A Journey Through Hollywood’s Dark Side

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MOVIE REVIEW
Hollywood 90028
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Genre: Drama, Horror
Year Released: 1973, 2024 Grindhouse Releasing Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 16m
Director(s): Christina Hornisher
Writer(s): Christina Hornisher
Cast: Christopher Augustine, Jeannette Dilger, Dick Glass, Gayle Davis, Ralph Campbell, Kia Cameron, Dianna Huntress, Beverly Walker
Where To Watch: available November 26, 2024; pre-order your copy here www.shop.grindhousereleasing.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: HOLLYWOOD 90028 plunges us into a gritty 1970s Los Angeles, capturing the allure and perils of its “film” industry. Christina Hornisher directs this compelling tale with a discerning eye, unraveling the story of Mark, who was brought to life by Christopher Augustine. Mark's journey from an aspiring cinematographer to a figure entangled in the depths of adult filmmaking is brilliantly highlighted through his interactions with the dubious Jobal, a character Dick Glass portrays with unsettling conviction.

The film portrays Mark and Michelle's (Jeannette Dilger) relationship with a mix of vulnerability and ambition. Their bond, shadowed by exploitation, sheds light on the industry's harsh realities, serving as a central theme that drives the narrative forward. This relationship underscores the film's exploration of personal aspirations corrupted by an environment riddled with exploitation.

Hornisher marries elements of exploitation cinema with art-house sensibilities, creating a visual narrative that's both thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing. The cinematography by Jean-Pierre Geuens deepens the tension, immersing the audience in the character's psychological and emotional turmoil.

The recent 4K restoration of HOLLYWOOD 90028 has reinvigorated its critique of the exploitative mechanisms within the film industry, allowing a new generation and long-time fans alike to rediscover its structured richness. This restoration has spotlighted its ongoing relevance, bringing its critical perspectives on predatory industry dynamics back into contemporary discourse.

The film’s portrayal of exploitation is both stark and nuanced, dissecting the underbelly of Hollywood through Mark’s experiences and his entanglements with the industry's darker elements. It highlights the systemic exploitation inherent in entertainment, where dreams are often the currency in morally questionable transactions. Mark’s role as a cameraman in the adult film industry serves as a metaphor for those who prey on the ambitions of the unsuspecting. This aspect of the film emphasizes how personal aspirations can become entangled in the gears of a machine that values profit over people, highlighting the predatory nature of an industry that often goes unchecked.

Augustine and Dilger deliver standout performances, encapsulating the complex dynamics of individuals navigating Hollywood's treacherous waters. Their portrayals enrich the film's discourse on ambition and moral compromise, presenting a captivating study of characters striving to reconcile their dreams with their realities. This is, without a doubt, a cult film, but I’m a sucker for any movie about movies! The film acts as a cultural critique and reflects the systemic challenges within the entertainment sector. Its lasting relevance speaks volumes about its initial impact and the foresight of its creators.

HOLLYWOOD 90028 transcends its period-piece confines to offer a critical examination of the timeless challenges faced by those within the Hollywood system. Hornisher’s film is a significant cultural artifact, capturing an era's essence while delivering sharp commentary on the complex interplay between personal ambition and the moral quandaries one must navigate within such a cutthroat industry. It is essential viewing for anyone fascinated by the dynamics of fame, power, and survival in an industry known for making and breaking dreams.

Bonus Materials
– Provocative, in-depth interviews with stars Christopher Augustine, Jeannette Dilger, Gayle Davis, editor Leon Ortiz-Gil, and Tom DeSimone
– Audio commentaries by Marc E. Heuck & Heidi Honeycutt, and Shawn Langrick
– Shocking alternate scenes from the original X-rated version
– Experimental 16mm short films by director Christina Hornisher
– Outtakes, still galleries, theatrical trailers, and radio spots
– Liner notes by cinema historians Marc E. Heuck, David Szulkin, Richard Kraft, and Jim VanBebber
– BONUS CD – original soundtrack album by Basil Poledouris – newly remastered in stunning 24 bit/192khz sound from the original master tapes
– Beautifully embossed slipcover with new art by Jerry Martinez
– AND OTHER SURPRISES!

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[photo courtesy of GRINDHOUSE RELEASING, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

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