Rating: 
Summary: FINALLY!!!! Can't wait......
Review: I'm so glad that Paramount has finally decided to release this often-overlooked masterpiece on DVD. Genuinely one of the most affecting films I've ever seen- tragic, dark, boisterous, everything the mind conjures about Hollywood in its heyday is presented here. I guarantee that the last 10-15 minutes of this film will leave your mouth agape, shocked at how this film concludes itself. Amazing.
Rating:
Summary: The Day of the Locust
Review: I've often wondered how accurately Hollywood portrays the desperation of those who seek to live in it's world. I believe in most cases that there is a great deal of exaggeration used in order to drive a weak story. I didn't feel that way when I watched "The Day of the Locust". I felt extremely uncomfortable throughout most of this movie because I knew within five minutes that this story wouldn't have a happy ending. I commend the great job that was done in casting this project because I can't imagine anyone else other than Donald Sutherland and Karen Black playing the roles of Homer Simpson and Faye Greener. Burgess Meredith, Bo Hopkins, and William Atherton also delivered strong supporting efforts. This was a very disturbing movie, and at times quite violent. What has haunted me the most about this film was how much emotional damage human beings will inflict on those that are closest to them. I recommend this movie, but be prepared to maybe take the rest of the day off after you see it, cause it'll wreck you for sure.
Rating:
Summary: This movie will tear you up...
Review: If you are an avid movie fan, then you probably know how it is to no longer have the ability to be tremendously affected by great movies, although you can still recognize their greatness. An example would be All About Eve. I have overwhelming respect for this film, but it has always left me relatively unmoved. Another example would be Dogville. I definitely could not bring myself to say that about The Day of the Locust, which is a massive artistic achievement, which speaks the truth, and speaks it directly to the heart. Truth is so rare today that when it hits you, it hits hard, and that is exactly what this film has to offer.The Day of the Locust is inherently ambitious, and that is commendable regardless of how effective the final piece is. It is fortunate that all the artistic elements combined so seemlessly and movingly. The film, although it may not be readily apparent, is extremely well casted. Karen Black gives a career-best performance as Faye Greener, a creature so messed up inside that it is easy to love her in spite of her flaws, and that was just the mistake Todd (Donald Sutherland) made. In an ideal world, people meet and fall in love. But this is the dark, seamy, loveless side of Hollywood and the ability to love is all but forgotten (one could see parallels in our world today, that our world has in fact fallen prey to these loveless creatures, making the film ever more relavent), except in the heart of Todd who seems to be the hero of this rather tragic film. There are many, many moments and lines that will make a kind of jarring imprint on your memory. One of the most horrific, nightmarish scenes occurs at the end of the film, when Faye is finally burned from Todd's memory forever, but, as we soon find, that loss is not too much of a bother for Faye...and that may just be the one great flaw of her character, and of Hollywood. There are no emotional attachments. There is no sincerity or truth. It is an illusion, a fantasy. Faye's heart was part of the illusion, for where it should have been was just empty space, compensated by an appearance that was all flashy and tinsel. Sorry that is the best I can do to describe a film that defies accurate description or criticism--masterpieces always do, except by masterful writers. The DVD quality? Well, there are no extra features to speak of, but for the price I am very satisfied. The picture and sound quality are both excellent, and that is all that really matters. Like another reviewer said, seeing this movie will leave you as emotional wreckage and you would be well-advised to take a day off to think about it. However, I disagree with the reviewer who urged depressed people not to see this. On the contrary, that this movie is depressing is only consequently, for it provides truth and, maybe if you look deep enough, answers.
Rating:
Summary: THE MECCA OF BROKEN DREAMS....
Review: In the 1970's, a slew of films set in the 30's came out---evidently a vogue at the time. Two stand out in my mind. "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" and "Day of the Locust". "Locust" is a particularly corrosive portrait of 30's Hollywood based on the Nathaniel West novel. A young artist (William Atherton) comes to Hollywood and finds success as a scenarist for Paramount. He watches as people sell their souls for the Dream (whatever it is to them) and finally sees Hollywood turn into Hell. "Day of the Locust" won Oscars for Burgess Meredith (as a washed up vaudvillian) and the cinematography. But I thought John Schlesinger should have won for director as well. He paints such a nightmarish picture of a debauched and decadent 1930's Hollywood that you can almost smell and taste it. Donald Sutherland also should have won for his portrayel of Homer Simpson (yes, that's the name), a frighteningly insecure simpleton who becomes Karen Black's benefactor and lives to regret it. He's also the catalyst for the horrifying climax. Black is excellent as Faye Greener (the daughter of Meredith's character)---a callous, hopelessly star struck extra in films using anyone to get ahead...or to just buy her a Dream. Many familiar faces populate the film including Natalie Schafer as a Madam, Geraldine Page as Big Sister (an Aimee McPherson type evangelist), 70's disco artist Paul Jabara as a drag entertainer performing the Dietrich song "Hot Voodoo" and Billy Barty as...a midget. Atherton is superb as the artist and should have been a bigger star after this. Many disturbing images are here including a disgusting cock fight and the brutal murder of a child but even these upsetting scenes contribute to the fabric of the film...their impact is intentional. The DVD print is beautiful, you can see how this won for cinematography. The film is a bit long (144 min.) but not a scene is wasted. Highly recommended viewing all the way.
Rating:
Summary: THE MECCA OF BROKEN DREAMS....
Review: In the 1970's, a slew of films set in the 30's came out---evidently a vogue at the time. Two stand out in my mind. "They Shoot Horses Don't They?" and "Day of the Locust". "Locust" is a particularly corrosive portrait of 30's Hollywood based on the Nathaniel West novel. A young artist (William Atherton) comes to Hollywood and finds success as a scenarist for Paramount. He watches as people sell their souls for the Dream (whatever it is to them) and finally sees Hollywood turn into Hell. "Day of the Locust" won Oscars for Burgess Meredith (as a washed up vaudvillian) and the cinematography. But I thought John Schlesinger should have won for director as well. He paints such a nightmarish picture of a debauched and decadent 1930's Hollywood that you can almost smell and taste it. Donald Sutherland also should have won for his portrayel of Homer Simpson (yes, that's the name), a frighteningly insecure simpleton who becomes Karen Black's benefactor and lives to regret it. He's also the catalyst for the horrifying climax. Black is excellent as Faye Greener (the daughter of Meredith's character)---a callous, hopelessly star struck extra in films using anyone to get ahead...or to just buy her a Dream. Many familiar faces populate the film including Natalie Schafer as a Madam, Geraldine Page as Big Sister (an Aimee McPherson type evangelist), 70's disco artist Paul Jabara as a drag entertainer performing the Dietrich song "Hot Voodoo" and Billy Barty as...a midget. Atherton is superb as the artist and should have been a bigger star after this. Many disturbing images are here including a disgusting cock fight and the brutal murder of a child but even these upsetting scenes contribute to the fabric of the film...their impact is intentional. The DVD print is beautiful, you can see how this won for cinematography. The film is a bit long (144 min.) but not a scene is wasted. Highly recommended viewing all the way.
Rating:
Summary: "...a forgotten masterpiece of 70's cinema"
Review: Many critics consider The Day of the Locust by Nathaniel West to be the best novel ever written about Hollywood. The screen version directed by John Schlesinger and written by Waldo Salt is one of the most faithful adaptations of a book to film ever made. Initially overlooked upon it's release in 1975 (to mixed reviews), it has since developed a huge cult following and is now considered to be a forgotten masterpiece of 70's cinema.It tells the story of Todd Hackett who comes to Hollywood in the 1930's (but it might as well take place in the present) hoping for a career in set design, he soon finds that the road to success in the film industry is a difficult one and his journey takes a downward spiral as he falls in with the users and abusers of Hollywood, the desperate, disillusioned souls who, consumed by boredom and their own emptiness, search out any abnormality in their insatiable lust for excitement - drugs, perversion, crime. In the end only unreasoned, undirected violence will feed their appetites. Aside from top-notch direction, the film boasts gorgeous (Oscar nominated) cinematography by Conrad Hall, a haunting score by John Barry, authentic period costume design and art direction, and outstanding performances from the entire cast. Notably: William Atherton as Todd, Karen Black (her finest role) as Faye Greener, a selfish wannabe actress and extra, Burgess Meredith (also Oscar nominated) as her alcoholic father and former vaudeville star, and an almost unrecognizable Donald Sutherland as Homer, the sensitive, socially retarded misfit who is literally torn apart by those around him and triggers the films much talked about finale.One thing is for certain, anyone who has seen the last 20 minutes of this disturbing film will never forget it. A must-see for film students, art directors, and anyone interested in the "golden" age of Hollywood.Related reading:Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth AngerPlay it as it Lays by Joan DidionLess than Zero by Brett Easton Ellis
Rating:
Summary: True to the Book
Review: Not many film adaptations of great novels are so eloquently realized as this. Clearly, Schlesinger and Waldo Salt strove to be true to their source. I've never been a big fan of Karen Black's and couldn't fathom the reason for her success in 70's movies, but she turns in a workmanlike performance in this film. She's still miscast, in my opinion. I would have envisioned Faye Dunaway in the role, personally. Everyone else is perfect, particularly Burgess Meredith, who delivers his swan song in the role of a down-on-his luck huckster, who performs unitl he keels over (much like Red Button's Sailor in "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?). The cock fight is nearly as memorable on film as it was in the novel. Yes, there really is a character named Homer Simpson (Matt Groening obviously was a Nathaniel West fan). Donald Sutherland, who turned in his best efforts in the 70's in my opinion (Mash, Klute, etc) is wonderful as the catatonic Homer. I'm not sure of the young actor's name who plays the obnoxious child star, but he was absolutely brilliant (or Schlesinger elicited the perfect perfomance from him - take your pick). The film, like the book, depicts the dark underbelly of the Hollywood dream, the reality that so many who are lured by notions of fame and riches ultimitately face. The only element the film doesn't succeed in capturing is the storyline featuring the Mary Baker Eddy evangalist character who represents all the false, utopian theology California is famous for. She is one of the central figures that direct the novel towards its apocalyptic climax. I can understand how such a subplot would have been awkward for the screewriter, but it is an important element to the overall plot and was not given the treatment it warranted. All in all though, a faithful rendering, heartfelt and honest. It is another film that one can not find in video stores, so it will remain neglected, while an endless succession of tripe is snatched up by the viewing masses.
Rating: 
Summary: Amazing film ..lousy and i do mean LOUSY DVD!
Review: Oh my god the picture quality on this classic film is just horrible.
There is so much grain through out this film that I thought I was loosing my eye site. My VHS copy looks better! There aren't any extra features on this dvd as well as 90% of Paramount home video's older films. I am never buying another DVD from Paramount until they shape up with their releases.
:( A movie like this deserves better treatment ...I feel robbed.
Rating:
Summary: One of the very best...
Review: So why isn't this out on DVD???? I bought the Laserdisc years ago but even it has shortcomings because it's only a full-screen version. I remember reading & re-reading Nathanael West's book many times in the 1960s when it was almost as big a cult literary item as Steppenwolf (the book not the group). It's a brilliant book and it's a brilliant movie. Piercing, biting, bitter, outrageous & funny, projecting a grotesque vision of America's biggest claim to world culture: Hollywood! The Movies! It should be required viewing (& analysing & discussing) in schools.
Rating:
Summary: Permanently on my "10-best" list!
Review: Superb film about depression-era Hollywood and about losers and wannabes of all time. Donald Sutherland at his best, in a riveting performance. Is this what the human animal is about?? Unfortunately, Probably, Yes.
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