An American epic historical black-comedy drama; A story about the rise and fall of Hollywood careers during the transition from silent films to sound films in the late 1920s. The burgeoning era of the American film industry was no less prurient, harsh, or nasty on its artistes than modern-day Tinseltown, which is why the film's theme is interesting: people who are subject to rapid change and exposed to excess, struggle to curb their personal indulgences and suffer for their art in the hope of big success. The tone is provocative and tragi-comic, but in overstating excess in the way it does, too many character stories don't lead anywhere; lavish Felliniesque scenes with their sweeping camera shots and high-spirit music test one's patience in the longer sequences. Also, it doesn't quite capture the period: stage sets, props and costumes look over-embellished. The self-entitled way some characters speak sounds like they belong to the 2020s, not the 1930s. There is no one to especially care about, with only Brad Pitt's "Jack Conrad" being relatable. All in all, it dazzles and shocks to please. There's a definite feel of good intention to show the magic of the movies, but sometimes the story lacks cohesion.
