Shattered Dreams in the City of Stars

Read Time:4 Minute, 44 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Day Of The Locust
–

Genre: Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 1975, 2023 Arrow Video Blu-ray
Runtime: 2h 24m
Director(s): John Schlesinger
Writer(s): Nathanael West, Waldo Salt
Cast: Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith, William Atherton, Geraldine Page, Richard Dysart, Bo Hopkins, Pepe Serna, Lelia Goldoni, Jackie Earle Haley
Where To Watch: now available, order here www.arrowvideo.com, www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: If you will, join me on a journey to the heart of 1930s Hollywood with THE DAY OF THE LOCUST. Director John Schlesinger crafts a narrative that delves deep into Tinseltown's glittering yet deceitful world. This isn’t just a peek behind the curtain; it’s a plunge into the film industry's emotional complexities and raw realities.

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST presents a vivid vision of Hollywood through the eyes of protagonist Tod Hackett, portrayed by William Atherton. Hackett, an artist caught in the whirlwind of Hollywood’s allure, embodies the struggle between artistic integrity and the seductive pull of fame. As the ambitious yet troubled Faye Greener, Karen Black adds to the film's intricate portrayal of shattered dreams. Donald Sutherland, Bo Hopkins, and Pepe Serna round out the cast, adding layers of nuance to this character-driven narrative. An interesting note, I will always associate Karen Black with HOUSE OF 1000 CORPSES; even though I’ve seen her in other roles, I think that performance was the one that will stick with me the longest.

Cinematographer Conrad L. Hall’s work in the film is nothing short of visual poetry. He juxtaposes the ethereal beauty of Hollywood with its more sinister undercurrents. Schlesinger’s direction is a blend of dark humor and gothic tones, creating a film as captivating as it is thought-provoking. The film's episodic structure is like a series of vignettes, each painting a broader picture of a society balancing precariously between opulence and despair.

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST digs deep into the foundational myths of Hollywood, portraying it as a dreamscape where aspirations are nurtured and callously destroyed. Each character in the film brings their piece to the puzzle, illustrating the multifaceted illusions of Hollywood. Atherton’s Hackett embodies the film industry’s seductive yet perilous charm. Sutherland’s Homer Simpson (yep, really) poignantly represents the average person ensnared in Hollywood’s web of deceit.

Confronting the exploitative facets of the film industry, the film delves into themes of betrayal and moral bankruptcy, mirroring Hollywood's superficial veneer. The title, evoking biblical connotations, symbolizes Hollywood's destructive impact on the dreams of those who dare to dream big.

Despite its darker undertones, THE DAY OF THE LOCUST stands as a cinematic achievement. Garnering critical acclaim and numerous award nominations, it is a testament to its powerful narrative and technical brilliance. The film's evocative score contributes significantly to its haunting and mesmerizing quality.

THE DAY OF THE LOCUST is a profound exploration into the depths of Hollywood's psyche, seamlessly blending satire, drama, and tragedy. It’s a film that combines personal stories with more significant themes, establishing itself as a pivotal and timeless work in the landscape of Hollywood-centric films. This film lingers in your thoughts, challenging your perceptions of fame and the hidden truths behind the silver screen.

Bonus Materials:
Brand new 2K remaster by Arrow Films from the original negative
High Definition (1080p) Blu-ray presentation
Original restored lossless mono audio
Optional restored lossless 5.1 and 2.0 stereo audio options
Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing on all films
Brand new oral history audio commentary conducted by writer and film historian Lee Gambin, featuring assistant directors Leslie Asplund and Charles Ziarko, production associate Michael Childers, actors Grainger Hines and Pepe Serna among others
Welcome to West Hollywood – brand new appreciation of the film by critic Glenn Kenny
Days of the Golden Age – costume historian and film historian Elissa Rose discusses the film’s costumes in this brand-new visual essay
Jeepers Creepers, Where’d You Get Those Peepers? – brand new visual essay on the film and its themes by writer and film historian Lee Gambin
Image galleries, including exclusive behind-the-scenes photographs from the archives of production associate Michael Childers and assistant camera operator Ron Vidor
Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Colin Murdoch
Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Pamela Hutchinson

For more reviews, please visit https://linktr.ee/overlyhonestmr.

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of ARROW VIDEO, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]

DISCLAIMER:
At Overly Honest Movie Reviews, we value honesty and transparency. Occasionally, we receive free items for review, including DVDs, Blu-rays, CDs, Vinyl, Books, etc. We assure you that these arrangements do not influence our reviews, as we are committed to providing unbiased and sincere evaluations. We aim to help you make informed entertainment choices, regardless of our relationship with distributors or producers.

Amazon Affiliate Links:
Additionally, this site contains Amazon affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may receive a commission. This affiliate arrangement does not affect our commitment to honest reviews and helps support our site. We appreciate your trust and support in navigating these links.