In the end, it wasn't Kryptonite, but rather a speeding bullet that killed Superman. Or actor George Reeves anyway, though from watching Hollwoodland, you get the sense that kids back in 1959 regarded the two men as one and the same. Their invincible hero, the Man of Steel, tragically taken away from them, felled by a gunshot to the head in an act of suicide.

Or was it? What about the other two bullet holes in his bedroom floor, the bruises on his arm, and other inconclusive bits of evidence? Was it the open and shut case that L.A.'s investigators concluded it to be, or is there more to the story?

Reeves' acting career never amounted to very much. After a hopeful start alongside Clark Gable in Gone with the Wind, he was relegated to bit parts and Saturday matinees well into his late thirties. Which might partly explain why he eventually won the lead role in the popular '50s television show The Adventures of Superman—or perhaps it was also because he was sleeping with the wife of one of Hollywood's most powerful studio executives. Either way, it would prove to be his last acting job before his untimely death at 45.

Ben Affleck plays 'Superman' star George Reeves

Ben Affleck plays 'Superman' star George Reeves

Thus, a straightforward biography doesn't have much story to tell. But screenwriter Paul Bernbaum and director Allen Coulter (making his cinematic debut after working on various HBO dramas) recognize that the circumstances surrounding Reeves' death ironically makes his life more interesting. What would drive a seemingly successful and happy actor to suicide? And if it were murder instead, then who would have reason to kill the man known as Superman?

To examine these angles, Hollywoodland is part bio-pic and part mystery. Stylistically, it's similar to other California crime noirs like Chinatown and L.A. Confidential. The storytelling is reminiscent of Citizen Kane or Reversal of Fortune, recounting a central character's final days while speculating on what may have happened.

The audience's guide for the investigation is Louis Simo (Adrien Brody), a fictional detective operating out of a seedy apartment with help from a young assistant (in more ways than one). Simo is recently divorced, trying in his own way to make the most of his time with his son, and trying to make ends meet with the usual cheating spouse cases that small-time detectives usually take. But then a former colleague from the police force points him to Helen Bessolo (Lois Smith), the mother of Reeves who doesn't believe that her son would take his own life. It isn't long before Simo begins to think she may have a point.

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Adrien Brody as private detective Louis Simo, who investigates Reeves' death

Adrien Brody as private detective Louis Simo, who investigates Reeves' death

The film then alternates to Reeves' story, played by Ben Affleck as a struggling actor desperately trying to network and build publicity at a Hollywood party. He ends up going home with Toni Mannix (Diane Lane), an older woman and the wife of Edgar Mannix (Bob Hoskins), the general manager of MGM with seemingly gangster related ties. The marriage exists in name only, giving Toni enough space to make Reeves a part of her life—much like Norma Desmond did with Joe Gillis in Sunset Boulevard.

The affair allows Reeves to live comfortably and leads to the Superman phase of his career. The problem is that he wants to avoid being typecast, pursuing other kinds of roles and opportunities. His dissatisfaction with his life begins to create a wedge with Toni, especially after he starts looking for work outside of Hollywood—and the marital relationship that she can't provide.

Bob Hoskins as MGM studio exec Eddie Mannix

Bob Hoskins as MGM studio exec Eddie Mannix

Which brings us to the main reason to see Hollywoodland. Affleck has attached himself to many a bad film over the years, but anyone who's written him off as untalented will have to reconsider their opinion after this nomination-worthy performance. Interesting how everything plays together almost perfectly for Affleck's portrayal—his boyish charm, his hunky physique, and even his reputation as a poseur. With all that, he brings a surprising level of world-weariness and vulnerability to the part. We really come to feel for this guy, struggling with the mantle of role model that's been thrust upon him, and fearful of some of the unrealistic expectations that children place on their beloved superhero.

Diane Lane is similarly excellent, on par with her other performances from the last five years as the seemingly happy, yet emotionally fragile socialite. Adrien Brody is a little less successful, and part of the film's problem. In a way, Brody looks like he's of the era as the down-on-his-luck detective caught in a personal downward spiral. It's a low-key performance that's generally effective.

However, Hollywoodland spends a little too much time exploring Simo's life without doing a good enough job drawing parallels between him and Reeves, or why the detective is so compelled by the case to let it threaten his life. You get the sense that maybe he feels that he's stuck in a dual life much like the unhappy actor, or for that matter, the Man of Steel himself. And likewise, there's the feeling that maybe he too is foregoing the blessings that have been set before him in his pursuit to become something greater—in his case, allowing detective work overshadow his responsibility as a father.

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Diane Lane as Toni Mannix

Diane Lane as Toni Mannix

But these are subtle subtexts at best for the astute filmgoer, hinted at without really developing them or spelling them out. I suspect many viewers will simply regard Hollywoodland as a lot of yelling, drunken anger, and adulterous relationships that don't amount to much in the end. After all, there is only speculation as to whether Reeves' death was suicide or murder. Like the case of the Von Bulows in Reversal of Fortune, we'll never really know what happened. The film still presents its theories, but we're left to consider that sometimes, things really are as simple as they appear.

The other problem with Hollywoodland is its pacing. The first half is quite compelling as we delve into the case, meet Reeves, and watch his development into Superman. It feels like a 90-minute movie packed into 60 minutes. Then it slows down considerably as we watch everyone wallow in unhappiness for another 60 minutes. Also dragging things along is Simo's other case involving an unstable husband suspicious of his wife—it's unnecessary and never seems to fit with the rest of the movie.

Hollywoodland is nevertheless well made and boasts some strong performances. It just never reaches its full potential, but that's somehow appropriate in light of this sad story. George Reeves might have found happiness if he were only content to be Clark Kent. Unfortunately, it was dreams of flying higher than Superman that did him in.

Talk About It

  Discussion starters
  1. As Superman, George Reeves was a hero to many children in the '50s. Who were your heroes growing up? Did they live up to your ideals in real life or in the long run? Is it best to shelter kids from the human failings of heroes, or to be up front and honest about them? Who can we confidently point to as a reliable role model
  2. Why does Simo initially take the Reeves case? Now consider his last scene with Helen Bessolo, George Reeves' mother. Do you think his motivations have changed? If so, why
  3. How does Simo's character compare and contrast to Reeves? Do you think the similarities and differences are intentional to express a greater theme? How does confronting the mystery of Reeves' death challenge Simo to become a better father
  4. Can we learn from Reeves' story about embracing our calling? Was his dissatisfaction with his acting career understandable, or do you think he failed to recognize the blessing that came from being Superman? Think of other examples where tasks that seem menial or beneath our dreams can also have a powerful impact on people.
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The Family Corner

For parents to consider

Hollwoodland is rated R for language, some violence, and sexual content. The film doesn't refrain from exposing the seedy underbelly of L.A. and the movie business. Most all of the key characters engage in sexual behavior, which includes innuendo, adultery, brief nudity, and a sex scene. The movie also includes all manner of R-rated language, as well as some violence concerning Reeves' fatal gunshot wound to the head.


What Other Critics Are Saying
compiled by Jeffrey Overstreet

from Film Forum, 09/14/06

Earlier this year, Brandon Routh became a star, stepping into Christopher Reeve's shoes to re-start the Man of Steel franchise in Superman Returns.

But this week, Ben Affleck won the Best Actor award (yes, I'm serious) at the Venice Film Festival for his performance in a Superman cape. Affleck is winning raves for dramatizing the life of television actor George Reeves, who became famous playing TV's Man of Steel, and whose death from gunshot wounds might … might … have been suicide.

Exploring one of Tinseltown's most notorious unsolved murder cases, Hollywoodland is a semi-historical, noir-ish mystery from Allen Coulter, who has directed episodes of "Rome," "The Sopranos," and "Sex in the City." The film stars Academy Award winner Adrien Brody (The Pianist, King Kong) as a befuddled detective, Robin Tunney as Reeves' fiancée, Diane Lane as the woman who became obsessed with Reeves, and Bob Hoskins as her jealous husband, an MGM studio executive.

"I suspect many viewers will simply regard Hollywoodland as a lot of yelling, drunken anger, and adulterous relationships that don't amount to much in the end," writes Russ Breimeier (Christianity Today Movies). "After all, there is only speculation as to whether Reeves' death was suicide or murder. … Hollywoodland is nevertheless well made and boasts some strong performances."

Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service) says that, due to "sleazy ambience," this movie is "definitely not one for the kids—and … possibly not for some adults either." He explains that the movie "may be of interest to fans of the Superman series and those intrigued by Hollywood lore, but there are no conclusive answers."

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Bob Smithouser (Plugged In) is impressed with some aspects of the film, but concludes that the R-rated content is "deadly kryptonite to Hollywoodland, an otherwise riveting, poignant statement about the complexities of tragic human relationships and how they can leave a wake of victims, suspicion and pain with no clear answers or obvious culprits. So much for 'truth, justice and the American way.'"

Frederica Matthewes-Green (Frederica.com) says the film is stylish, and it's as cynical as a noir film should be. But does this "thriller" thrill? "That's where the film lets us down," she concludes. "The feeling of the movie is melancholy rather than menace."

Christian Hamaker (Crosswalk) finds little of value to take away from the experience. "It turns out that the lives of the rich and famous several decades ago were—just as they are today—filled with moral compromise, and that once you get past the glamorous surface of Hollywood, there's an ugly underside. … Like so much that has emerged from Tinseltown over the years, it's largely distasteful and quickly forgettable."

Most mainstream critics find a few things to praise, but remain unenthusiastic about Hollywoodland.

from Film Forum, 09/21/06

Cher Smith (Infuze) says, "Let's just get this out of the way right up front: it's no L.A. Confidential. That said, however, Hollywoodland is a semi-engrossing film, and the reason might surprise you: Ben Affleck."

Hollywoodland
Our Rating
2½ Stars - Fair
Average Rating
 
(not rated yet)ADD YOURSHelp
Mpaa Rating
R (for language, some violence, and sexual content)
Genre
Directed By
Allen Coulter
Run Time
2 hours 6 minutes
Cast
Adrien Brody, Ben Affleck, Diane Lane
Theatre Release
September 08, 2006 by Miramax Films
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