Hollywood is another good Ryan Murphy show. It follows the lives of aspiring actors and filmmakers who will pretty much do anything to succeed in their dreams of making it big in Hollywood, it takes place in post-World War II Hollywood. I didn't really know what to expect from this but I gave it a chance because of all the good things I heard and I'm glad I did because it was a very well done series. It seems like anything Ryan Murphy does these days is a huge success! The stories are very diverse and interesting. Most of the bad reviews are because they say it isn't true...who cares? It's a tv show, not a documentary! It admits that it takes places in a revisionist Hollywood that is a pick me up series.
539 Reviews
Worth Watching
Supermanfan-133 July 2023
With so many mixed reviews I wasn't sure what to expect from Hollywood. I'm glad I did give it a chance because I really enjoyed it. It's seems like most of the negative reviews are because it changes facts from history and because there are real people being portrayed here they didn't like it. Personally, I couldn't care less as long as it's entertaining. It's not claiming to be a true story. This is another show created by the highly successful Ryan Murphy. While not his best work it's still pretty good and worth watching. It's about aspiring actors, directors, agents, etc in post World War II Hollywood who will do anything to make their dreams come true.
Unnecessarily forced historical inaccuracy, but still fun
ontheis27 July 2020
Full of colors, fun, diverse characters and drama, Hollywood is a mini series (I don't get the current possibility for season 2) worth a watch if you're into historical what-ifs, or you just want to watch a fun "period" drama that is not the real Golden Age Hollywood... So don't expect history lessons, and just enjoy 1940s through rose colored glasses.
It would've been a better choice to go full-fiction with all fiction characters though, without terrible Rock Hudson portrayal for example. Or to go 100% factual (it's not that hard) and show how things really happened in Hollywood, with real struggles of aspiring writers, directors, actors, poor, non-white, different sexuality (for example, Rock Hudson's real closet case).
As for the quality of the series in general, it started excellent and then just lost itself with unbelievable plot and characters acting forced, unnatural and silly.
The cinematography is great. Drama is mostly interesting, something that's usual for Ryan Murphy (I love American Horror story and Scream queens, he should stick to horror comedy).
All in all, I gave 7/10 for the first few episodes, cinematography, silly drama and feel-good mindless fun. It would have been much lower if I took it seriously... Or if I judge by last few episodes... Or if they decide to make season 2 (oh no)!
P. S. The tune at the end of each episode is so annoying and repetitive!
Alternate Reality
bobzavoral2 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Reading some reviews here, I really think everybody missed the point. This is an alternate history along the lines of Man in the High Castle. What would happen to this country if someone in Hollywood was actually brave 60 years ago.
Once I realized what Murphy was up to, I enjoyed it.
A glossy, missed opportunity.
halcyonbear10 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There's no denying that Hollywood is well-made. The attention to period detail captures the glamour of post-War Hollywood (people looked so stylish back then) and the performances are brilliant. It's difficult to single individuals out for acting praise because it really is a wonderfully crafted ensemble piece. The characters are three dimensional with even initially unpleasant ones having enough backstory to make them sympathetic.
The downside, which only becomes apparent in the very last episode, is that it is just TOO fictionalised. I understand that it's interesting to look at history and ask 'what if?'. However when the real story is interesting and still largely untold, I can't help but feel that Hollywood ended up being a missed opportunity. It would have been been wonderful and massively influential had women, people of colour and LGBT+ people been given more opportunities in the entertainment industry in 1947. In that respect it works as a wish-fulfilment drama, but in an industry where inequality and exploitation still exist, I think it's more important to tell harsh truths, rather than beautiful fictions. There is more than enough real-life drama to be working with when tackling the subject of the movie industry before you go down a fantasy route. With such capable writers and actors it would have been equally as engaging.
That said, on quality of production alone, I would like to see a second season, but one more grounded in reality.
Too easy
gthompson-677109 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
There are some very fine performances by great actors. I realize it's fantasy, once upon a time, but it's just too easy; the immediate eradication of racism and on the way to the removal of homophobia?
And the plot was filled with predictable moments.
Wow. What an amazing 'What If'
mainstuart3 May 2020
A thoroughly entertaining reimagining of Hollywood in 1948. Fabulous production values and some terrific performances. Jim Parsons is a particular standout as the notorious Hollywood agent Henry Willson. Ryan Murphy has presented us with a very interesting take on what might have been. Some other reviewers have mentioned the word cringeworthy. Cringeworthy it is at times but it is thoroughly entertaining. The only negative thing about Murphy's latest offering it is that it wasn't true, although the 'Dreamland' premise is loosely based on Scotty Bowers' autobiography 'Full Service.' Ryan Murphy can be hit and miss at times (his last effort for Netflix, 'The Politician' was a bit of a mixed bag) but I'm happy to say that 'Hollywood' is a hit.
Started Out Strong and Lost It's Steam
plasticanimalz8 May 2020
It started out sooo good. The first 3 episodes were great. I thought for sure this would be Oscar worthy...then, it took a hard dip by episode 4, turning into Make-A-Wish foundation, and by episode 5, it was a PSA announcement. We shut it off mid-episode 'cause we were bored, and I was calling out every plot twist before it happened it had become so predictable. It was like Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan wrote the first 3 episodes, got bored, and told their 22-year-old writer's assistants to finish the show.
I feel like Ryan Murphy is at that point in his career where he can get anything greenlit so now he's writing entirely for himself and doesn't care what the audience or his fans want. It's a shame. The writing started out so strong. Imagine the first half of this show like Glee season 1 and the second half like Glee, the final years, and you have an idea of where the writing went on this show. Too bad.
I saw the documentary that they ripped the gas station / Dreamland part of the show, and that was fun, despite they took that guy's life and probably didn't pay him. There's zero tension in the show after episode 3. It's just wish fulfillment, where everyone gets what they want, like a pre-school show for kids, so, despite the strength of the first few episodes you stop caring about the characters because you can predict everything that will happen so what's the point of seeing it? No mystery. No struggle after episode three, they suddenly magically get everything they want. There's no reason to watch until episode 7 because mid-episode 5 it's an easy guess where it's going, which we confirmed by reading reviews.
I just don't know how Murphy went from America Crime Story: Versace, to this. Such a great idea, and so magical, and it just fell apart, as if they stopped caring halfway through.
Rock Hudson was great. That was one bright spot in the show, aside from the initial writing and the production value. He was endearing and vulnerable. You really root for him, despite the show falling apart around him. And was interesting to see Jim Parsons as a villain after 12 seasons of him playing Sheldon. I'm sure he loved playing that. The entire cast is likable, it just would have been nice for them to be consistent as opposed to shifting their characters completely and unrealistically halfway though. Again, bad writing.
I feel like Ryan Murphy is at that point in his career where he can get anything greenlit so now he's writing entirely for himself and doesn't care what the audience or his fans want. It's a shame. The writing started out so strong. Imagine the first half of this show like Glee season 1 and the second half like Glee, the final years, and you have an idea of where the writing went on this show. Too bad.
I saw the documentary that they ripped the gas station / Dreamland part of the show, and that was fun, despite they took that guy's life and probably didn't pay him. There's zero tension in the show after episode 3. It's just wish fulfillment, where everyone gets what they want, like a pre-school show for kids, so, despite the strength of the first few episodes you stop caring about the characters because you can predict everything that will happen so what's the point of seeing it? No mystery. No struggle after episode three, they suddenly magically get everything they want. There's no reason to watch until episode 7 because mid-episode 5 it's an easy guess where it's going, which we confirmed by reading reviews.
I just don't know how Murphy went from America Crime Story: Versace, to this. Such a great idea, and so magical, and it just fell apart, as if they stopped caring halfway through.
Rock Hudson was great. That was one bright spot in the show, aside from the initial writing and the production value. He was endearing and vulnerable. You really root for him, despite the show falling apart around him. And was interesting to see Jim Parsons as a villain after 12 seasons of him playing Sheldon. I'm sure he loved playing that. The entire cast is likable, it just would have been nice for them to be consistent as opposed to shifting their characters completely and unrealistically halfway though. Again, bad writing.
Reality on easy mode
zackster-319-64450625 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's easy to be progressive when you have 70 years of hindsight.
Oh so they end racism, homophobia, all while having all these first time leads/crew earn Oscar wins?
Doesn't work like that. Sure it's a feel good show , but there were no stakes. No consequences.
"Oh the movie won't play in south" and then proceeds to break every record.
It's beautifully shot but overall I just couldn't buy it.
Hollywood. I want more
BlakeRsanchez832 May 2020
Hollywood horror
mezzaitaliana-891313 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This a lurid depiction of 1940's Hollywood. We all know the stories about casting couch auditions, bullying studio heads, gay actors leading double lives. Nothing new here. But this adaptation is really about what's happening in the 21 century. The ongoing cry of lack of diversity. And done without any grace or subtlety
Visually beautiful but that's it
dtlacey782 May 2020
I really wanted to like this so I kept with it. Visually it is stunning. Beautifully shot and a great cast do a good enough job with what quickly turns in to cringeworthy & predictable writing. The whole 'gay thing' is pushed way too hard. And that's coming from me - a gay man. It is far too much.
That era of Hollywood has so many amazing stories and so much history - I don't know why Murphy et al had to write so much drivel.
Holy Wow!!! Everything you need in a show.
jennymcdhill1 May 2020
This series is such a treat - visually appealing with meaningful storylines and witty dialogue. The actors and actresses in it are stunning and it feels both classic and fresh at the same time.
If you're a fan of Ryan Murphy's other works, then I think you should almost 100% definitely be a fan of this too. Even if you're not already familiar with Ryan's other series though... Honestly, Hollywood is just such an all-round good show that I'd recommend it to everyone.
I think the music and the way it weaves serious moments and upbeat moments throughout each episode makes it an enjoyable thrilling watch.
If you're a fan of Ryan Murphy's other works, then I think you should almost 100% definitely be a fan of this too. Even if you're not already familiar with Ryan's other series though... Honestly, Hollywood is just such an all-round good show that I'd recommend it to everyone.
I think the music and the way it weaves serious moments and upbeat moments throughout each episode makes it an enjoyable thrilling watch.
Pretty Disappointing Uneven
donart-2458013 June 2020
This syrupy effort from Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan is, at best, pretty but hard to watch. I had to force myself through the first four episodes to get to a point where I cared enough to endure the bad writing and uneven direction and finish it. There's way too little plot, character development, or point to carry it. The cast did the best they could with some awful, preachy dialogue, overly sugary and convenient plot 'twists' and the shallowest characterisations.
The cast was a mixed bag of wonderful 'seniors', mid-ground familiar faces and inexperienced young over-actors.Patty Lupone, Holland Taylor and Joe Mantello shone in their roles and carried the show throughout. In the mid field, Queen Latifah, Dylan McDermott, Darren Criss and Jim Parsons did excellent work and obviously enjoyed their roles. Queen Latifah always has screen presence and as such, she was under-utilised. Dylan McDermott revelled in his silver fox rendition and Jim Parsons developed his character, as best as the script would allow, from vile to virtuous (too much so, but anyway). The young ones added the pretty and, possibly accidental, youthful naivete.
As to the point of the show, it was never clear what it was trying to do: just entertain? make a point about gays (as a gay person I am tired of the cliche way this is always depicted, find a new cause or at least a new angle) and coloureds? was it to show the 'true' Hollywood? (hardly). At times I wondered if it was trying to be a 1950's women's melodrama about the making of a 1950's melodrama, but that didn't really play out. The directing was extremely uneven. Though it was very heavily preachy (way too preachy) it didn't give any depth to the topic: it really only exploited the 'issues' to provide the little plot that there was. It even seemed to endorse the violence against the journalist/reporter that was going to expose something that was shown to be true.
It was mostly predictable, cliched and shallow and, therefore, very disappointing. It's a shame that all the effort put into recreating the era, ultimately amounted to very little: an opportunity missed (as others have said). Somewhat entertainingly disappointing: will just a little more, it could have been so much more.
The cast was a mixed bag of wonderful 'seniors', mid-ground familiar faces and inexperienced young over-actors.Patty Lupone, Holland Taylor and Joe Mantello shone in their roles and carried the show throughout. In the mid field, Queen Latifah, Dylan McDermott, Darren Criss and Jim Parsons did excellent work and obviously enjoyed their roles. Queen Latifah always has screen presence and as such, she was under-utilised. Dylan McDermott revelled in his silver fox rendition and Jim Parsons developed his character, as best as the script would allow, from vile to virtuous (too much so, but anyway). The young ones added the pretty and, possibly accidental, youthful naivete.
As to the point of the show, it was never clear what it was trying to do: just entertain? make a point about gays (as a gay person I am tired of the cliche way this is always depicted, find a new cause or at least a new angle) and coloureds? was it to show the 'true' Hollywood? (hardly). At times I wondered if it was trying to be a 1950's women's melodrama about the making of a 1950's melodrama, but that didn't really play out. The directing was extremely uneven. Though it was very heavily preachy (way too preachy) it didn't give any depth to the topic: it really only exploited the 'issues' to provide the little plot that there was. It even seemed to endorse the violence against the journalist/reporter that was going to expose something that was shown to be true.
It was mostly predictable, cliched and shallow and, therefore, very disappointing. It's a shame that all the effort put into recreating the era, ultimately amounted to very little: an opportunity missed (as others have said). Somewhat entertainingly disappointing: will just a little more, it could have been so much more.
Amazing
limtrindade2 May 2020
Half of the bad reviews are saying it's a fantasy (like... really? Didn't know Ryan Murphy was doing a documentary) and the other half complained about human rights (LGBT+ rights, Women rights and Racial rights), so those bad reviews are absolute nonsense, need to be ignored. The show is amazing, visually stunning, the cast did great and the story is beautiful, about chasing dreams (go to dreamland) and don't letting them go, even when the circumstances tell otherwise.
What went wrong?
mgumsley11 May 2020
When this series started, I was absolutely captivated. Hollywood was just as difficult a nut to crack as I had imagined, and it grabbed my interest. But then it started going wrong, and by the time we got to the end and the story of Meg was grabbing all the Oscars, I was gagging with disbelief. I felt let down and disappointed. If there had been some let downs, some false starts, it would have felt more like real life, but this was like watching Cinderella with a grown up audience. Disappointing, even Jim Parsons who was so good at beginning, seemed to lose interest by the end. I can't say I blamed him.
History with a hint of fantasy!
eelen-seth28 April 2020
Ryan Murphy, mostly known for creating iconic tv-series such as Nip/Tuck, American Horror Story and Glee, is ready to unleash a somewhat unconventional take on the Hollywood-dream. 'Hollywood' is his second series made for Netflix (after 2019's 'The Politician') and is something we haven't really seen from him before.
Ian Brennan (Scream Queens) co-created 'Hollywood', which follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Hollywood as they try to make it in Tinseltown - no matter the cost. Each character offers a unique glimpse behind the gilded curtain of Hollywood's Golden Age, spotlighting the unfair systems and biases across race, gender and sexuality that continue to this day. Provocative and incisive, 'Hollywood' exposes and examines decades-old power dynamics, and what the entertainment landscape might look like if they had been dismantled.
Jack (David Corenswet - The Politician), a bright blue eyed veteran, has moved to Hollywoodland with his wife Henrietta (Maude Apatow - Euphoria). Hoping to get cast in the next big blockbuster, he stands at the gates of ACE Studios, the studio you want to work with to make it big. But without any real acting training, he's just some ordinary pretty boy wandering the streets of the City of Angels. When Jack meets Ernie (Dylan McDermott - American Horror Story) at a bar after one of his failed gate visits, he offers him a job at his gas station after bragging about his 12 inch cock. This isn't just any ordinary gas station, Ernie hires handsome men to offer his clients a special "service".
When Avis (Patti LuPone - Pose) pulls up at the gas station and asks to be taken to "Dreamland", Jack's life changes into something he's always dreamed of. After explaining to her how he always felt like a completely different person after walking out of the "picture show", Avis reveals how much power she actually has within the industry and this opens a lot of gates. Unfortunately, it's Jack's story which ends up being the least interesting of the show. But no worries, there's so many more engrossing and entertaining story lines to keep the series as strong as it can be.
Everyone knows Murphy's a very inclusive tv-maker, but Hollywood, how mainstream it may look, and the way Netflix is promoting the show, might surprise some unaware subscribers who think they're in for just a typical old school Hollywood tale. A grand gay sex party at some sort of Hollywood Playboy mansion and crosses burning in the front yard of an interracial couple, are just a few thought provoking events in the show, but will also be important to get audiences to talk about Murphy's newest production on social media and cause some serious word of mouth. A lot of the events and even multiple characters are based on truth, which makes you want to look up exactly what really happened with certain real life characters. This could be a good stepping stone for Murphy to invest into a making of.
When we first meet Roy Fitzgerald (Jake Picking - Horse Girl), a young aspiring and incredibly handsome but shy actor from the South, he just wants to go to "Dreamland" with the up and coming screenwriter Archie (Jeremy Pope - The Ranger). We then later find out that Roy Fitzgerald is bound to become Hollywood legend, Rock Hudson - a name chosen by his Weinstein-esque agent Henry Wilson (Jim Parsons in a career-changing role). Picking and Pope's chemistry is off the charts and feels genuine. There's a lot of equally balanced talent on the show, no matter their sexuality, orientation or colour.
Besides LuPone, there's plenty of female talent that gets to shine on screen. Such as Laura Harrier (who plays Camille), an up and coming star in the series, who also gives one of the strongest and most endearing performances of all. Tv-watching audiences who want to see more of her, make sure to check out her phenomenal performance in 2018's BlacKkKlansman. Camille and her boyfriend director Raymond (Darren Criss - who also executive produces the show) play an important key role in turning Archie's script into an actual film. But first they'll have to convince the big studio chiefs. Even Disney's extremely racist 'Song of the South' gets mentioned. Besides Harrier, it's Holland Taylor (partner of Ryan Murphy's scream queen, Sarah Paulson) who steals the show in every scene she's in. Well known for her roles in The Practice and The L Word, she gives the heartfelt performance this show needs and alongside her male counterpart Dick (Joe Mantello - The Normal Heart), these two more mature actors are the true standouts in this ocean of talent. Queen Latifah and Michelle Krusiec's Emmy-award worthy guest performances are based on legendary actors who made history and paved the way for future talent.
Not everything about the show works as well as you might hope. Most of the production design feels a bit too studio-ish and makes certain scenes lose a certain authentic flair. Nathan Barr's score used throughout the entire limited series is dull and uninspired, which is surprising since later on in the series there's an important moment everything's been building up towards that gets accompanied by a wonderful piece of music. It's a vague description, but I don't want to spoil the further outcome of the series for anyone.
Hollywood might start off sloppy, but knows how to finish into the satisfying climax you'd expect. Murphy and Brennan's writing, wigs, costumes, make-up galore, an exuberant amount of talent, and the drive to share a unique vision on how film can be an important medium in providing a voice to those who one too many times got ignored or defined by the colour of their skin or background. It's history with a hint of fantasy. Hollywood is exactly the kind of television that not only grows within itself but also with its viewers.
Ian Brennan (Scream Queens) co-created 'Hollywood', which follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Hollywood as they try to make it in Tinseltown - no matter the cost. Each character offers a unique glimpse behind the gilded curtain of Hollywood's Golden Age, spotlighting the unfair systems and biases across race, gender and sexuality that continue to this day. Provocative and incisive, 'Hollywood' exposes and examines decades-old power dynamics, and what the entertainment landscape might look like if they had been dismantled.
Jack (David Corenswet - The Politician), a bright blue eyed veteran, has moved to Hollywoodland with his wife Henrietta (Maude Apatow - Euphoria). Hoping to get cast in the next big blockbuster, he stands at the gates of ACE Studios, the studio you want to work with to make it big. But without any real acting training, he's just some ordinary pretty boy wandering the streets of the City of Angels. When Jack meets Ernie (Dylan McDermott - American Horror Story) at a bar after one of his failed gate visits, he offers him a job at his gas station after bragging about his 12 inch cock. This isn't just any ordinary gas station, Ernie hires handsome men to offer his clients a special "service".
When Avis (Patti LuPone - Pose) pulls up at the gas station and asks to be taken to "Dreamland", Jack's life changes into something he's always dreamed of. After explaining to her how he always felt like a completely different person after walking out of the "picture show", Avis reveals how much power she actually has within the industry and this opens a lot of gates. Unfortunately, it's Jack's story which ends up being the least interesting of the show. But no worries, there's so many more engrossing and entertaining story lines to keep the series as strong as it can be.
Everyone knows Murphy's a very inclusive tv-maker, but Hollywood, how mainstream it may look, and the way Netflix is promoting the show, might surprise some unaware subscribers who think they're in for just a typical old school Hollywood tale. A grand gay sex party at some sort of Hollywood Playboy mansion and crosses burning in the front yard of an interracial couple, are just a few thought provoking events in the show, but will also be important to get audiences to talk about Murphy's newest production on social media and cause some serious word of mouth. A lot of the events and even multiple characters are based on truth, which makes you want to look up exactly what really happened with certain real life characters. This could be a good stepping stone for Murphy to invest into a making of.
When we first meet Roy Fitzgerald (Jake Picking - Horse Girl), a young aspiring and incredibly handsome but shy actor from the South, he just wants to go to "Dreamland" with the up and coming screenwriter Archie (Jeremy Pope - The Ranger). We then later find out that Roy Fitzgerald is bound to become Hollywood legend, Rock Hudson - a name chosen by his Weinstein-esque agent Henry Wilson (Jim Parsons in a career-changing role). Picking and Pope's chemistry is off the charts and feels genuine. There's a lot of equally balanced talent on the show, no matter their sexuality, orientation or colour.
Besides LuPone, there's plenty of female talent that gets to shine on screen. Such as Laura Harrier (who plays Camille), an up and coming star in the series, who also gives one of the strongest and most endearing performances of all. Tv-watching audiences who want to see more of her, make sure to check out her phenomenal performance in 2018's BlacKkKlansman. Camille and her boyfriend director Raymond (Darren Criss - who also executive produces the show) play an important key role in turning Archie's script into an actual film. But first they'll have to convince the big studio chiefs. Even Disney's extremely racist 'Song of the South' gets mentioned. Besides Harrier, it's Holland Taylor (partner of Ryan Murphy's scream queen, Sarah Paulson) who steals the show in every scene she's in. Well known for her roles in The Practice and The L Word, she gives the heartfelt performance this show needs and alongside her male counterpart Dick (Joe Mantello - The Normal Heart), these two more mature actors are the true standouts in this ocean of talent. Queen Latifah and Michelle Krusiec's Emmy-award worthy guest performances are based on legendary actors who made history and paved the way for future talent.
Not everything about the show works as well as you might hope. Most of the production design feels a bit too studio-ish and makes certain scenes lose a certain authentic flair. Nathan Barr's score used throughout the entire limited series is dull and uninspired, which is surprising since later on in the series there's an important moment everything's been building up towards that gets accompanied by a wonderful piece of music. It's a vague description, but I don't want to spoil the further outcome of the series for anyone.
Hollywood might start off sloppy, but knows how to finish into the satisfying climax you'd expect. Murphy and Brennan's writing, wigs, costumes, make-up galore, an exuberant amount of talent, and the drive to share a unique vision on how film can be an important medium in providing a voice to those who one too many times got ignored or defined by the colour of their skin or background. It's history with a hint of fantasy. Hollywood is exactly the kind of television that not only grows within itself but also with its viewers.
what if?
ferguson-61 May 2020
Netflix limited series premiering May 1, 2020
Greetings again from the darkness. "I want to go to Dreamland." One might assume that phrase is related to Hollywood being the place where dreams can come true, but co-creators Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan take us down a much different path. The two have collaborated on the TV series "Glee", "Scream Queens", and "The Politician", and here they offer up a revisionist history on the post- WWII Golden Age of Hollywood, in the vein of what Quentin Tarantino did in INGLORIOUS BASTERDS and ONCE UPON A TIME ... IN HOLLYWOOD. Mr. Murphy and Mr. Brennan seemingly focused on idealistically imagining a film industry where one's race, ethnicity, or sexual preference made little difference. In doing so, they devote significant time to racism and homophobia.
While the series mixes fact and fiction in such a way that the lines are often blurred, there are two main storylines that provide the backbone of the series: the actual suicide of 24 year old actress Peg Entwistle, which occurred in 1932 when she jumped from atop the Hollywoodland sign; and the mostly fictional crossing paths of a handful of aspiring actors, writers and filmmakers as they navigate the treacherous film industry waters. We see the new generation clashing with the establishment - a tale as old as time.
The 7 episodes cover approximately 7 hours, but it was somewhat challenging to make it through the first three. However, I'm so glad I stuck with it. The series starts off with what seems like a concerted effort to push every boundary possible in regards to sex and racism, with an emphasis on the proliferation of homosexuality within the industry. The characters that are new to town are trying desperately to survive as cling to the dream of their big break.
The series elevates significantly in Episode 4 when the attention turns to filmmaking and acting and running a studio. There is a terrific sequence where we bounce back and forth between two pairs of actors rehearsing for their auditions. We feel the pressure that actors endure during the audition process, and note the fine line ... almost an indiscernible line ... between success and failure. In addition to the newcomers trying to secure roles, we follow a gay, black first time screenwriter and a half-Filipino first time director. As a bonus, Eleanor Roosevelt is portrayed as preaching the social importance of a studio breaking from the industry norm.
"What if you could re-write the story?" is the tagline, and it applies not only to the screenplay of "Peg" (the movie within the movie), but also to Murphy and Brennan as they show how the industry should be, well except for the illicit sex, marital affairs, and mob interventions. Hypocrisy and double-standards are part of the fabric of the movie industry, but what if that gay, black screenwriter didn't have his work defined by those labels, or the half-Filipino director wasn't selected because he could pass as white, or if the talented black actress wasn't relegated to playing domestic help? Those are the core issues at play here, and each of the characters has hopes of changing things in Hollywood.
As you would imagine, the cast here is deep and crucial to whether the project works or not. There are some acting veterans mixed with some regulars from Murphy's previous projects. The newcomers in town are actor Jack Castello (David Corenswet), actor Rock Hudson (Jake Picking), actress Camille Washington (Laura Harrier), director Raymond Ainsley (Darren Criss), and screenwriter Archie Coleman (Jeremy Pope). These newcomers intermingle with industry types such as super-agent Harry Wilson (Jim Parsons), Ace Studios owner Ace Amberg (Rob Reiner), his wife Avis Amberg (Patti Lupone), their daughter wannabe actress Claire (Samara Weaving), Ace's mistress actress Jeanne Crandall (Mira Sorvino), Ace casting director Ellen Kinkaid (Holland Taylor), studio producer Dick (Joe Mantello), and Eleanor Roosevelt (Harriet Sansom Harris). Dylan McDermott shines as Ernie, the owner of Gold Tip Service Station, where customers come for the special service offered with the code word 'dreamland'.
There is an underlying theme where most everyone here is acting - pretending to be something they aren't. It begs the question, how much of yourself would you surrender for fame or money, or simply to avoid discrimination and hardship? There seems to a lust for fame, and a lust for just about everything except dignity. Three real life actors are noted for how they were marginalized as people and/or professionals based on either their race or sexual preference. The stories of Rock Hudson, Anna May Wong (Michelle Krusiec), and Hattie McDaniel offer up real life proof of the injustice that was prevalent during this era.
Movie history buffs will enjoy the name dropping, such as George Cukor's party, and Noel Coward, Tallulah Bankhead, and Vivian Leigh. There is also fun to be had with industry terminology, but the purpose of the project has higher meaning. The dreams of those who arrive versus the power of those already there is on full display. The internal struggles and fallout that occurs when folks are trying to fit an image rather than stay true to themselves - that message is delivered. Dylan McDermott's Ernie is meant to represent the reality of broken dreams that happen right down the street from where dreams come true.
Stylistically, the series is beautiful to look at. Even the opening credits have a surreal quality. The set/production design is top notch, from the studio lot to the sound stages to the small apartments decorated to the era ... and the cars are spectacular. Black and White images are used sparingly, but effectively to stay true to his period in cinema, and the music/soundtrack is perfectly used and could be a top seller as a standalone. Watching the great Patti Lupone is reward enough, but seeing Dylan McDermott and Jim Parsons deliver their best ever work is really something to behold. The debate of Money versus Art versus Social Responsibility could fill many textbooks, and Murphy and Brennan succeed in getting us to think. For those that can fight through the first three episodes, the payoff is there (OK, the ending is a bit hokey), and as Hattie McDaniel tells us, "the most important thing is being in the room."
While the series mixes fact and fiction in such a way that the lines are often blurred, there are two main storylines that provide the backbone of the series: the actual suicide of 24 year old actress Peg Entwistle, which occurred in 1932 when she jumped from atop the Hollywoodland sign; and the mostly fictional crossing paths of a handful of aspiring actors, writers and filmmakers as they navigate the treacherous film industry waters. We see the new generation clashing with the establishment - a tale as old as time.
The 7 episodes cover approximately 7 hours, but it was somewhat challenging to make it through the first three. However, I'm so glad I stuck with it. The series starts off with what seems like a concerted effort to push every boundary possible in regards to sex and racism, with an emphasis on the proliferation of homosexuality within the industry. The characters that are new to town are trying desperately to survive as cling to the dream of their big break.
The series elevates significantly in Episode 4 when the attention turns to filmmaking and acting and running a studio. There is a terrific sequence where we bounce back and forth between two pairs of actors rehearsing for their auditions. We feel the pressure that actors endure during the audition process, and note the fine line ... almost an indiscernible line ... between success and failure. In addition to the newcomers trying to secure roles, we follow a gay, black first time screenwriter and a half-Filipino first time director. As a bonus, Eleanor Roosevelt is portrayed as preaching the social importance of a studio breaking from the industry norm.
"What if you could re-write the story?" is the tagline, and it applies not only to the screenplay of "Peg" (the movie within the movie), but also to Murphy and Brennan as they show how the industry should be, well except for the illicit sex, marital affairs, and mob interventions. Hypocrisy and double-standards are part of the fabric of the movie industry, but what if that gay, black screenwriter didn't have his work defined by those labels, or the half-Filipino director wasn't selected because he could pass as white, or if the talented black actress wasn't relegated to playing domestic help? Those are the core issues at play here, and each of the characters has hopes of changing things in Hollywood.
As you would imagine, the cast here is deep and crucial to whether the project works or not. There are some acting veterans mixed with some regulars from Murphy's previous projects. The newcomers in town are actor Jack Castello (David Corenswet), actor Rock Hudson (Jake Picking), actress Camille Washington (Laura Harrier), director Raymond Ainsley (Darren Criss), and screenwriter Archie Coleman (Jeremy Pope). These newcomers intermingle with industry types such as super-agent Harry Wilson (Jim Parsons), Ace Studios owner Ace Amberg (Rob Reiner), his wife Avis Amberg (Patti Lupone), their daughter wannabe actress Claire (Samara Weaving), Ace's mistress actress Jeanne Crandall (Mira Sorvino), Ace casting director Ellen Kinkaid (Holland Taylor), studio producer Dick (Joe Mantello), and Eleanor Roosevelt (Harriet Sansom Harris). Dylan McDermott shines as Ernie, the owner of Gold Tip Service Station, where customers come for the special service offered with the code word 'dreamland'.
There is an underlying theme where most everyone here is acting - pretending to be something they aren't. It begs the question, how much of yourself would you surrender for fame or money, or simply to avoid discrimination and hardship? There seems to a lust for fame, and a lust for just about everything except dignity. Three real life actors are noted for how they were marginalized as people and/or professionals based on either their race or sexual preference. The stories of Rock Hudson, Anna May Wong (Michelle Krusiec), and Hattie McDaniel offer up real life proof of the injustice that was prevalent during this era.
Movie history buffs will enjoy the name dropping, such as George Cukor's party, and Noel Coward, Tallulah Bankhead, and Vivian Leigh. There is also fun to be had with industry terminology, but the purpose of the project has higher meaning. The dreams of those who arrive versus the power of those already there is on full display. The internal struggles and fallout that occurs when folks are trying to fit an image rather than stay true to themselves - that message is delivered. Dylan McDermott's Ernie is meant to represent the reality of broken dreams that happen right down the street from where dreams come true.
Stylistically, the series is beautiful to look at. Even the opening credits have a surreal quality. The set/production design is top notch, from the studio lot to the sound stages to the small apartments decorated to the era ... and the cars are spectacular. Black and White images are used sparingly, but effectively to stay true to his period in cinema, and the music/soundtrack is perfectly used and could be a top seller as a standalone. Watching the great Patti Lupone is reward enough, but seeing Dylan McDermott and Jim Parsons deliver their best ever work is really something to behold. The debate of Money versus Art versus Social Responsibility could fill many textbooks, and Murphy and Brennan succeed in getting us to think. For those that can fight through the first three episodes, the payoff is there (OK, the ending is a bit hokey), and as Hattie McDaniel tells us, "the most important thing is being in the room."
Powerful and touching!
akannostacy16 May 2020
This whole episodes of this series were powerful and touching and just beyond incredible! I found myself tearing up like a baby especially at the last episode. Sure they got everything they wanted, which most people would like to argue that it's unrealistic and impossible, but come on, it's a tv series not a documentary! I think the bigger picture here is the story it tells and the lesson it teaches. As a black woman, I found this really moving! Kudos to the writers of the script and the actors were all so amazing!
Sour Grapes and Fetid Dreams
drednm31 May 2020
TV miniseries about post-war Hollywood is a fictional look at a group of young talents who come to tinseltown and take various paths to reach their dreams. It's an odd and off-putting mix of fictional characters and real personalities with smidges of Hollywood history tossed in here and there when the histories fit the preachy plot.
Much of the early plot revolves around the making of a film centered on Peg Entwistle, the tragic actress who died in 1932 by jumping off the Hollywoodland sign. But about halfway through, it changes from a movie about Peg to a movie about Meg, a young Black woman who comes to Hollywood and battles prejudice etc. We also get a major rehash of the story about the gas station that served as a trysting spot for sex. I forget the guy's name but he wrote a book about it. Among the real-life characters in the series are the vicious talent agent Henry Willson and a very dumb Rock Hudson. We also get glimpses of Vivien Leigh, Tallulah Bankhead, Hattie McDaniel, Anna May Wong, George Cukor, Noel Coward, and even Eleanor Roosevelt. There's also a ton of name dropping and an homage to William Haines for standing up to Hollywood (by quitting MGM).
Anyway, the plot fits today's mania for moralizing about casting couches, ageism, glass ceilings, and the place of non-Whites in movies ad nauseum. The climax is the Oscars and the plot goes poof in a bizarre awards year where the heroes and heroines sweep the Oscars (pretty much) and even beat the REAL Oscar winners of that year. Talk about revisionism.
I wasn't familiar with any of the "young" actors in this saga, but a few old pros turn in tremendous performances and give this puff piece some ballast. Patti LuPone was the wife of a studio head (Rob Reiner) who takes over after he's debilitated. Joe Mantello plays a closeted producer who keeps the studio running. Holland Taylor is a talent scout/acting coach. Dylan McDermott plays the guy who runs the gas station. Mira Sorvino plays an aging B star, and Jim Parsons (from some TV show I never watched) plays the notorious agent Henry Willson.
Much of the early plot revolves around the making of a film centered on Peg Entwistle, the tragic actress who died in 1932 by jumping off the Hollywoodland sign. But about halfway through, it changes from a movie about Peg to a movie about Meg, a young Black woman who comes to Hollywood and battles prejudice etc. We also get a major rehash of the story about the gas station that served as a trysting spot for sex. I forget the guy's name but he wrote a book about it. Among the real-life characters in the series are the vicious talent agent Henry Willson and a very dumb Rock Hudson. We also get glimpses of Vivien Leigh, Tallulah Bankhead, Hattie McDaniel, Anna May Wong, George Cukor, Noel Coward, and even Eleanor Roosevelt. There's also a ton of name dropping and an homage to William Haines for standing up to Hollywood (by quitting MGM).
Anyway, the plot fits today's mania for moralizing about casting couches, ageism, glass ceilings, and the place of non-Whites in movies ad nauseum. The climax is the Oscars and the plot goes poof in a bizarre awards year where the heroes and heroines sweep the Oscars (pretty much) and even beat the REAL Oscar winners of that year. Talk about revisionism.
I wasn't familiar with any of the "young" actors in this saga, but a few old pros turn in tremendous performances and give this puff piece some ballast. Patti LuPone was the wife of a studio head (Rob Reiner) who takes over after he's debilitated. Joe Mantello plays a closeted producer who keeps the studio running. Holland Taylor is a talent scout/acting coach. Dylan McDermott plays the guy who runs the gas station. Mira Sorvino plays an aging B star, and Jim Parsons (from some TV show I never watched) plays the notorious agent Henry Willson.
The Hollywood Dream
daveggsmith1 May 2020
From hearing about this months ago, seeing what cast was involved and then seeing the trailer, my anticipation for this was always going to be high.
The one thing that got me most is reading the bad reviews this show has received. Because this is far from bad.
The cast is phenomenal. Huge praise as always goes to Darren Criss who is always terrific and Jim Parsons portrays a far distant performance from how you've seen him as Sheldon from Big Bang!
An inspiring and moving story post WWII. A look behind the 'scenes' of Hollywood in that era.
Do yourself a favour, the best way to watch these is to binge them, keep with the story, stay invested with it. Don't read the negative reviews, come up with your own opinion.
I enjoyed it, and I think you will too!
The one thing that got me most is reading the bad reviews this show has received. Because this is far from bad.
The cast is phenomenal. Huge praise as always goes to Darren Criss who is always terrific and Jim Parsons portrays a far distant performance from how you've seen him as Sheldon from Big Bang!
An inspiring and moving story post WWII. A look behind the 'scenes' of Hollywood in that era.
Do yourself a favour, the best way to watch these is to binge them, keep with the story, stay invested with it. Don't read the negative reviews, come up with your own opinion.
I enjoyed it, and I think you will too!
Good actors, incredulous plot
Jacobs437 May 2020
All of the actors played their roles well but the entire premise of this plot taking place sometime in the 1940s-50s requires too much suspension of disbelief. The asynchronous and constant use of modern terms of political correctness and unabashed activism (apparently I can't say on whose behalf or the review is declined) is about as subtle as using a cannon to kill a mosquito. There's even a scene about not wanting to make a "message" movie that seems to have lacked any self-awareness. Given the time period of the plot, if a lot of these elements weren't played up to be so unrealistic, this could have been very introspective about past injustices. Sadly, nuance is dead in Hollywood.
Unusual, but good.
Lukasmj17 November 2022
Hollywood whisks us away to post-war Tinseltown. Several different characters give us a behind-the-scenes look at the Golden Age of Hollywood. Through their stories, we learn more about a corrupt and unfair system full of prejudices about gender, origin and sexuality that persist to this day.
Several young artists gather as part of a film project to be realized by the Hollywood studio Ace Pictures. It is based on the tragic story of actress Peg Entwistle, who fell from the letter H of the iconic Hollywood sign in 1931. Whether actor, author or director: each of them has to pay a high price in order to be able to achieve their own goals in Hollywoodland.
I really liked "Hollywood".
A slightly different series, but for those who are interested in films and want to see how the film business worked back then, you should take a look here
The whole thing is accompanied by an interesting story and strong characters.
Several young artists gather as part of a film project to be realized by the Hollywood studio Ace Pictures. It is based on the tragic story of actress Peg Entwistle, who fell from the letter H of the iconic Hollywood sign in 1931. Whether actor, author or director: each of them has to pay a high price in order to be able to achieve their own goals in Hollywoodland.
I really liked "Hollywood".
A slightly different series, but for those who are interested in films and want to see how the film business worked back then, you should take a look here
The whole thing is accompanied by an interesting story and strong characters.
It's fiction, remember that
c1ara20 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
In a lot of these reviews I read that people are bothered by the historical inaccuracy, but you guys are clearly just missing the point. This series is about young people with a dream, a dream to make a film. Each of them has their problems, what makes it difficult for them to accomplish that, but they keep trying and eventually they're getting there.
No, it's not realistic for that time that a black, gay man wins an Oscar or even gets the chance to write a film. No, it's not realistic how many gay people there even are in this series. And no, it's not realistic that a black woman plays the leading role. But do these things actually matter? Also no. The filmmakers were not trying to show us what it was like to make a film back then, y'all are watching this for the wrong reasons. It's fiction, not a documentary.
By the way, t's not even like they didn't have to try or that everything went so easily. They had to fight for it, for making the film, for bringing out the film and still not everyone accepted them for who they are. Also, the acting, the decor and the costumes are great! I enjoyed watching this and in the end that's all that really matters. It's a beautiful series and I recommend watching this to everyone, except for the people who think this is non-fiction or something.
No, it's not realistic for that time that a black, gay man wins an Oscar or even gets the chance to write a film. No, it's not realistic how many gay people there even are in this series. And no, it's not realistic that a black woman plays the leading role. But do these things actually matter? Also no. The filmmakers were not trying to show us what it was like to make a film back then, y'all are watching this for the wrong reasons. It's fiction, not a documentary.
By the way, t's not even like they didn't have to try or that everything went so easily. They had to fight for it, for making the film, for bringing out the film and still not everyone accepted them for who they are. Also, the acting, the decor and the costumes are great! I enjoyed watching this and in the end that's all that really matters. It's a beautiful series and I recommend watching this to everyone, except for the people who think this is non-fiction or something.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
