Cast
View AllAphrodite
as
Lisa Marks
as Lillian Mellman
Roseanne Farrow
as Suzie Smith
Patty Boyd
as
Brenda Filbrick
as Doreen
Roger Caine
as Milton J. Herzberger
Gary Cook
as Gary Glitz
Peter Andrews
as Scott Great
Herschel Savage
as
Jean Jennings
as
Gloria Leonard
as
Tina Russell
as
Crystal Sync
as
Jamie Gillis
as
Eric Edwards
as
Crew
Director
- Thomas Van der Feer
Writer
- Thomas Van der Feer
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Hollywood Goes Hard examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Thomas Van der Feer 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 character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, 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 Hollywood Goes Hard took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 77 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 105 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 8 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Hollywood Goes Hard shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Stranger Than Paradise, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Hollywood Goes Hard subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like F-Stops and The Isle explore similar territory, Hollywood Goes Hard stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 2, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 17m
