From the trials and tribulations of an openly gay character to the Chases' struggling marriage, Holzman's creation doesn't always paint a pretty picture-but it does so with precise strokes and plenty of color. Told from a multitude of perspectives, My So-Called Life presents a unique slice of life that would influence future classics like Freaks and Geeks and even Six Feet Under. Ultimately, though, My So-Called Life remains strong due to the then-controversial subject matter and story elements. This effective method is seen as early as the pilot (filmed nearly a year and a half before broadcast), but it really shines during episodes like "Life of Brian" and "So-Called Angels". The characters' frequent daydreams and voice-over scene transitions drift freely in most cases, creating a dreamlike pace and a smooth story flow. The editing also deserves special mention, as scene cuts often appear seamless but abstract in nature. From the percussion-driven moments of heightened drama to quieter, more introspective pieces during many of Angela's first-person narratives, the music sets the show's tone incredibly well on the whole. "Snuffy" Walden, who crafted a number of organic, poignant music cues that stand out without calling too much attention to themselves. The former is largely the creation of composer W.G. Perhaps the two unsung heroes of My So-Called Life are the series' music and editing. Trivia for the day: though My So-Called Life was originally centered strictly around Angela in school, scheduling conflicts and Danes' young age forced the creators to focus more on her family and friends. Langer (Rayanne Graff, Angela's rebellious best friend) Wilson Cruz (Ricky Vasquez, an openly gay 15 year-old) and Devon Gummersall (Brian Krakow, the intelligent but socially awkward guy) stand out easily enough, while their sharply-written quirks manage to sidestep typical TV stereotypes. Performances by Bess Armstrong and Tom Irwin (as Angela's parents, Patty and Graham), A.J. The acquisition of the young Danes (as protagonist Angela Chase) and older Leto (as Jordan Catalano, the object of her affection) was certainly fortunate, though hindsight shows no weak links in the ensemble cast. "Snuffy" Walden-for the experimental My So-Called Life. Series creator Winnie Holzman worked previously as a writer on shows like The Wonder Years, Once and Again and Thirtysomething, assembling a team of earlier collaborators-including producers Edward Zwick, Marshall Hershkowicz and composer W.G. With breakout performances by up-and-comers Claire Danes and Jared Leto, My So-Called Life is anything but an early career curiosity. Sharp editing, passionate performances and spirited storylines also helped to make this first and only season of My So-Called Life a critical darling, though dwindling ratings managed to cut its life short. The multi-layered characters were an easy highlight, creating more realistic protagonists that most dramas can muster in half a dozen seasons. Hailed as one of the first TV dramas to feature an authentic portrait of teen and family life, this anti- 90210 showed us less-than-pristine high school hallways, generous doses of social awkwardness and the occasional round of domestic dysfunction. As one of the 1990s' best-loved cult classics, Winnie Holzman's My So-Called Life (1994-95) left quite a legacy during just one season.
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