Hollywoodland 2006

As June 1959 arrives, Louis Simo, a crafty private investigator from Los Angeles, becomes intensely interested in discovering the truth behind Chester Sinclair’s wife. Amidst his investigative pursuits, Simo grapples with his own chaotic life filled with marital strife and the overwhelming burden of fatherly guilt, especially as he struggles to bond with his son who is still mourning the unexpected passing of television legend George Reeves, famously known as Superman. While the official story suggests Reeves ended his own life, Simo suspects that deeper, more malevolent forces may be at play.

A fortuitous meeting with a former police colleague reignites Simo’s curiosity about the circumstances surrounding Reeves’ death and suggests possible ties to an LAPD investigation. As he digs further, he unearths a troubling web of inconsistencies that contradict the official version of events. Simultaneously, his relationship with his ex-wife Laurie is fraught with tension, as they argue about Simo’s failings as a father, particularly with their son struggling to cope with the aftermath of Reeves’ demise.

In a flashback to 1951, we see George Reeves, who, despite experiencing a downturn in his acting career after Gone with the Wind, becomes involved in a clandestine romance with Toni Mannix, the wife of influential fixer Eddie Mannix. When a photograph exposes their affair, Reeves is sent into a tailspin, fearful that this scandal could unravel his professional life.

Despite his initial hesitation, Toni showers Reeves with extravagant gifts, including a new house and car, as well as expensive jewelry. Their relationship intensifies, and soon Reeves is cast as the lead in Adventures of Superman, propelling him to fame and providing financial stability. However, this new notoriety also leads to increasing dissatisfaction for Reeves, who feels trapped by the public’s perception, longing for roles that truly showcase his talents.

His feelings of rejection soon manifest during a sneak preview of From Here to Eternity, where he witnesses audience members laughing at his performance. Film executives make it clear that they intend to reduce his screen time, deepening his feelings of disillusionment and uncertainty about his career trajectory.

Over the years, Reeves’ frustration grows, made worse by his resentment towards Toni, who he believes has failed to use her husband’s influence to help his career. This simmering anger culminates in a powerful act of defiance: he ceremoniously dismembers his Superman costume, a potent symbol of his disappointment with the show’s cancellation in 1958. A pivotal encounter with actress Leonore Lemmon in New York prompts him to leave Toni and seek a new path, a decision that devastates Toni and leaves her feeling betrayed.

As Simo begins to piece together the truth behind Reeves’ alleged murder, he speculates that Leonore may have unwittingly played a role in the actor’s untimely death, conjuring detailed scenarios of how events could have unfolded. However, as his investigation progresses, his attention shifts to Mannix, whose henchmen violently confront Simo at his home, reinforcing his belief that Mannix is implicated in Reeves’ murder. With mounting evidence in hand, Simo starts to envision the true circumstances leading to Reeves’ tragic end.

The gravity of his findings is accentuated by the horrific news that Sinclair has succumbed to madness and killed his own wife. This revelation plunges Simo into a downward spiral of guilt and remorse, which he attempts to drown in alcohol. His visit to his son’s school while intoxicated starkly reminds him of his own shortcomings. A poignant conversation with Arthur Weissman, Reeves’ manager, leads Simo to a heart-wrenching home movie that captures Reeves’ personal struggles and deep-seated disenchantment, leaving a profound impact on Simo, who becomes increasingly obsessed with unraveling the mystery of the actor’s death.

Each of Simo’s imaginative reenactments of Reeves’ final moments begins with the actor strumming his guitar and singing “Green Eyes (Aquellos Ojos Verdes)” in Spanish for his guests. As the melancholic notes fade, Reeves bids his guests farewell before retreating to his bedroom, where the somber conclusion of his story awaits. This tragic scene plays out in Simo’s mind multiple times, serving as a poignant reflection on the devastating toll that Reeves’ pursuit of success took on his life.

The striking parallels between Reeves’ struggles and Simo’s own personal crises compel the detective to reassess his life choices. In search of healing, Simo views another home movie, this one capturing the happier days spent with Laurie and their son. Dressed in a suit and tie, he approaches Laurie’s home, filled with hope as he endeavors to reconnect with his family and reclaim the joys that have slipped away.