Just saw the movie Hollywoodland, about the life and suicide of actor George Reeves, TV’s first Superman.
The movie does a nice job of laying out the conspiracy theories that claim Reeves did not commit suicide but was murdered, either accidently or on purpose.
Watch for the boom mic in scene where actor Ben Affleck as George Reeves burns his Superman costume.
Here is the theme that I notice the most – George Reeves, a struggling young actor is handed a brass ring, the role of the first Superman on TV. The show is a great success, and he becomes a celebrity.
Not a bad gig, right?
The problem shows up when it becomes clear that Reeves is not satisfied with this role, and wants to be a “serious actor.” While this desire is certainly understandable, it is a shame that Reeves could not or would not appreciate the brass ring he was handed.
The implication is this disappointment is life is what led to his suicide.
Perhaps I saw this movie too much through my eyes as a therapist/coach, but it made me think of how so often we refuse to delight in the blessings around us and always yearn for more somehow.
I walked out of the theater feeling sad about the life and death of George Reeves, and very appreciative of my life and blessings.
This does not mean the situation is friendly. The trade paper Daily Variety reports that the divorce between the two unions is likely to “muddy the town’s labor outlook.”
What reportedly prompted the split was SAG’s alleged attempt to step into AFTRA’s waters and negotiate on behalf of the daytime soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful.
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Ryan first acted as a singer at talent match with his elder sister Mandi. He then attended an open try-out in
Rod Kimble, a self-proclaimed stuntman, is convinced he has bravery in his blood. He’s grown up believing he’s the son of Evel Knievel’s test-rider, a courageous stuntman who died in his prime. Rod is committed to fulfilling his father’s legacy. Only problem is—he sucks! Rod lives at home with his loving mom Marie, jerk of a stepfather Frank and nerdy stepbrother Kevin
Nicole Kidman and Judi Dench are in negotiations to appear in Rob Marshall’s film adaptation of the Broadway musical Nine. Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard and Sophia Loren have already been cast. The story is about a film director suffering a creative block as he juggles numerous women in his life.
Two under-the-radar, new-release DVDs engage in head-to-head combat. You don’t have the time or money to go to the theater. Here’s some help sorting through that daunting wall at the front of your friendly, local video store. The lone voice of dissent takes the tone of, “I’m no choir
We’re talking “title of show,” the intrepid, pint-size comic entertainment by Jeff Bowen and Hunter Bell. The piece had an extended run off-Broadway in 2006 at the Vineyard Theatre and since then has been trying to make its way to the Big Time. Now it will. The four-actor musical, again directed by Michael Berresse, opens July 17 at the Lyceum Theatre with preview performances beginning July 5.
Kieran Culkin is the younger brother of child actor Macauley Culkin. His first film debut happened at the age of 8, where had a small role with his brother in Home Alone. He continued to act all throughout his childhood and teenage years, mostly in comedies like Home Alone 2, Father of the Bride, and its sequel. When he was a teenager he alternated between getting small parts in mainstream films and lead roles in indie flicks. His most notable performance is the character Igby in the movie Igby Goes Down, where he received a nomination for a Golden Globe Award. He also appeared in the movie Music of the Heart.
Joaquin Phoenix is an Academy Award nominated, Grammy Award and Golden Globe-winning film actor from Puero Rico. He’s the younger brothr of the late River Phoenix. His first acting jobs were small roles in two TV shows with River: Backwards: The Riddle of Dyslexia and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. His big-screen debut was the role of Max in Space Camp. He withdrew from acting for a while to travel around South America with his father but he came back to the public eye after the tragic death of his brother, River. A year later, upon the insistence of his friends, he went back to acting. Joaquin Phoenix is best known for his role of Commodus in Gladiator and Johnny Cash in Walk the Line.
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Born in south east