Review of Hollywoodland (2006) by Kyle A — 08 Nov 2010

Seen through the eyes of down and out private eye Louis Simo (Adrien Brody), Hollywoodland is a poignant, tragic story that tugs at the heart of the viewer though most characters emerge as unsympathetic. It's the sordid tale of sex, resentment, personal and professional tragedy, and ultimately suicide. (or was it murder?) Hollywoodland is a mystery with no easy answers, but the story illuminates Hollywood's darker side. It explores the contrast and dissimilarity between actors' personal lives and screen personas. Because of this, the choice of Ben Affleck to play the role of 50s TV superman George Reeves is so appropriate. Affleck's prior roles and his very public relationship with the press make him an obvious choice for the role, which he pulls off brilliantly. You could pose the question of either Affleck or Reeves: paparazzi victim or mediocre opportunist? As for the rest of the cast, Brody plays a complex character convincingly and Diane Lane's Toni Mannix is sexy, conniving, and desperate. This movie has perfect casting.

Director Allen Coulter nails the style and aura of seedy 1950s Hollywood as well. Even the cinematography is outstanding; LA of the 50s is recreated. This is neither a documentary nor biopic, so don't get distracted by the details. It is a recreation of one incident in the context of a different era, the noir truth behind the sunny Hollywood illusion.