Hollywoodland: A Movie to Remember

Hollywoodland could be the story of many a big picture hopeful. The disappointing career of George Reeves, best known as the star of the hit TV series “Super Man” is portrayed by Ben Affleck. The role has created a buzz for Affleck’s career, and he gives a convincing performance as the charismatic, Hollywood newcomer, who ties his career dreams to a risky affair with Toni Mannix (Diane Lane) the wife of the shady MGM executive Eddie Mannix (Bob Hoskins).

Reeves’ story explores the challenge of breaking into the movie-making scene, and the struggles of attaining respectable, rewarding work in such a fickle industry.

The ultimate mystery lies in whether or not Reeves’ disappointment at never making it big, leads him to take his own life. Adrien Brody gives one of the film’s more compelling performances as the emotionally conflicted private detective Louis Simo who becomes convinced of an alternative explanation for Reeve’s untimely death.

Reeve’s life is abundant with questionable characters including his mother (Lois Smith), and unpredictable girlfriend Leonore Lemmon (Robin Tunney). As the story floats between the drama of his life and the turmoil that follows his death, the audience is given a peek at the sultry, sexy, and often violent side of the motion picture business.

Hollywoodland is directed by Allen Coulter and written by Paul Bernbaum, both new to the big screen themselves. In fact, the film displays a colorful array of actors who are well known for careers OFF the big screen. Supporting actors Larry Ceder, Jeffery DeMunn, Kathleen Robertson, Molly Parker, and Gereth Williams all have noteworthy television performances. Ceder, Porter, and Williams, have all enjoyed roles on the hit series Deadwood. Robertson became a recognizable face when she joined Beverly Hills 90210 early in her career. And DeMunn had a significant stint with X-Files.

Along with his appearances on Deadwood, Gereth has made a virtual career out of stints on popular television dramas including CSI, Cold Case, NYPD Blue, The Shield, and Law and Order, to name a few. Gereth enjoyed a long-time supporting role opposite David Boreanaz in the series Angel.

Whether the inclusion of so many TV stars is intentional, or simply a common occurrence in the acting pool, it provides an interesting look at the role of television in the making of Hollywood careers. It plays nicely against the story of a man for whom TV stardom “should have been enough”, but never really was.

Hollywoodland explores the drama on and off the movie picture stage, and does so with depth and intelligence. It is a story worth seeing!