Hollywood

Netflix's original series, "Hollywood," which premiered in 2020, is a dazzling re-imagination of Tinseltown’s formative years. The extravagant, seven-episode miniseries constitutes an expressive rewrite of the traditional Hollywood narrative, as it combines fact, fiction, aspirations and the poignant reality of the industry.

Starring a diverse and talented cast, which includes David Corenswet, Darren Criss, Laura Harrier, Joe Mantello, Dylan McDermott, Jake Picking, Jeremy Pope, and Holland Taylor among many others, "Hollywood" shines the spotlight on an eclectic group of aspiring filmmakers, actors, directors, and writers seeking to make their mark on the film industry in a post-World War II world.

The storyline is centered on several young acts seeking fame in Hollywood, whose lives intertwine through professional circumstances and personal relationships. One of them is the war veteran- turned- actor Jack Castello, played with virtuoso verve by David Corenswet. Darren Criss is the ambitious half-Filipino director Raymond Ainsley, while Laura Harrier brings emotional depth to the character of Camille, an African-American actor seeking her moment of glory. Jeremy Pope plays Archie, a gay, black screenwriter seeking to overcome the racial and sexual prejudices of the time.

Meanwhile, Jake Picking portrays real-life Hollywood icon Rock Hudson, adding a vital link between the actual history of Hollywood and the semi-fictitious world of the show. Patti LuPone personifies Avis, a former actor and wife to a movie mogul. The role of Henry Willson, a controversial Hollywood agent known for his predatory behavior, is played by Jim Parsons in a departure from his familiar image.

"Hollywood" is co-created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan. Murphy, known for producing theme-diverse series like "Glee," "American Horror Story," and "Ratched," brings his characteristic blend of drama, heightened realism, and sensuality to this big-screen tale, while Brennan's writing enhances the compelling narrative.

The series explores the harsh realities of the Golden Age of Hollywood: the rampant racism, sexism, homophobia, and the casting couch culture that aspiring talents had to deal with as they towed the line between their dreams and their dignity. However, "Hollywood" doesn’t just recount these systemic issues. In its signature flamboyant style, the show reconfigures history, dreaming up a revisionist tale where marginalized voices get an authentic platform, a fair shot at success, and the respect they deserve.

The strength of "Hollywood" lies in its outlook. Instead of opting for a traditional biographical tone, the series uses the lens of alternate history. Embedded in lush sets, opulent costuming, and imposing cinematography, the series imagines a Hollywood where the system is broken down and rebuilt to become more inclusive. All the while, several storylines are backed by historical characters, making the show a fusion of reality and elaborate, hope-infused 'what-ifs.'

Thematically, the show focuses on the power of media in shaping public opinion and promoting social change. Through its imagined alternate reality, "Hollywood" tackles prevalent stereotypes and depicts a forward-thinking, inclusive connection between the film industry and society itself. It also provides commentary on the kinds of stories that get told in Hollywood, making a case for the representation of diverse voices and narratives.

Underneath the glamorous exterior and the melodrama that's a staple of the film industry, "Hollywood" harbors a profound and influential message about the need for a more egalitarian film industry. The series showcases a Hollywood that is not merely content in reflecting the world as it is but takes on a more active role in modelling a world as it 'should' be.

Overall, "Hollywood" is a stylish and audacious series that fans of old Hollywood, ambitious storytelling, and powerful social messages would appreciate. Despite the drama and the flamboyance, "Hollywood" cuts through the glitz and glam of the film industry to present an aspirational vision filled with hope for a better, inclusive tomorrow. Ultimately, it serves as a captivating depiction of the transformative power of art, dedication, and dreams.