Review of The Bad and the Beautiful (1952) by Tibor B — 07 Feb 2011

An entertaining perspective on behind the scenes Hollywood, surprisingly made within the studio system. Told in the form of three flashbacks by a writer, director and actress who were used and betrayed by producer Jonathan Shields, but in turn achieved great successes while he remains a failure, addicted to the high of a new project.

Surprisingly unsentimental and dirt-digging, it's a fantastic example of Hollywood on Hollywood capturing both the collaborative highs and selfish, deceitful lows. The one thing missing was Shield's own perspective - a fourth flashback focusing on him may have been very effective.

As it is, only one sad, angry scene between Douglas and Turner when he betrays her gives a true flash of the conflicted tormented character.