Rent The Day of the Locust (1975)
3.2 of 5 from 91 ratings
2h 18min
- General info
- Available formats
- Synopsis:
- Nathanael West's novel about Hollywood decadence in the late '30s is a brilliant piece of filmmaking. A deeply insightful work that is powerful in its presentation, staggering in its vision. Director John Schlesinger is masterful in creating a world of platinum blondes, cockfights, glamour and broken dreams. And throughout, he plays on the edge of sexual and physical danger that finally erupts in the shocking climax.
- Actors:
- Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith, William Atherton, Geraldine Page, Richard Dysart, Bo Hopkins, Pepe Serna, Lelia Goldoni, Billy Barty, Jackie Earle Haley, Gloria LeRoy, Jane Hoffman, Norman Leavitt, Madge Kennedy
- Directors:
- John Schlesinger
- Producers:
- Jerome Hellman
- Writers:
- Nathanael West, Waldo Salt
- Others:
- Conrad Hall, Ann Roth, Richard MacDonald
- Studio:
- Paramount
- Genres:
- Drama
- Collections:
- 10 Films to Watch if You Like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, A History of Cinemas in Films, A History of Films about Film: Part 1
- Awards:
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Reviews (1) of The Day of the Locust
A look into Hollywood's black heart - The Day of the Locust review by TB
Hollywood used to be a powerful machine. The system used to control, own and abuse actors, then spit them out onto the scrap heap. This film looks at the blameless lives of a would-be starlet and a would-be illustrator. Their lives grow close, then grow apart but for the male lead, he can never really get over his desire for the starlet, played by Karen Black. The story moves through their lives, but as the title suggests, dark days are ahead. The film ends when big crowd at a film premiere gets out of control and disaster ensues. There are stand-out performances from a number of the assembled cast. A powerful film, well shot, and a strong depiction of the life beyond all that false glamour.
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