The Day of the Locust (1975) [Blu-ray review]

The Day of the Locust (1975) is one such film. Directed by John Schlesinger and based on Nathanael West’s 1939 novel, this satirical historical drama takes us on a gripping journey through the underbelly of Hollywood, exposing the alienation and desperation of those pursuing the elusive dreams of fame and success.

Big in the 1970s, relatively obscure now

The Day of the Locust was brought to life by the visionary director John Schlesinger, known for his ability to capture the raw emotions of his characters. The screenplay, written by the legendary Waldo Salt, stays true to the essence of West’s novel, painting a vivid picture of a pre-World War II Hollywood filled with broken dreams and shattered illusions. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, William Atherton, Burgess Meredith, and Geraldine Page, who deliver powerful performances that bring the characters to life.

The film’s release in 1975 came at a time when Hollywood was undergoing a significant transformation. The industry was grappling with the aftermath of the counterculture movement and the decline of the studio system. The Day of the Locust captured the disillusionment and decay that plagued the entertainment capital, reflecting the societal unrest and cultural shifts of the era.

Movies about Hollywood were getting old even in the 1970s

The Day of the Locust belongs to the genre of films that explore the dark side of Hollywood and the price of fame. It stands alongside classics like Sunset Boulevard (1950) and Mulholland Drive (2001), which also delve into the psychological underpinnings of the entertainment industry. However, what sets The Day of the Locust apart is its unflinching portrayal of the grotesque and nightmarish aspects of Hollywood, making it a truly unique entry in the genre.

The Day of the Locust left an indelible mark on cinema, not only for its exceptional storytelling but also for its critical commentary on the film industry itself. Scholars and critics have praised the film for its examination of the commodification of sex and violence in Hollywood, shedding light on the darker undercurrents that lurk beneath the glitz and glamour. Its nightmarish depiction of the city of dreams continues to resonate with audiences, serving as a cautionary tale about the destructive pursuit of fame and success.

I can see why it bombed

The Day of the Locust delves deep into the psyche of its characters, exposing their profound sense of alienation and desperation. Each character, from the aspiring artist Tod Hackett to the tawdry aspiring actress Faye Greener, is trapped in a web of unfulfilled dreams and broken promises.

The film explores the stark contrast between the illusion of Hollywood’s glamour and the harsh reality that lies beneath. It exposes the façade of success, revealing the emptiness and disillusionment that awaits those who chase fame without considering the consequences. The Day of the Locust offers a scathing critique of the film industry, portraying it as a soul-crushing machine that chews up and spits out its participants. It highlights the dehumanizing effects of an industry that values image over substance, leaving its victims emotionally and spiritually bankrupt.

Still, Day of the Locust has some great set pieces

The Day of the Locust is filled with powerful and memorable scenes that leave an indelible impression on the viewer. One such scene is the party at the Hollywood Hills mansion, where the partygoers indulge in watching stag films. This scene serves as a metaphor for the degradation and moral decay that permeates the industry.

Another pivotal moment is Faye Greener’s heartbreaking realization that her appearance has been severely truncated in a film she had hoped would be her breakthrough. This moment captures the soul-crushing disappointment faced by many aspiring actresses, exposing the harsh reality of the industry’s exploitation.

The Buccaneer mattered

The film’s climax, set during the premiere of The Buccaneer, descends into chaos and violence, mirroring the chaos and violence that lurk beneath the surface of Hollywood itself. This climax serves as a powerful metaphor for the dark underbelly of the industry, where dreams can quickly turn into nightmares.

The Day of the Locust stands as a haunting cinematic masterpiece, shining a light on the dark side of Hollywood and offering a cautionary tale about the pursuit of fame and success. Its unflinching portrayal of alienation, disillusionment, and the dehumanizing effects of the film industry make it a timeless classic.

Final thoughts on Day of the Locust

As audiences continue to grow, The Day of the Locust remains a powerful reminder of the dangers of chasing dreams in a world that thrives on illusion. Its impact on cinema and its exploration of the darker aspects of Hollywood cement its place among the genre’s most significant films.

With its exceptional performances, thought-provoking themes, and masterful storytelling, The Day of the Locust continues to captivate audiences and serve as a stark reminder of the price one pays for fame and fortune in the City of Angels.

Check out that HD Clarity on a kid getting stomped to death

Day of the Locust comes to Blu-ray from Arrow Video looking slightly better than its Out of Print DVD. I don’t know why the 1970s was where the majority of cinematography went to die. However, we run into an issue in the modern era rebirthing all of these gems into new formats. They look so awful.

But, what happens when we try to correct them? The A/V Quality suffers as we see overcorrection lead to things like the DNR on the Predator Blu-ray or the recent James Cameron film upgrades to 4K UHD. I appreciate grain and keep the original presentation, so I can’t find a ton of fault with the 1080p transfer. However, it’s rough at points.

The Limited Edition comes with a ton of featurettes, a compiled oral history and other fun promo tidbits. I chose to watch the film on the DTS-HD Mono track, as all three variations had been restored and I felt like staying closer to the original exhibition. Still, I hate to sound like a purist, but sometimes the new formats can hurt certain films.

I’ll give it a bit before I revisit.

Day of the Locust is now available on Blu-ray from Arrow Films