Retro Film Review: Hollywoodland (2006)
One of the most popular Hollywood urban legends told of so-called “Superman curse” affecting all actors playing the Man of Steel. It became prominent due to the tragic fate of Christopher Reeve, the most famous actor to portray the role, who spent the last years of his life paralysed after 1995 horse riding accident. However, even before his time, the legendary curse was fuelled by the unresolved mystery related to tragic death of actor George Reeves.
The 45-year-old Reeves was found shot in his home on June 16, 1959. This occurred while he was enjoying the peak of his popularity as one of the first American television stars, playing Superman in the television series Adventures of Superman, running from 1952 to 1958. For American children, who represented his most loyal audience, the death of the invincible "Man of Steel" was a great shock.
Although the police investigation ruled the cause of death as suicide, many of Reeves' friends and family refused to believe it, and the case has remained the subject of various conspiracy theories to this day. Some of these theories are believed by the film's protagonist Hollywoodland, private detective Louis Simo (played by Adrien Brody), who was hired by the actor's grieving mother. During the investigation, Simo uncovers a range of salacious details about the actor's life, including a romantic relationship with Toni Mannix (played by Diane Lane), the wife of powerful MGM studio vice president Eddie Mannix (played by Bob Hoskins).
1950s Hollywood, and especially its dark side, is a rich theme for filmmakers. This was previously demonstrated by L.A. Confidential. However, scriptwriter Paul Bernbaum and director Allen Coulter (best known for his work on television) did not find the tragic story of George Reeves (played by a less than inspired Ben Affleck) compelling enough, framing it instead within a maximally clichéd and predictable detective story.
This is truly a shame, as Reeves' suicide at the height of fame—reportedly caused by the realisation that he would never escape the hated role of "Superman" or launch a career from that point—could have served as material for a top-notch drama. Instead, viewers received a drawn-out and unconvincing thriller in which Brody—who is a far better actor than Affleck—wastes his talent on a far more one-dimensional character.
On the other hand, Lane’s and Hoskins’ roles are much better played, so the film is at least . It can be said that the curse of Superman did not reflect too tragically on Hollywoodland.
RATING: 4/10 (+)
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