Review: Hollywood

The golden age of film gets gritty in Ryan Murphy’s newest Netflix original. 

What if you could re-write history? What are the lengths you would go to for your dream? Hollywood on Netflix explores these questions and shows how much power a movie could hold. 

In the beginning, we meet Jack (David Corenswet), who’s on a mission to become a star. 

Jack is fresh out of the Army and looking for work. Out of desperation, he falls into a life of prostitution. As a result of his new lifestyle, he meets Avis (Patti LuPone) who happens to be the wife of the man in charge of ACE studios. And that is where this story takes off.

Like many of Murphy’s creations, I know I’m about to go on a wild ride. I’m expecting drama that gives me the feeling of something in-between whimsical and sinister. This twisted tale of ambition did not disappoint me on that.

A tangled web of multiple players is also to be expected. While intriguing at first, bouncing from character to character becomes a bit tiresome. And as a result, everything feels a bit scrambled.

Hollywood had me hooked in the beginning, but the shock factor started to fizzle. I felt that the show fell short towards the last three episodes. A slow set up resulted in a rushed and predictable ending.

The real power is through the performances. And to absolutely no surprise, Lupone gives a stellar one. Her mere presence demands your attention, and you hang on her every word.

But with multiple characters at play, it’s Jim Parsons who steals the spotlight. His viciously vulgar portal of a cutthroat manager will become the character you love to hate. And I’m not going to sugar coat it, and you will hate him. But to me, that’s a testament to how talented of an actor he is.

At its core, Hollywood is a love letter to film. Some could also see this as a call to action. For a show set in the forties, the issues it tackles are still relevant today. Each episode portrays the pivotal role representation plays, just by being on the big screen.

So, can a movie really change the world?

Give it a watch on May 1st and see if the twists and turns answer that question for you.