The dynamic and intriguing eight-part series, Black Rabbit, has undoubtedly found its home in the loose confines of the restaurant industry. Series creators, Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, have spun a tale of constant turmoil centering around the show’s principal characters – brothers Jake (played by Jude Law) and Vince Friedkin (played by Jason Bateman). The duo are founders of The Black Rabbit, a hip and happening dining spot in Brooklyn, that aesthetically pleases the eye while simultaneously hiding its tumultuous interior. The brothers, like their restaurant, magnetize peril, including their entanglements with a gangster Vince is in debt to, Joe Mancuso (portrayed by Troy Kotsur).
Black Rabbit interweaves elements of brotherhood, culinary escapades, and crime, setting the table for a compelling drama that doubles as a riveting thriller. Influential echoes from the ’70s cinema greats reverberate throughout: the film grain, wide lens captures, and high-pressure narratives reminiscent of Sidney Lumet and William Friedkin. The inspiration drawn from thrillers of the ’70s era is evident, with movies like The French Connection, Prince of the City, The Verdict, and several of Lumet’s creations – including Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead – being significant influences.
The creators of Black Rabbit aimed to depict complex, real-world, moral conundrums amidst the star-billing performances, emulating a style popularized by these ’70s directors. Coupled with their two exceptional leads willing to delve deeply into their roles, the creators sought to capture the essence of their fosters memories from bars and eateries while they were in their twenties and thirties. The pair aimed to recreate the allure and excitement of participating in an enthralling nightly event, common to New York City’s vibrant nightlife.
The dual role of Vince in Black Rabbit is fulfilled by Jason Bateman, adding weight to the performance. The city of New York, with its myriad of stories and bustling streets, is itself a supporting character in the series. Jason, along with cinematographers Igor Martinovic and Peter Konczal, meticulously framed the city to highlight its nerve-wracking hustle and bustle. The shooting techniques employed cleverly portray the innumerable tales unfolding simultaneously as the brothers navigate their lives.
Careful attention was paid to the critical details of the restaurant scenes to maintain authenticity. The creators frequently consulted with friends involved in the restaurant business across the city to ensure accuracy. The professional experiences of Zach and Kate as servers for several years proved invaluable in this regard, adding to the credibility of the scenes.
The personality traits of Jake and Vince were reflected in the eponymous restaurant, The Black Rabbit. The aim was not to present it merely as a glamorous food-spot but rather a complex entity molded by the brothers’ vision, completed with a meticulously crafted menu designed by professional consultants and chefs. Each dish underwent testing, and selections were constantly revised ensuring the restaurant felt as organic to the brothers as possible.
One key scene from the pilot episode encompasses a conversation between Roxy and Jake at a fish market. Frustrated with the restaurant’s unpaid bills, she has taken it on herself to select the fish for the night’s menu. The actual fishmonger was cast for the role, lending authenticity to the background check about seasonal availability and prime condition of the seafood used in the restaurant.
Jason Bateman encapsulates Black Rabbit’s multifaceted nature—brotherhood, the rigorous restaurant business, but also includes staples of suspense—a bag of money and a gun. The showrunners aimed for a relentless build-up of suspense, not yielding to the temptation of straying from the main storyline or pacing. The ultimate goal was to keep viewers’ curiosity sparked, eagerly anticipating what comes next.
Their inspiration extended to the NYC music scene. Recollecting their fond memories of watching live music performances, they wanted to incorporate the quintessential NYC sound into the show. They aspired to depict a band akin to The Strokes for Jake and Vince, successful but not quite reaching the pinnacle.
Musician Albert Hammond Jr. made significant contributions to the music of the series, lending it his distinct touch. Music supervisor Gabe Hilfer connected the team with Albert, who composed two standout songs for the Black Rabbits band in the show. Jude Law lent his voice to these tracks, further underpinning the authenticity of the narrative.
Music of the ’90s infuses into the sonic atmosphere of the series as well, thanks in part to the musical preferences of Jason and Jude. The book and documentary Meet Me in the Bathroom became influential in painting the background story of Jake and Vince’s ascent.
Despite the characterization of Jake as far-fetched, Jude felt a certain affinity for him, empathizing with his struggles. While his life choices are often questionable, Jude leveraged the character’s inherent humanity to deliver a phenomenal performance. Audiences are presented with a flawed character with inarguable humanity, someone they can identify with.
There’s a clear embrace of Jake’s complexities in Black Rabbit, transferred fantastically onto the screen by Jude Law. The character’s constant battling with various pressures resonates with audiences, making him a riveting counterpart to Jason Bateman’s Vince.
Lastly, the creators express their deep affection for the characters and the milieu of Black Rabbit. They anticipate that audiences will relate to the show, and find it as engrossing, emotionally stirring, and heartrending as they do. While the narrative feels self-contained, there’s an intriguing potential for expansion, opening up fascinating avenues for exploration. The future? Well, that is anyone’s guess.
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