Review of Hollywoodland (2006) by Nikki W — 23 Nov 2012

This is a really good thriller based upon the actual events surrounding actor George Reeves's path to fame as he becomes the first incarnation of Superman on the small screen and tries to shed light on his untimely, mysterious death just a few years later.

Ben Affleck is very good as George and gives him likable and charming qualities throughout that make it easy to see why he found fame, even though it's his death that is at the heart of this story.

The sequence as the studio film him flying is particularly enjoyable as is the scene with the boy scouts discovering their hero in the diner.

Adrien Brody is absolutely excellent as Louis, the small time detective trying to figure out what really happened and he gives a very powerful performance; his scenes with his young son are also very realistic.

With touches of C.S.I. circa 1950 the three scenarios of how George's death may have come about are compelling and each show the various people in his life to have their own agenda.

Diane Lane is a joy to watch as she brings charm and sophistication to Toni and her argument with George regarding Leonore is brilliant and shows that she's not quite as innocent and demure as she seems!

I also really like Bob Hoskins as Toni's husband Eddie and the scene with the two of them and their significant others sharing a meal is both strange and sweetly amusing!

Toni's relationship with Eddie is sensitively played out and you really get a sense of their somewhat reserved love and ultimate respect for each other, despite their marital indiscretions.

Robin Tunney makes Leonore tough and very witty and it's hard to feel any sympathy towards her as she briskly deals with everyone in her life including George.

The 1950's setting is quite beautiful and the tone and pace of the movie drifts along nicely, almost contradicting the sadness that surrounds George's intriguing and dramatic fate.

A lovely movie that ensures George Reeves will not be forgotten!