Promising to be an Oscar nominee among a slew of huge Fall movies, "Hollywoodland" is an interesting film about the life and mysterious death of George Reeves, television's Superman.
Writer Paul Bernbaum and director Allen Coulter question if Reeves did in fact kill himself or if was he murdered.
Reeves (Ben Affleck, "Clerks II") is found dead in his room during a late night party, and the police quickly conclude that he committed suicide. Louis Simo (Adrien Brody, "Fade to Red"), an ex-cop with a hairy past, goes digging for a story that will find him some quick cash.
Simo convinces Reeve's mother to hire him as an investigator, beginning his quest to grab a headline big enough to dig himself out of a rough divorce and pending unemployment.
The film shifts between Reeves' rise to semi-stardom and Simo's investigation. As Affleck is a perfect fit for the role of a handsome and likeable dead man, his natural charm echoes Reeves.
Working alongside Affleck is Diane Lane ("Unfaithful"), whose performance of Toni Mannx, Reeves' mistress, is just as agreeable. Toni Mannix is the wife of Hollywood powerhouse producer Eddie Mannix (Bob Hoskins, "Stay") who remains a menace throughout the entire film. It is a shame Hoskins was not given more screen time, as his take on the malevolent producer is sinfully delightful to watch.
The real star of the movie is Brody, whose performance as the cool yet irreversibly conflicted Simo is natural and powerful. Unfortunately, since it is only the beginning of award season, there's a good chance that Brody's name will get lost in the shuffle.
The overall reliable acting makes for an overall enjoyable film. The story and plot provide enough juice to keep the viewer wondering whether or not George Reeves really was murdered. While the finale may disappoint those who are fans of explosive endings found in films like "L.A Confidential," "Hollywoodland" is more like "Chinatown," providing a less than satisfying conclusion that makes you really think.
As the film continues, it is revealed that Simo is the only character that has not become consumed by Hollywood. With every scene, the blatant artificiality and complete disregard of truth is illustrated.
Even though Bernbaum's screenplay is shaky in the beginning, it evolves into a taut examination of Hollywood not as a city, but as a state of mind.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
