Watch Hollywood Dreams

Hollywood Dreams is a 2006 independent drama film directed by Henry Jaglom, starring Tanna Frederick, Justin Kirk, and David Proval. The film follows the journey of Margie Chizek (played by Frederick), a young girl with big dreams, who leaves her small hometown in Iowa to pursue an acting career in Hollywood. Margie arrives in Hollywood and quickly finds out that it is not as glamorous as she had imagined. She faces constant rejection and struggles to get even a single audition. However, her passion and determination keep her motivated, and she continues to search for opportunities.

She eventually meets a producer named Robin Mack (played by Justin Kirk), who offers her a role in his film. Margie sees this as her big break and tries to impress him by rehearsing diligently. However, Robin turns out to be a sleazy person who has ulterior motives for casting her, and Margie realizes that her dream may not be as fulfilling as she thought.

Meanwhile, Margie befriends a group of struggling actors and actresses who share her struggles and aspirations. Together they navigate the complicated social dynamics of the industry, as they all try to make it big. Margie also meets an older actor named Tony (played by David Proval), who she develops a close relationship with.

The film explores various themes related to the entertainment industry, including the challenges faced by aspiring actors, the pressures of fame and success, and the importance of maintaining a sense of identity amidst the superficiality of Hollywood. Margie's journey is both heartwarming and realistic, as she faces both success and disappointment along the way.

One of the strengths of Hollywood Dreams is its portrayal of the characters, who are multidimensional and realistic. Margie is not just a stereotypical naive young woman with stars in her eyes; she is a complex person with real flaws and desires. This makes her journey all the more compelling, as the audience roots for her to succeed.

The film's cinematography and direction are also noteworthy. Henry Jaglom, who is known for his improvisational style, creates an intimate and naturalistic atmosphere on screen. The use of handheld cameras and natural lighting gives the film a gritty yet authentic feel, grounding it in reality.

The supporting cast also delivers solid performances. Justin Kirk is particularly effective as Robin, exuding charm and malice in equal measure. David Proval brings a sense of gravitas to his role as Tony, providing a much-needed level-headed perspective on Margie's journey.

Overall, Hollywood Dreams is a well-crafted independent film that offers a realistic portrayal of the entertainment industry. It highlights the struggles and sacrifices made by aspiring actors, while also exploring larger themes related to identity and fulfillment. Margie's journey is both relatable and inspiring, making the film a worthwhile watch for anyone who has ever chased their dreams.

Hollywood Dreams is a 2006 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.5 and a MetaScore of 52.