The Unsung Heroes of Hollywood

The distinguished American novelist William Faulkner once said of Los Angeles, “Everything in L.A. is too large, too loud and usually banal in concept…The plastic asshole of the world.” Are these harsh words spoken from the high-art literary giant the agonizing truth? Perhaps, yet as for someone who currently lives in L.A., I am still figuring that out for myself, forever staring into its captivating scenery as if it were a permanent Rorschach test. Some days, the ecotone of nature married with a proper city feels nothing short of paradise, especially for a cinephile and nature enthusiast like myself. Yet, the ghosts of Hollywood’s past and the ineffable lore of the city’s storied political and social history often evokes an ominous trepidation I can never fully put my finger on. Despite its astronomical cost of living and overall precariousness, I, like a moth to a flame headed out west into the illustrious and expansive territory. The movies on my list all revolve around the people who come to Los Angeles not to be seen, but instead to heard by means of their craft. The initial facilitators and often overlooked agents of film, I'm excited to be alive and witness an era of deep cultural change for writers that include more women, and voices from all around the world.

My film recommendations were inspired by the recent David Fincher biographical drama, Mank (2020). The movie is based on the screenwriter Herman J. Mankiewicz, portrayed by the enthralling Gary Oldman. I was immediately spellbound by the film’s meticulous ability to carefully resuscitate what feels like an ancient story rooted in old Hollywood mythology about a screenwriter who initially agrees not to take credit for his work, yet in the process of writing and the events that take place within that time, he ultimately changes his mind.

Herman J. Mankiewicz is a screenwriter who is recruited by a young and ambitious Orson Wells to write the script for what is now considered to be one of the greatest films of all time, Citizen Cane. A once highly respected screenwriter, Mankiewicz has now fallen from grace, and to the dismay of his wife, brother and colleagues, has a serious drinking problem and is an unapologetic provocateur among Hollywood bigwigs. The film alternates between two main locations, 1930’s Hollywood, as well as rural Victorville, California which is about an hour and a half away from Los Angeles. Mankiewicz has broken his leg and is using this ranch home as a sanctuary to write the much-anticipated script, with the aid of his wildly patient assistant. Ultimately, the script is far too long for his producer and to boot, it is rumored to be based on a powerful media mogul who will without a doubt denounce the film when it gets made. A stellar performance by Amanda Seyfried as the former starlet Marion Davies is indeed enchanting and captivating.

Shot in black and white digital film, the lush and almost tactile appearance of the film perfectly complements the films elusive era. The viewer is immersed in the coveted Golden Age of motion pictures and all of their celluloid glory. Visually stunning, the distinct era effortlessly places the viewer in a hypnotic trance, rooted in a city that often times looks and feels more like a distorted dreamlike circus from a bygone era, nearly, yet not forgotten.

If Mank, is your cup of tea please consider the following films, each one centered on screenwriters yet distinctly their own in story and subject matter.

*Mank, is leading in Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. The film had a limited release in November 2020 and is currently streaming on Netflix.

Recommendation #1: Trumbo (2015)

Trumbo is a 2015 biographical drama directed by Jay Roach, based on the trials and tribulations experienced by Hollywood screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, brilliantly portrayed by Brian Cranston. The film also stars veterans Diane Lane and Helen Mirren, along with notable supporting performances by Elle Fanning and John Goodman. The overarching political nature of this film shines a light on a notoriously devise era in American history. The year is 1947 and Dalton Trumbo is the highest paid screenwriter in Hollywood, yet his affiliation to the communist party would find him subpoenaed to testify before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC). He is one of 10 screenwriters who were branded as the “Hollywood 10”, a group of writers who were subsequently persecuted and briefly incarcerated for their political beliefs.

One of the main antagonists in the film is the now defunct Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals or MPA for short. Their main objective and assumed responsibility were to identify those affiliated with the communist party. This conservative alliance had tremendous influence not only on public opinion, but they were also able to strong arm studio executives into making decisions they thought were in the best interest of the American public. Spearheaded by its president John Wayne and the influential gossip columnist Hedda Hopper, along with others in the Hollywood community who believed these individuals were a fundamental threat to American societal values, they went to great lengths to ensure these writers and actors alike were terminated from major studios.

It was during this era of McCarthyism and the ominous fears generated by the Cold War, and depending on which side you were on, Hollywood was not the liberal La La Land we usually conjure up in our minds. This was a vitriolic era of censorship for many writers and intellectuals that should not be forgotten, a societal error that is worth revisiting and learning from.

Trumbo is an inspiring story of a person who despite all odds preserved throughout his unfortunate circumstance and stood up for what he believed in no matter the cost. Determined not to be silenced, he managed to fashion himself a long-lasting career despite his blacklisting, all the while achieving the recognition he so rightfully deserved.

*Trumbo is currently available to stream on Netflix.

Recommendation #2: Barton Fink (1991)

My next selection is one of the Coen Brothers’ lesser-known films. This 1991 black comedy doubles as a psychological thriller period piece set in the early 1940’s. The film stars a young and neurotic John Turturro who plays an impassioned dramatic playwright from New York who is experiencing a major breakthrough. With much critically acclaimed praise for his recent work on people who may be characterized as common folk, it appears as if he is one his way to a distinguished and successful career.

But like with many playwrights, he could use more funds in his bank account. He is presented with a choice that feels more like a devil’s bargain, that is, to head out west into an unfamiliar and still adolescent Hollywood in order to write scripts for the major studios. Barton is reluctant and to a great degree unimpressed with motion pictures as a whole, but ultimately decides to make the cross-country trek. Upon arriving in what feels like a personal purgatory, he is immediately met with an arid climate and a motley crew of off-putting characters which include an over zealous film executive, a quirky bell hop and a gregarious insurance salesman played by John Goodman who appears on the surface to be your typical working class hero. Eager to cash in on a couple B movie scripts and head back to the east coast as fast as possible, his plans are stunted where upon after settling into his dank hotel room, a nagging case of writer’s block ensues.On a gut level, Barton knows that something is terribly amiss about this place and cannot help but feel nauseated by every bit of minutia in this foreign environment. His inability to write is the onset which leads the viewer into a psychological abyss straight out of a netherworld where malignant invisible forces seem to be taking hold on an innocent writer who is in over his head.

The Coen Brothers meticulously induce an unnerving atmosphere and tempo that vividly captures the neurosis of the writer, as well as the off-kilter atmosphere of a city that hasn’t fully come of age.

*Barton Fink is available to rent or buy on the Amazon App

Recommendation #3: Sunset Boulevard (1950)

And finally, the crème de la crème on my list, Sunset Boulevard. The eponymous 1950’s larger than life American noir directed and co-written by the legendary Billy Wilder. Named after perhaps of one the most famous streets in the world where dreams are actualized and likewise shattered, this movie still stands the test of time and continues to captivate audiences.

Joe Gillis is a struggling screenwriter played by the beloved William Holden. He is desperately trying to hang onto what seems to be the last shreds of his spirit and is at risk of having his car repossessed. Out of luck with the studios, he keeps striking out when pitching a script and can’t seem to catch a break. While driving one afternoon, he is spotted by the repo men. Frantic that he’ll lose his car, his last material possession of any monetary value, and not to mention a necessity in car centric Los Angeles, he makes a run for it.

But as fate would have it, he turns into the driveway of what appears to be a dilapidated old Hollywood mansion. Intrigued at the sight of this colossal fortress with an empty swimming pool and clear signs of active deterioration, he is bewildered amongst its epic decay. He soon realizes the house is indeed occupied when a voice calls out to him and invites him to enter the mansion. This voice turns out to be an aging and reclusive silent film star played by Gloria Swanson, who in real life was among the first-generation actors in Hollywood’s silent film era. Her character, Norma Desmond is desperate and determined to make a major comeback, she yearns to once again sit on the Hollywood throne. Norma is relentless, the kind of person you find it impossible to say no to, and with this she eventually convinces Joe to help her with her preposterous script despite its over the top nature and outrageous length.

Joe is showered with lavish gifts and the promise of money from Gloria. It is safe to say he is naïve to believe he will be on his way when the “script” is finished, but as he underestimates Gloria’s hold on him, he crosses into a threshold of no return which includes murder, mayhem and delusion.

Cameos from Hollywood’s yesteryear alumni include famed director Cecile B. DeMille, comedic icon Buster Keaton, and gossip columnist Hedda Hopper. If you haven’t already seen this screen gem, I hope you’ll be tantalized when the film culminates in what is arguably one the greatest one liners even written for the screen. I guess you’ll have to watch it to find out!

*Sunset Boulevard is available to watch for free with an Amazon Prime subscription. Also, available to rent or purchase from most streaming services.