Review of Hollywoodland (2006) by John B — 07 Jan 2013

Hollywood neo-noir is as its finest in Hollywoodland. How did TV's Superman live & how & why did he really die? An interesting premise explored in this well crafted delight. Adrien Brody is stellar as grizzled anything-for-a-buck detective who ends up investigating the death of TV kid superstar Superman actor George Reeves. Ben Affleck is great as TV's Superman and this film presents us with a possible sad reality for this actor who is largely embarrassed of his Superman role and desperately craves to do important work in his chosen craft. Diane Lane is excellent as Affleck's much older love interest who pays for George's house and suites while falling for her kept man along the way.

But who killed Superman? That question along with who was George Reeves provides a fascinating vehicle for this very good film noir.