Jon Hamm, the critically acclaimed actor best known for his role as Don Draper in the hit series "Mad Men," has always been drawn to complex and challenging roles. His latest project, "The Big Fix: A Jack Bergin Mystery," is no exception. This Audible Originals audio drama, which has all its episodes available today, takes listeners on a gripping journey through one of Los Angeles' darkest and most overlooked chapters: the Chavez Ravine evictions.
"The Big Fix" is more than just a murder mystery; it is a meticulously crafted narrative that weaves together historical events with fictional intrigue. Set in the late 1950s, the story explores the real-life events surrounding the Chavez Ravine, a neighborhood that was home to generations of Mexican-Americans. The land, which now houses Dodger Stadium, was once a thriving community until city officials and developers began a series of evictions to make way for public housing projects. When these projects fell through, the land was eventually acquired by Brooklyn Dodgers owner Walter O'Malley, who forcibly removed the remaining residents to build Dodger Stadium.
Hamm stars as Detective Jack Bergin, a gruff and no-nonsense investigator who finds himself entangled in the complex web of corruption, greed, and social injustice that defined the era. In a recent interview, Hamm spoke about the importance of shedding light on this often-forgotten part of Los Angeles' history. "LA has a fascinating history," he said. "There’s so much of it that people just don’t talk about because it’s a little problematic and because it’s been kind of bulldozed, literally and figuratively, in the name of progress."
The story of Chavez Ravine is one of displacement and betrayal. The evictions, which began in the early 1950s, were justified under the guise of eminent domain, a legal tool used by the government to acquire private property for public use. However, the true intentions behind the evictions were far more sinister. The land was initially promised for public housing projects, but when those plans fell through, it was sold to private developers. By the late 1950s, only a handful of original residents remained, clinging to their homes despite the pressure to leave. It was then that Walter O'Malley stepped in, acquiring the land and forcibly removing the last remaining residents to build Dodger Stadium.
Hamm believes that remembering and acknowledging this history is crucial. "To ignore it is to pretend that it never happened and to pretend it never happened means you don’t learn from it, and if you don’t learn from it, you’re going to do it again," he said. The actor sees parallels between the events of the past and the present-day issues facing Los Angeles and other major cities. While progress has been made over the past 70 years, Hamm notes that an "incredible divide between the haves and the have nots" remains. He uses this opportunity to highlight the potential for positive change, referencing figures like Elon Musk, who could make a significant impact by redistributing their wealth. "If Elon Musk would take – and again, this is not something he needs to do – but if he would take his chainsaw to his own sort of personal wealth and spread it around, he could build 30 schools in each of the 50 states, and he could be the new Andrew Carnegie," Hamm said. "But he doesn’t want to do that and that’s an interesting choice on his end."
"The Big Fix" is not just a historical drama; it is a powerful commentary on social justice and the consequences of unchecked power. Hamm's performance as Detective Jack Bergin brings depth and nuance to the character, capturing the moral ambiguity and complexity of the era. The audio drama format allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in the story, with Hamm's voice guiding them through the twists and turns of the plot.
Hamm is no stranger to voice acting, having lent his talents to projects such as 2022's "The Big Lie" series, as well as roles in "Bob’s Burgers" and "Big Mouth." He finds the medium particularly rewarding, describing it as "a fun and creative way to kind of engage in storytelling." The cast of "The Big Fix" includes other notable actors such as John Slattery, Hamm's co-star from "Mad Men," Alia Shawkat, Ana Del La Reguera, Omar Epps, and Erin Moriarty. Their combined talents elevate the audio drama, creating a rich and engaging listening experience.
"The Big Fix" is more than just entertainment; it is a call to action. By uncovering the hidden history of Chavez Ravine, Hamm and his collaborators are encouraging listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths of the past and to consider the lessons they hold for the present. The story serves as a reminder that progress should never come at the expense of justice and that the voices of marginalized communities must be heard and respected.
Jon Hamm's latest project, "The Big Fix: A Jack Bergin Mystery," is a powerful and timely exploration of Los Angeles' troubled history. Through the gripping narrative of Detective Jack Bergin, listeners are taken on a journey that reveals the complexities and injustices of the Chavez Ravine evictions. Hamm's dedication to shedding light on this overlooked chapter is a testament to his commitment to storytelling that matters. "The Big Fix" is not just an audio drama; it is a call to remember, to learn, and to strive for a more just and equitable future. As Hamm reminds us, ignoring the past only sets the stage for repeating its mistakes. With "The Big Fix," he ensures that the story of Chavez Ravine will not be forgotten.
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