When Hollywood Revisited Clashes With Radioactive Reality

Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Conqueror: Hollywood Fallout
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 54m
Director(s): William Nunez
Where To Watch: in select theaters nationwide on June 28, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Venturing into some of the darker corridors of Hollywood's past, THE CONQUEROR: HOLLYWOOD FALLOUT unearths the gritty reality behind a notorious 1956 film disaster, THE CONQUEROR. This documentary, directed with a discerning eye by William Nunez, revisits that production with a focus that's as critical of the era’s filmmaking practices as it is of the dubious casting decisions.

At its core, THE CONQUEROR: HOLLYWOOD FALLOUT unravels the story of a production fraught with poor choices, notably its decision to film near a nuclear testing site in Nevada. This reckless decision led to dire consequences, bathing half of the film’s cast and crew in radioactive fallout. Through expert interviews, compelling archival footage, and sharp commentary, Nunez exposes the hazardous crossroads of ambition, governmental oversight, and corporate apathy that defined the production.

More than just a chronicle of a failed film, the documentary casts THE CONQUEROR within the broader world of 1950s America, an era marked by rampant nuclear testing and its impact on the unsuspecting "Downwinders." Nunez crafts a narrative that contrasts the glitter of Hollywood with the grim reality of these practices, questioning the industry’s ethical compass and penchant for prioritizing spectacle over safety. The film shines the brightest when comparing the horrors of the production's countless choices with what may be its worst offense, the fact that the government even allowed them to shoot at that location.

THE CONQUEROR: HOLLYWOOD FALLOUT embodies a profound duality, both a critique of the disastrous film itself and an incisive dissection of the broader, more horrifying fallout experienced by the cast and crew. The documentary goes beyond the surface-level failures of the film, delving into the devastating consequences of the nuclear site that the government tried to obscure. This dual focus not only highlights the irresponsible decisions made during production but also casts a broader lens on the systemic negligence that allowed these dangers to persist, underscoring the personal and public tragedies tied to the era's nuclear testing practices.

The documentary sharply critiques John Wayne's casting as Genghis Khan, using it as a lens to discuss the era’s disregard for cultural sensitivity and historical accuracy. It illustrates how not even Wayne’s star power could shield him or the production crew from the tangible dangers of the film’s unsafe production settings. This segment reflects the actual costs of Hollywood’s relentless pursuit of box-office success.

Nunez’s foray from journalism to filmmaking infuses THE CONQUEROR: HOLLYWOOD FALLOUT with a dynamic investigative flair that keeps viewers hooked. His journalistic background enriches the documentary, merging educational depth with an engaging style. This film acts as both a stark reminder and a cautionary tale, pushing for more profound ethical standards and accountability within the film industry and beyond.

THE CONQUEROR: HOLLYWOOD FALLOUT reconsiders Hollywood’s darker past and the governance overseeing it. It makes a strong case for ethical practices and retribution payments that still haven’t seen the light of day generations later. Essential for anyone fascinated by film history, ethics, or public health, Nunez’s documentary is a critical call to action, ensuring that such oversights and errors are not forgotten or repeated.

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[photo courtesy of BLUE FOX ENTERTAINMENT, STONE CANYON PICTURES]

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