I watched a movie I really hated today. On one level, I know it was well acted, with gorgeous costumes and art direction. It was well written and well directed. However, none of these qualities change the fact that if I saw the Day of the Locust while channel surfing on TV, I would not even pause.
This movie is a one of the bleakest I have seen in a while. If you want a look at the ugly under belly of Hollywood, circa the late 1930's, go for it. Donald Sutherland is great (and I'm not a huge fan), and Burgess Meredith was amazing. Plus you get to see a young Jackie Earle Haley - that's cool.
The foil for everything was a character named Tod Hackett, played by William Atherton. I have included Atherton's picture so you will recognize him - I am sure you will. Just this week Mr. Atherton was on Lost as the principal in the alternate reality school where Ben works. He is screwing the school nurse and is a crappy / creepy principal. The next night he was on SVU (or the same night?) as a serial killer. The word SMARMY doesn't really do this guy justice. His characters are usually rodents, and he is the blank slate that all other characters play against in Day of the Locust. Actually, he's not that blank; he is eminently corruptible. If you have seen this guy in Die Hard, or any of his countless movies, you will know that mood that follows him.
I was increasingly nauseated as I watched this movie. Maybe that was what the director wanted? It wasn't for me.
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