The background of the play is the "prohibition era", and it is also the "lost generation" in the history of literature. Thompson's prototype is indeed his own, namely Enoch Johnson who controlled Atlantic City at the time. "Atlantic City" reproduces Johnson's fortune on the one hand, and adds more dramatic content on the other. For example, Thompson fell in love with the widow Schroder, while Johnson married a dancer; for another example, Thompson's brother used to be an Atlantic City law enforcement officer. In fact, this is just a fiction. Despite these differences, it does not affect the audience's understanding of Atlantic City in the Jazz Age.
In "Atlantic Empire", Thompson is the treasurer, responsible for managing the city's finances. With his financial power, he allows obedient businessmen to be mayors and desperate politicians to be senators. And its prototype Johnson is even more powerful for a while, not only in charge of the city’s finances, but also the leader of the party. It is precisely because of the privileges of the local emperor that he blatantly defied the "Prohibition Order" and allowed Atlantic City to buy and sell private wine on Sunday. All are extremely bold political adventures. In 1941, Johnson was arrested by the Federal Court on charges of "tax evasion". So far, his brilliance has lasted for more than 30 years. Because the series is limited to one episode per week, we don't know how Thompson will end, but it can be expected that Thompson will eventually give way to Jimmy.
Through Thompson, we can see how the state apparatus works: Thompson uses money from casinos, brothels, and spirits to support politicians running for parliament and even president; politicians allow them to allocate funds to help local economies and infrastructure construction. As long as you can ensure the prosperity of the city while maintaining law and order, no one is unwilling to cooperate with you. As for political donations and individual murders, they have long been buried under Thompson's work. Today's American society still operates in this way. Big figures who are well versed in black and white control major cities, such as New York Mayor Bloomberg. Before entering politics, he was the founder of the famous news agency Bloomberg, and his financial resources, connections, and influence are invaluable. Underestimate. After becoming the mayor of New York, he began to have real power. Like Thompson, Bloomberg was enthusiastic about charity and cared about the lives of the people at the bottom, winning the support of voters and the White House. In terms of urban construction, he also helped New York quickly emerge from the financial crisis.
It should be said that Thompson is transnational, and every city has his shadow. Wen Qiang, the former public security chief of Chongqing, although his crimes cannot be pardoned, the years when he was in charge of Chongqing were exactly the historical period when this western city became a prosperous metropolis. However, in the general environment of China, Wen Qiang’s case was unacceptable. The verdict can only be one-sided, because the foundation of a one-party system cannot shake the people's confidence in it. In contrast, Thompson, Johnson, and Bloomberg are all lucky. Even if a scandal is detected, public opinion is objective. Reporting them on both sides, even the worst report, will only say that so-and-so party is not good and should be changed. The other came to power, which did not affect the people's feelings for the country in the slightest.
Here, if you still believe in the main theme of the report, I suggest you to watch "Atlantic Empire"; if you are a defender who hates corruption, please go and watch this American TV show, I believe it will help you grow . Well, to Thompson of our city!
View more about Boardwalk Empire reviews
