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Hollywoodland is a 2006 American period mystery drama film directed by Allen Coulter and starring Adrien Brody, Ben Affleck, and Diane Lane. The film takes place in the 1950s and tells the story of the mysterious death of George Reeves, who played the popular character Superman on television. The movie begins with a shot of Reeves' lifeless body lying on the floor. It then shifts to the character of private investigator Louis Simo (Adrien Brody), who is hired by Reeves' mother to investigate the circumstances surrounding her son's death. As Simo begins to investigate, he discovers that the story behind the actor's death is more complex than it seems.

Throughout the film, flashbacks are used to show different periods in Reeves' life. We see him struggling to make it as an actor in Hollywood, getting his first break as Superman, and his relationship with Toni Mannix (Diane Lane), the wife of MGM executive Eddie Mannix, who was one of his close friends and also his romantic interest.

While Simo delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to uncover a web of lies and deceit, as well as a number of suspects who may have motives for wanting Reeves dead. For instance, Eddie Mannix (played by Bob Hoskins) had a reputation for being a ruthless and controlling figure in the movie industry, and had a personal connection to Reeves, as well as a possible motive for wanting him out of the way.

At the same time, Simo's own personal life is falling apart. He is dealing with a divorce and trying to connect with his young son, who he constantly disappoints. As such, the investigation may become a way for him to prove himself to both his family and to himself.

The film is anchored by strong performances throughout, as the main actors manage to capture the essence of the time period and their respective characters. Adrien Brody is especially impressive as Simo, bringing depth and nuance to the role of the down-on-his-luck detective. Similarly, Ben Affleck is surprisingly nuanced and understated in his portrayal of Reeves, while Lane is equally impressive as the complex and troubled Toni Mannix.

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its ability to blend fictionalized elements with historical fact, creating a compelling and engrossing story that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. Hollywoodland explores the darker side of Hollywood, revealing the complex relationships between movie stars, executives, and the businessmen behind the scenes.

Overall, Hollywoodland is a gripping and thought-provoking film that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats from beginning to end. It's a film that is both a tribute to the golden age of Hollywood and a commentary on the dark underbelly that existed just beneath the surface. With a strong cast and a solid script, it's definitely worth watching.

Hollywoodland is a 2006 crime movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 62.