Tagline: In a town full of fiction, everyone has a version of the truth.
A uniquely compelling exploration of fame and identity. The drama, inspired by one of Hollywood’s most infamous real-life mysteries, follows a 1950s private detective (Academy Award winner Adrien Brody) who, investigating the mysterious death of “Superman” star George Reeves (Academy Award winner Ben Affleck), uncovers unexpected connections to his own life as the case turns ever more personal. The torrid affair Reeves had with the wife (Academy Award nominee Diane Lane) of a studio executive (Academy Award nominee Bob Hoskins) might hold the key to the truth.
“Hollywoodland” is a uniquely compelling exploration of fame and identity, inspired by one of Hollywood’s most infamous real-life mysteries. The film is the feature directorial debut for Allen Coulter (Emmy and DGA Award nominee for his work on “The Sopranos” and “Sex and the City”).
Felled by a single gunshot wound, Reeves (portrayed in “Hollywoodland” by Academy Award winner Ben Affleck) leaves behind a fiancée – aspiring starlet Leonore Lemmon (Robin Tunney) – and millions of fans who are shocked by his death.
But it is his grieving mother, Helen Bessolo (Lois Smith), who will not let the questionable circumstances surrounding his demise go unaddressed. Helen seeks justice, or at least answers. The Los Angeles Police Department closes the case, but Helen hires – for $50 a day – private detective Louis Simo (Academy Award winner Adrien Brody). Simo soon ascertains that the torrid affair Reeves had with Toni Mannix (Academy Award nominee Diane Lane), the wife of MGM studio executive Eddie Mannix (Academy Award nominee Bob Hoskins), might hold the key to the truth.
But truth and justice are not so easily found in Hollywood. Simo pursues dangerous and elusive leads in both high and low places and, in trying to turn up the heat, risks getting burned. The detective also uncovers unexpected connections to his own life as the case turns more personal and he learns more about Reeves himself. Behind the icon was a complex man who gave his life to Hollywood in more ways than one.
Production notes provided by Focus Features.
Hollywoodland
Starring: Adrien Brody, Diane Lane, Ben Affleck, Bob Hoskins, Kathleen Robertson, Steve Adams, Jordan Barker, Donald Burda
Directed by: Allen Coulter
Screenplay by: Paul Bernbaum
Release Date: September 8th, 2006
Running Time: 126 minutes
MPAA Rating: R for language, some violence and sexual content.
Studio: Focus Features
Box Office Totals
Domestic: $14,426,251 (85.9%)
Foreign: $2,377,502 (14.1%)
Total: $16,803,753 (Worldwide)