The Last Mogul

The Last Mogul, filmed in 2005, is a gripping biographical documentary that details the life and career of one of the most powerful and influential leaders in the entertainment industry – Lew Wasserman. The film uncovers the largely hidden life and influence of Wasserman who shaped the entertainment industry as we know it today. The narrative documentary is expertly narrated and features interviews with industry titans such as Irving Azoff, appearances from legendary celebrities like Lucille Ball, and insights from knowledgeable insiders like Peter Bart.

The title "The Last Mogul" is an apt description of Wasserman. He was the head of the Music Corporation of America (MCA), which was at one point the world's largest talent agency, that later became a movie studio and a television conglomerate. The movie offers an illuminative exploration of how Wasserman's strategies and tactics still impact the shapes of Hollywood and the entertainment industry at large.

In the film, Irving Azoff, former chairman of MCA Records and Universal Studios, lays bare the intricate corridor of power and influence that Wasserman commanded. Azoff’s insights provide viewers with a firsthand account of Wasserman's alluring yet iron-fisted management style. Azoff was just one of the many key players who played significant roles in ensuring MCA's success and ascendance to the top.

The great Lucille Ball gives an impressive appearance in the film. An iconic actress and comedian, Ball’s contribution brings a taste of Hollywood's golden age and adds depth to the portrayal of Wasserman's life. Her presence serves as a reminder of the kind of talent that Wasserman had the insight to represent. Her reflections on Wasserman illuminate how immense his influence was, not only on her career but on the entire entertainment industry.

Peter Bart, a former writer for Variety and an editor for Paramount, gives intriguing commentary. As an industry expert, Bart provides critical analysis of Wasserman's purported ways and his mammoth imprint on the entertainment scene. Often providing counterpoints to other industry pioneers and insiders appearing in interviews, Bart's insights add a level of sophistication to the narrative and engage viewers.

The film's in-depth exploration of Wasserman's life and career gives viewers an intimate look into the makings of a mogul. Audiences get to see how Wasserman worked his way up the ladder from humble beginnings as a theater usher in Cleveland to becoming a significant figure in the annals of Hollywood history. Though Wasserman was always intensely private, preferring to work behind the scenes, the movie manages to untangle the myth and presents a detailed portrayal of the person behind the legend.

The Last Mogul delivers a gripping character study filled with industry insight, historical context and celebrity lore. With a balanced combination of interviews, historical footage, and commentary, it paints a compelling picture of Hollywood’s history and Wasserman's role in it.

At its core, however, this film is about power dynamics in the ever-evolving terrain of Hollywood. It undeniably showcases the narrative of an era gone by, in which moguls like Wasserman could single-handedly control the destiny of entertainers. This dynamic poses a sharp contrast to the decentralized nature of the current entertainment landscape.

The Last Mogul is not just a biography but also a chronicle of a transformative era in Hollywood. Through the life of Lew Wasserman, it narrates Hollywood's journey from the era of moguls and studios to the rise of independent producers and new-age corporate structures.

Overall, The Last Mogul is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of the entertainment industry. With an engaging assortment of unique and insightful perspectives, it presents an enthralling exploration of the man who remodeled Hollywood.