The Hurt Man

I really don't have anything to add that most of the other reviews don't already say. I was enthralled by the episode and by Cooper's performance. With such gut-wrenching details, it would have been easy for an actor to take it too far and go over the top emotionally with the performance, but Copper plays it subtly and with restraint, letting it build to the end. When I realized several minutes had gone by and there hadn't been a cut, I became instantly more impressed by the actor than I had been before and I wondered how long it could go on for. When the scene ended, I paused to see how long the single take was and realized it was the entire episode. I've never seen anything like it and I have nothing but kudos for this brilliant performance. I suppose there may be a lot of really great things to see in the coming year, but I fully expect to see Cooper Koch at least nominated.

Just want to add, I didn't quite nail the category; he was nominated for best lead actor in a limited series; I haven't seen any of the other nominated performances, so I am pulling for him!

I don't think I've ever seen something like this before. I didn't realize it until about half way through, but the whole episode is a one take. Cooped the actor playing Erik was absolutely incredible! He better get an Emmy for this episode. One takes are hard enough, but to do a one take that is so long and emotional and complex is something most actors couldn't do.

I do understand why they filming this episode this way. Cuts would have taken away from the emotional delivery of the dialogue. The content of the conversation was so heavy and disturbing that it demanded your attention. I got so engrossed in it, I didn't even realize how much time had passed.

This episode as a tv show was pure genius! As for the legitimacy of the content, I definitely can't say I hope it's true, but I can't imagine that would be made up and passed as being true.

I've seen the episode and read the reviews and I don't really know what to add except to say that it was spectacular. Yes, it's a one shot. Yes, it's focused on Cooper Koch as Erik and oh my god, it is powerful. The back of Ari Graynor's head as Leslie Abramson sighing orgasmically from the first cigarette hit. Then mostly a 30 minute monologue from Cooper that is one of the most emotional performances I've ever seen. Snail slow zooming in on his face. And then, the close up, wow. Was he an actor playing an actor acting? I have a very strong belief that it leans one way, but no matter which way you lean with your opinions, you will be blown away. Cooper. Emmy. Golden Globe. Wow.

I didn't know who Cooper Koch was but I sure as heck do now, and will definitely watch his previous work as well as his work in the future.

The episode is one take and he pretty much does a 20 minute monologue (with some remarks/questions here and there from the lawyer), which is a feat in itself...actors in plays that don't have the luxury of multiple takes rarely even get monologues as long as this, yet he did an incredible job.

Then on top of that, he basically has another 6 minute monologue to close the episode.

I felt and believed every word he said, and I can't wait to see what he does in the future.

Then there's the camera work that I didn't even realise was slowly zooming in the whole time, adding to the intensity, which I didn't even realise until about 20 minutes in.

This episode is the definition of a bottle episode done right.

You won't be able to look away from the screen for half an hour at this powerful episode. A single one shot zooming in to this talented young actor Cooper Koch, with no cuts. He plays the youngest Menendez brother and it's incredibly convincing. He is recounting to his attorney at a table, while in prison lock up, the horrendous sexual abuse he suffered under is parents and why he and his brother killed them. The zoom-in is so subtle you will barely notice until it's right in the actors face. It's a masterful performance by an actor with limited experience and the filmmakers nailed the scene with this impressive camera work.