Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer

Ben Affleck (left) and Diane Lane (second right) in a scene from the movie 'Hollywoodland'- Contributed

Despite having a rather slow pace and not seeming as dark and mysterious as it could be, Hollywoodland is quite an intriguing flick. Its subject is Hollywood and it continues Hollywood's own narcissistic infatuation. This times the lens are turned back to the hey days of a studio-run Hollywood (before the rise of the independents and the pretence that such a thing still exists).

Directed by Allen Coulter and written by Paul Bernbaum, Hollywoodland explores the mystery behind the death of George Reeves whose most notorious role was his televised impersonation of Superman. As such, though Hollywood Land is a mystery, it is heavily character driven, rather than being propelled by a plot.

Plot

Ben Affleck takes on the role of Reeves while Adrien Brody heads up the cast with his portrayal of private investigator Louis Simo, who attempts to solve the mystery of Reeves' death. The movie begins with Reeves' death and throughout the rest of the film Simo attempts to piece it together and show whether Reeves' life was a murderous drama or was it the tragedy of suicide. As such, the scenes go back and forth between Reeves' life and Simo's attempt to understand his death.

In many ways, Hollywoodland mirrors some of the glitz that one associates with the old Hollywood, but it is also careful to show the grit that resides behind this. The main character, Simo, is seemingly torn between his failing family life and the desire to become a detective to the stars and so get his share of the limelight.

Brody gives a fascinating portrayal. He is one of those great character actors who takes on a role and leaves no trace of themselves in it, so that there is almost no similarity between any of the characters they play. Simo appears to draw his own influences about what a detective should be like from the movies, and this has had disastrous effects on both his family life and his professional career.

As such, through Simo, Hollywoodland sheds new light on the figure of the fast-talking private detective and goes beyond the veneer of dark mystery in which the figure is often shrouded to reveal a picture of a man who is merely trying to make his way in the world often with terrible consequences.

The double-edged sword

In much the same way, Reeves allows the movie to explore life behind the glitz and glamour and the impact that being known as a single character can have on the actor and the man himself. It looks at the double-edged sword of working with a serial as the actor may attain fame but can often become pigeon-holed into that role, with audiences refusing to see them as anything else.

Daine Lane's portrayal of Toni Mannix is also a great addition to the flick. She presents a gripping image of desperation as she attempts to cling to her fading beauty. As such, Hollywood Land's strongest kudos come from its performances. It takes an interesting look behind the glamour and high drama of Hollywood to show a more real, less fast-paced look at life in la-la land.