Watch The Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is a comedy-drama film released in 2001, directed by Sönke Wortmann and written by Tom Lazarus. It follows the stories of three struggling actors in Hollywood who are eager to make it big and land a big roll. The movie stars Tom Berenger as Tom Greener, Burt Reynolds as Kage Mulligan and Rod Steiger as Floyd Benson.

Tom Greener is a former actor who never succeeded and who now manages a run-down motel in the heart of Los Angeles. He is bitter and lonely, but one day, when his estranged daughter Rosemary (Jacqueline Kim) comes to visit him, he gets an unexpected opportunity to revive his career. She reveals that she has written a screenplay about a dysfunctional family, and that she wants him to play the father role in the movie. Tom jumps at the chance and enlists the help of his two actor friends, Floyd and Kage, to try to land the part.

Floyd Benson is a veteran actor who is struggling to find his place in the industry. He is desperate for work and is willing to do anything to be noticed by producers and directors. When Tom comes to him with the opportunity to audition for Rosemary’s movie, he is convinced that it is his big break. Floyd is arguably the most obnoxious of the trio, and his constant belittling of his fellow thespians leads to some hilarious moments.

Kage Mulligan is the third actor in the trio, and he is perhaps the most intriguing of the three. He is an actor who has been around for quite some time, but he has never quite made it big. In fact, he is now homeless and living on the streets of Hollywood. Despite his rough exterior, he has a soft spot for Tom and Floyd, and he is willing to help them with Rosemary’s movie. Kage is an individualist who seems to have little motivation to act but remains involved in the industry for the love of it.

The movie follows the three actors as they embark on their quest to land the role of the father in Rosemary’s movie. They each have their individual struggles, but they also have much in common. The movie is a commentary on the struggles of actors trying to make it in Hollywood.

The film also includes several supporting characters who add to the complexities of the plot. Gretchen Mol plays a femme fatale who captures the attention of the trio of actors, and she plays off of their desires wonderfully. Harrison Young has a small, but memorable role as an eccentric hotel guest, and Sondra Currie plays the role of Beverly, a jaded former actress who now works in a diner.

The Hollywood Sign is not just a comedy, however. There are some dramatic moments in the film, and at times it can be emotional. The movie explores the themes of friendship, loneliness, failure, and redemption, as each of the characters comes to terms with their situation and their place in the world.

The film is shot in an intimate, almost voyeuristic style, which adds to the gritty, realistic feel of the movie. The screenplay is witty and engaging, and the performances by the three main actors are delightful. Tom Berenger is particularly brilliant as the bitter, sarcastic Tom Greener, and Burt Reynolds and Rod Steiger bring their immense talents to the other two roles, making their characters endearing and relatable despite their often flawed personalities.

In conclusion, The Hollywood Sign is an engaging, heartfelt comedy-drama that explores the complexities of the entertainment industry and the human condition. With great performances by its lead actors and a well-crafted screenplay, it is a film that will entertain and move audiences alike.