The Day of the Locust

The Day of the Locust is a captivating film adaptation of Nathanael West's iconic 1939 novel that is recognized as one of the classic explorations of the underbelly of Hollywood's glittering facade. The 1975 film, directed by the adept John Schlesinger, tells a profound tale of ambition, desperation, and the destructive lure of illusions, punctuated by powerful performances from the likes of Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, and Burgess Meredith. Moving away from the traditional Hollywood glamour, The Day of the Locust offers its audiences a thought-provoking, if sometimes unsettling, depiction of life behind the Hollywood sheen as it was in the 1930s.

Set in the heart of Hollywood during the Great Depression, the movie follows the harrowing journey of an artful array of characters who embody the desperation and darkness lurking behind the cinematic illusion. The protagonist, Tod Hackett, played by William Atherton, is a recent Yale School of Fine Arts graduate who moves to Los Angeles to work as a set and costume designer. Tod is the observer, the outsider who becomes entangled in the dreams and disappointments of others.

Donald Sutherland metamorphoses into Homer Simpson, a gentle, complex character from the Midwest who is new to Hollywood. Not the typical leading man, his loneliness and vulnerability become central elements to the film's narrative. Karen Black steals the show as Faye Greener, a beautiful but insouciously cynical aspiring actress who dreams of stardom but remains perpetually on the peripheries. Her relationship with the men who are enthralled by her promises of glamour and romance forms the core of the movie's narrative tension.

Burgess Meredith delivers an unforgettable performance as Faye's father, Harry Greener, a once-successful vaudevillian performer now relegated to the role of a lowly door-to-door salesman. His struggle mirrors that of many in Hollywood, where fame is transient and anyone can fall from grace in the blink of an eye.

The Day of the Locust, beautifully photographed by Conrad Hall, boasts wonderful period detail that recreates the surrounding environment and atmosphere of Hollywood's golden age. Schlesinger doesn't shy away from illustrating the more ominous aspects of Hollywood, interweaving the bright lights and seeming glamor with scenes depicting exploitation, desperation, and disillusionment.

A suspenseful movie from start to finish, what sets The Day of the Locust apart from other films about Hollywood is its perspective. It's the story of the ultimate dream factory, told through the eyes of those still waiting in line for their dreams to come true. There are no overnight sensations or fairy tale endings here, but rather a stark portrayal of the human yearning for fame and success amid crushing reality.

The movie received mixed reviews upon its first release but has since been hailed as a classic depiction of Hollywood's dark side and an excellent adaptation of West's novel. The biting commentary of the film and its intense climactic scene create an unforgettable viewing experience.

The Day of the Locust is a powerful portrayal of dreams and disillusionment set against the backdrop of Hollywood's golden age. It's a movie that not only sees Hollywood for what it is but also dares to reveal its underlying character. A landmark in American cinema, the movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in the inner workings and unvarnished truths of Tinseltown's glamour and gloss. Its critique of Hollywood as an industry and culture remains as relevant and thought-provoking today as it was in 1975, making The Day of the Locust a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences.