The Day of the Locust! A Tale of Hollywood Dreams and Crumbling Morality?

“The Day of the Locust,” released in 1975 but filmed largely during 1974, stands as a testament to the often-brutal realities lurking beneath the shimmering façade of Hollywood. Adapted from Nathanael West’s scathing 1939 novel of the same name, it offers a stark and uncompromising portrait of the desperate souls who flocked to the City of Angels in search of fame, fortune, or simply escape from their mundane lives.

Directed by John Schlesinger, known for his searing social commentaries such as “Midnight Cowboy” (1969), the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast that perfectly embodies the fractured and fragile nature of its characters. Leading the charge is Donald Sutherland as Tod Hackett, a disillusioned artist seeking inspiration amidst the chaos. Karen Black delivers a powerhouse performance as Faye Greener, an aspiring actress whose naive optimism masks a deep well of loneliness and longing.

The film unfolds against a backdrop of the Depression-era Hollywood, where the glamour and glitz are merely a thin veneer over a society riddled with poverty, exploitation, and broken dreams. We are introduced to a parade of eccentrics, each harboring their own desperate desires: Harry Greener (Burgess Meredith), Faye’s tyrannical father, consumed by his insatiable hunger for wealth; Homer Simpson (John Huston), a aging screenwriter clinging to the remnants of his past glory; and the unsettling locust swarm that represents the swarming masses yearning for something more.

“The Day of the Locust” is not an easy watch. Schlesinger doesn’t shy away from portraying the ugliness and despair that permeate the lives of his characters. The film pulsates with a sense of impending doom, culminating in a chaotic climax that leaves a lasting impression on the viewer.

The brilliance of “The Day of the Locust” lies not only in its powerful performances but also in its masterful cinematography by Conrad L. Hall and its haunting score by John Barry.

Dissecting the Cinematic Tapestry

Schlesinger’s direction is both meticulous and audacious. He employs a variety of cinematic techniques to immerse the viewer in the film’s unsettling world:

Technique	Effect	Example
Wide-angle lenses	Creates a sense of claustrophobia and unease	The scenes depicting the crowded movie set and the chaotic premiere
Close-ups	Amplifies the characters’ inner turmoil and desperation	Faye Greener’s pleading eyes as she auditions for a role
Flashbacks and dream sequences	Blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, reflecting the characters’ fractured psyches	Tod Hackett’s recurring visions of the locust swarm
Expressionistic lighting	Enhances the film’s gothic atmosphere	The shadows that engulf Faye Greener during her lonely nights in her dingy apartment

Exploring Themes: Beyond Hollywood Glamour

“The Day of the Locust” delves into a multitude of themes, each contributing to its complex and enduring power:

• The Illusion of Hollywood: The film exposes the dark underbelly of the entertainment industry, where dreams are often crushed and exploitation is rampant.

• Loneliness and Alienation: Many characters in the film yearn for connection but struggle to find it amidst the superficiality and cutthroat competition of Hollywood.

• Moral Decay: The pursuit of wealth and fame leads many characters down a path of corruption and depravity.

• The Nature of Reality: The blurring of lines between reality and fantasy reflects the fragility of human perception and the difficulty of finding truth in a world consumed by illusions.

A Cinematic Masterpiece Worth Revisiting?

While “The Day of the Locust” may be a challenging film to digest, it remains a cinematic masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its release. Its unflinching portrayal of human nature and its exploration of timeless themes make it a truly unforgettable experience.

If you’re looking for a Hollywood movie that will leave you contemplating the nature of dreams, ambition, and the price we pay for them, “The Day of the Locust” is definitely worth a watch. But be warned: this film bites back, leaving you with unsettling questions long after the credits roll.