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Train for Hollywood

Train for Hollywood (1987)

Aug 24, 1987 1h 32m Comedy

A young woman is bitten by the acting bug after seeing Marilyn Monroe in "Some Like It Hot". She patterns herself after MM and after finishing high school goes for screen tests to the Film Academy. Rejected because of her crooked teeth she takes a job of selling beer on a train and starts writing to Billy Wilder, trying to be casted in his next movie. At the trains station she meets a would-be cinematographer who is color blind. They become friends sharing their dreams of going to Hollywood. One day she finds a goldfish trapped in a beer bottle: she sets her free and makes three wishes, not for herself but for her friends. To her surprise all of them come true. As a reward she gets a long awaited call from Billy Wilder. Written by Polish Cinema Database

Directed by Radosław Piwowarski

Cast

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Katarzyna Figura
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Katarzyna Figura

as Mariola "Merlin" Wafelek

Piotr Siwkiewicz
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Piotr Siwkiewicz

as Peter

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Rafał Węgrzyniak

as Raphael

Jerzy Stuhr
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Jerzy Stuhr

as Director Zdzich

Eugeniusz Priwieziencew
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Eugeniusz Priwieziencew

as Millionaire Zhenya

Krystyna Feldman
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Krystyna Feldman

as Mrs. Krysia, guard at Dream Factory No. 1

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Barbara Grochmalska

as Helen, Merlin's sister

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Józef Lipski

as Accordionist

Wojciech Skibiński
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Wojciech Skibiński

as Father Merlin

Crew

Director
  • Radosław Piwowarski
Writer
  • Radosław Piwowarski

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Thematic Analysis

Train for Hollywood represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Radosław Piwowarski brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1987, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Train for Hollywood took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 119 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 1987, when this film was released:
  • MTV launched, changing how music was marketed and consumed.
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: August 24, 1987
  • Runtime: 1h 32m

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