By: debbie lynn elias
I have long been fascinated by unsolved crimes and murders, particularly those Hollywood themed or based, so for me, film releases for the next several weeks take on an even greater significance as Hollywood brings to the silver screen two of the most interesting unsolved cases of the past 100 years. Opening this week is HOLLYWOODLAND, a fictionalized account based on actual events and evidence surrounding the death of Superman, George Reeves, and particularly the life and investigation conducted by PI, Louis Simo. Found with a bullet to the head three days before his wedding to wannabe actress (and all around trollop) Leonore Lemmon, Reeves’ death remains a mystery to this day. Was it murder? Or was it suicide? And will we ever know which? George Reeves was the hero of every kid in the world. After all, he was Superman. (Of course to some of us, he will be forever recognized as Brent Tarleton, one of Scarlet O’Hara’s beaus in “Gone With The Wind”.) But behind that big red “S” was a man struggling to find himself and at the same time become a Hollywood A-lister. Dark and tormented, Reeves is determined to be more than just a pretty face, and more than just a kid’s hero. It doesn’t take long for Reeves’ personal ambitions to get the best of him and he soon gets cozy with Toni Mannix, a well-bred, “classy” (albeit flashy) lady of obvious means. Unfortunately for Reeves, he doesn’t check her ID before bedding her and only after the fact does he discover her true identity – she is the wife of MGM Vice-President, Eddie Mannix. Uh-oh. Needless to say, this relationship doesn’t bode well for Reeves once Eddie Mannix finds out about it – and once Reeves turns up dead as a doornail.
Meet Louis Simo. He is the face and image that immediately pops into one’s mind at the mention of “sleazy private investigator.” A bottom feeder at best, Simo oozes slime and begs to be recognized as one of the elite PI’s, like a Sam Spade. Sadly, that will never happen, but Simo isn’t discouraged. With George Reeves dead, Simo sees his golden goose – investigate the murder and sell whatever tawdry tidbits he uncovers to the press. Told in flashback courtesy of Simo’s investigation, we are privy to the lives of both Reeves and Simo and much to one’s amazement, the similarities between the two – Reeves, a tortured man who not only isn’t satisfied with the quality of his 15 minutes of fame but wants more of it and of a higher caliber and Simo, a man also not satisfied with his life and f who eventually achieves his 15 minutes of fame more through happenstance than through ability and expertise while simultaneously destroying what he should be valuing and appreciating what he already has – his family. The tale that unfolds is that of two men rather than two myths. In fact, how many of you knew that Reeves only took the role of Superman because he was broke? Without a doubt one of the best if not the best ensembles to hit the big screen this year, Ben Affleck leads the pack as he takes on the fated role of George Reeves. Every bit the “Hollywood” image and legend, he embodies Reeves both personally and professionally. This is undoubtedly the best performance of Affleck’s career. Likewise for Adrian Brody whose portrayal of Simo should garner him at a minimum, an Oscar nomination, if not another Oscar. Scummy to the core, Brody still manages to evoke both sympathy and empathy and it doesn’t take long before you may actually find yourself rooting for the guy to succeed. Diane Lane shines with mega star wattage as Toni Mannix. Glamorous, sexy and seductive, her nuanced sensuality screams for Oscar gold. But my real hero is Bob Hoskins as Eddie Mannix. Able to turn on a dime, the man runs hot and cold and keeps you on edge the entire time. Was he or wasn’t he the man responsible for Reeves death? Be it murder or suicide. He is simply riveting. And the supporting characters are no slouches either! Molly Parker is particularly impressive as Simo’s wife Laurie while Robin Tunney will, turn heads as Reeves’ slutty fiancé Leonore Lemmon, whose wannabe aspirations clearly rivaled those of Reeves himself.
Writer Paul Bernbaum pegs 1950’s Hollywood to a tee. Already having written for one of Tinseltown’s living legends, Debbie Reynolds, with attention to dialogue and drama, he turns what could have been a humdrum rehashing of media hype and police work into a riveting “whodunit” with no clear answers in sight and leaving everything open to the interpretation and the imagination. Capitalizing on the public’s newfound interest in forensic science, Bernbaum slowly and deliberately discloses s pieces, or potential pieces, of the puzzle, letting the audience draw its own conclusions. Attention to detail enhances these solidly constructed true life characters, divulging layers of persona generally sheltered between the bright lights of Hollywood. True to the period, the script is laden with Hollywood legend and lore, including Simo’s own ties to Hollywood and the film industry, as well as MGM’s attempts to buy off Simo in an effort to drop his investigation. The story as a whole is immensely fascinating. Television director Allen Coulter makes an impressive big screen debut with his intriguingly seamless meld of two different, yet concurrent worlds, effectively blending evenly paced dramatic suspense with a slight comedic edge. Clearly seeking authenticity, there is no doubt he achieves it thanks not only to Bernbaum’s scripted detail but Jonathan Freeman’s incomparably exquisite cinematography, Leslie McDonald’s production design and the costume design of Julie Weiss. All bring Oscar worthy talents, and inevitable Oscar gold, to the polished look of the finished film. Subdued authenticity and stellar performances all combine for a visually stunning, immersive film noir experience. Will we ever know the truth behind Reeves death? Who knows. Was it his own alcohol-induced state that pulled the trigger? A jealous fiancé? Disgruntled ex-lover? Or enraged studio executive? HOLLYWOODLAND provides ample evidence for every scenario investigated and considered. Intriquing, interesting, HOLLYWOODLAND is the stuff that dreams, and nightmares, are made of. George Reeves: Ben Affleck Louis Simo: Adrien Brody Toni Mannix: Diane Lane Eddie Mannix: Bob Hoskins Directed by Allen Coulter. Written by Peter Bernbaum. A Focus Features release. Rated R (126 min)
