. We see it unfold partly through the eyes of Steve Murphy, an agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration who is among those dispatched to Colombia from the United States to try to stem the tide.

The Brazilian filmmaker José Padilha, who produced the series, has confessed that “Goodfellas” was a heavy influence, and like that film “Narcos” goes all-in on voice-over, especially early on. While the camera cuts between dramatized scenes and actual news footage from the era, we hear Murphy (Boyd Holbrook) describe what is taking place though we’ve barely met him at this point. That makes it a bit hard to warm to, but Mr. Holbrook’s droll delivery helps considerably. The technique also lets “Narcos” cover a lot of ground, Murphy’s exposition pushing the tale forward quickly when necessary. By the midway point of this 10-episode series (a review of the second half will appear next week; the first five episodes are discussed herein), we’ve seen an illicit business boom, Colombia’s political and law-enforcement systems become corrupted by cocaine money, America’s antidrug and anti-Communist campaigns become intertwined. It’s heady stuff, expertly served.

Who is Pablo Escobar?

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was a Colombian drug lord and narcoterrorist who was the founder and sole leader of the Medellín Cartel. In the 1980s, Escobar was one of the richest men in the world, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion. He was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, including police officers, politicians, judges, and civilians. Escobar's reign of terror lasted for over a decade, and he became a symbol of the destructive power of the drug trade.

Wagner Moura's Portrayal

The series is the latest effort by Netflix to spread itself internationally, a strategy that brought us the bloated “Marco Polo” last year and the dreamy “Sense8” this spring. “Narcos” doesn’t mess around with atmospherics or cast-of-thousands nonsense. It’s built on sharp writing and equally sharp acting, as any good series needs to be. At the center of it is a prize-worthy performance by the Brazilian actor Wagner Moura (who starred in Mr. Padilha’s “Elite Squad” films) as Escobar.

Moura's performance as Escobar is nothing short of transformative. He embodies the drug lord with a chilling intensity, capturing both his ruthlessness and his charismatic appeal. Moura learned to speak Portuguese and Spanish for the role, and his dedication to authenticity is evident in every scene. He manages to convey the complexity of Escobar's character, portraying him not just as a villain but as a man driven by ambition, ideology, and a desire for power. This nuanced portrayal has earned widespread critical acclaim, with many hailing Moura as the breakout star of the series.

The Making of Narcos

“Narcos” was created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro. The series is executive produced by the aforementioned José Padilha, along with Eric Newman, Beau Willimon, and the creators. Padilha, known for his gritty and realistic filmmaking style, brought a distinct vision to the series, aiming to provide an unflinching look at the war on drugs.

The show's commitment to historical accuracy is a key element of its success. It meticulously reconstructs the events of Escobar's rise and fall, incorporating archival footage and firsthand accounts to lend an air of authenticity. The production team went to great lengths to film in many of the actual locations where the events took place, including Bogotá and Medellín, further immersing viewers in the world of 1980s and 1990s Colombia. This dedication to realism is a hallmark of the series and contributes significantly to its gripping narrative.

Key Themes Explored

“Narcos” delves into several critical themes:

• The War on Drugs: The series offers a complex and often brutal examination of the global war on drugs, highlighting its futility, corruption, and devastating human cost.
• Power and Corruption: It explores how immense wealth, particularly from illicit activities, can infiltrate and corrupt political and law enforcement systems.
• Ambition and Ruthlessness: The narrative showcases the extreme measures individuals will take to achieve power and maintain control in the criminal underworld.
• Cultural Impact: “Narcos” also touches upon the cultural and societal impact of the drug trade, both within Colombia and internationally, particularly in the United States.

Narcos vs. Historical Reality

While “Narcos” is based on real events, it is important to remember that it is a dramatized account. Certain liberties are taken for narrative effect, and not every detail may be historically precise. However, the core narrative and the portrayal of key figures like Pablo Escobar remain largely faithful to the historical record. The series excels at capturing the essence of the era and the escalating conflict.

Here's a brief comparison:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who plays Pablo Escobar in 'Narcos'?
A: The role of Pablo Escobar is played by the acclaimed Brazilian actor Wagner Moura.

Q: Is 'Narcos' based on a true story?
A: Yes, 'Narcos' is based on the true story of the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel.

Q: Did Wagner Moura speak Spanish in 'Narcos'?
A: Yes, Wagner Moura learned to speak Portuguese and Spanish for his role as Pablo Escobar, enhancing the authenticity of his performance.

Q: Where was 'Narcos' filmed?
A: Much of the series was filmed in Colombia, in locations such as Bogotá and Medellín, to authentically represent the settings of the story.

Q: Is the series accurate to real life?
A: While based on real events, 'Narcos' is a dramatization and takes some creative liberties for storytelling purposes.

Conclusion

“Narcos” stands out as a compelling and masterfully crafted television series. Its success is significantly attributed to the powerful performance by Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar, who brings a remarkable depth and intensity to the infamous drug lord. Coupled with sharp writing, historical accuracy, and the directorial vision of José Padilha, the show offers a gripping and often unsettling exploration of the drug trade, power, and corruption. It’s a must-watch for anyone interested in historical dramas and the complex realities of the war on drugs.

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