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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Nathanael West's The Day of the Locust is by consensus the great Hollywood novel, a poison-pen letter aimed squarely at the tinsel heart of the movie biz. Only in the 1970s could Hollywood actually hazard a film of this story, and the result is suitably corrosive. William Atherton is the observer Tod, Karen Black the blond starlet Faye, and Donald Sutherland the hulking Homer--but they are easily out-acted by the colorful supporting cast. In particular, Burgess Meredith's exhausted showbizzy salesman and Billy Barty's strutting dwarf are superbly crafted gargoyles in this Hollywood wax museum. Director John Schlesinger piles on the rancid atmosphere and rampant hypocrisy until the movie fairly drowns in its own grotesque vision. Long before the climactic apocalyptic riot, the film has torn itself up. There's no substitute for West's wicked prose, so the adaptation comes across as a literal-minded screech rather than a true bonfire of the vanities. --Robert Horton
Product Description
Nathanael West's novel, an unflinching decrial of 1930s Hollywood, is magnificently rendered to the screen by director John Schlesinger, with William Atherton as a high-minded art director who surrounds himself with strange characters, among them flighty, shallow actress Karen Black, her has-been vaudevillian father Burgess Meredith and her caring but oafish lover Donald Sutherland. 144 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English.NOTE: This Title is Out Of Print; Limit One Per Customer.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:VHS Tape
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
62 of 69 people found the following review helpful
By movie man
Format:DVD
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 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.
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
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.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
2.0 out of 5 stars
An artistic tragedy
First, the bias I bring to this little party: I consider West's novel the greatest American novel of all time (so far). Read more
Published 1 month ago by Rollo Tomassi
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty entertaining
Had to watch the movie for a school project. It was pretty interesting with twisted characters. It was a bit long for me. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Raffi
1.0 out of 5 stars
Kim Kardashian is the DEVIL!
Are you in just too darned good a mood? So good that you feel as if you're about to explode with happiness, possibly injuring innocent bystanders? Read more
Published 4 months ago by Jeena
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Rare Classic
From the first time I watched this on television years ago, and my jaw dropped upon seeing the ending scenes starting with the HollyWood premier and the insanity that ensues I... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Fred
3.0 out of 5 stars
The locusts keep gnawing at the edges...
The story behind `The Day of the Locust' is actually quite impressive and it has its moments of sheer terror (of a more matured and realistic nature) that it's a shame it was... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Andrew Ellington
5.0 out of 5 stars
Chaos
I had seen this movie many years ago and it had made a definite impression. Watching it again was enjoyable, but also very uncomfortable. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Bia
5.0 out of 5 stars
DVD's
The DVD arrived on time and in excellent condition. I highly recommend the item for others who are interested in purchasing this product.
Published 21 months ago by Mavis E. Krause
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hollywood Babylon
This movie has become quite rare. It's set in a parallel world of Hollywood Babylon in the late thirties. The shocking climax never fails each time.
Published 23 months ago by M. Holtzclaw
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hollywood as the heart of darkness
The cynical novel, The Day of the Locust, was brought to the screen by John Schlesinger and Schlesinger retains all the dark motives and lost dreams of Nathaniel West's brilliant... Read more
Published on November 30, 2010 by C. B Collins Jr.
4.0 out of 5 stars
UNFORGETTABLY DISTURBING
I worked in a movie theatre when this film came out. When it reached our theatre, I got to see it a number of times. I found it extremely disturbing and utterly unforgettable. Read more
Published on February 11, 2010 by William Olson
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