The Bad and the Beautiful

“You’re business, I’m company.” Following the model of Citizen Kane, The Bad and the Beautiful is a non-linear story about the dark corners of a dream factory. In addition to the hectic pace and extraordinarily cynical insight into a world of unfulfilled ambitions, in which work has precedence over family and money over life, the film is appealing due to the application of the concept of an unreliable narrator. None of the three characters recalling the story has great respect for Shields, who embodies the moral corruption of Hollywood, which is in line with their critical views. However, as is clear from the caustic point, this could be the result of their effort to cast themselves in a better light and not to show how seductive show business actually seems to them. In retrospect, we are forced to reconsider, for example, the cynicism of the first narrator, who seems indifferent to the superficial shine of Hollywood and outwardly perceives it as a game of rich and famous yet inferior people. A comparable degree of self-stylisation is also evident in the manner in which the other two narrators express themselves, as they are equally unsuccessful in their attempt to break through. The concept of Hollywood as a place that produces fictional stories and fake emotions is thus also contained in the formal grasp of the theme. 80% (08/28/2019)

The film features three stories told by three people who have encountered the producer Jonathan Shields, played brilliantly by Kirk Douglas, who once again demonstrated what a great actor he is. These three individuals are also connected by their hatred towards this producer. They meet in front of a lawyer and tell him stories explaining why they hate him so much. They have their reasons, but sometimes it's necessary to look at everything from a different perspective. This is a great glimpse into the heart of the American film industry. The ending is a beautiful example of human hypocrisy. (01/12/2014)

Look at that! The same year that gave us the gorgeous Singing in the Rain produced another film that should be included in any “must watch” list. A story set as a pyramid that through three retrospective levels leads to a climax and a sharp portrayal of the dream factory and their powerful bigwigs (Kirk Douglas is great again). Its predictable structure doesn’t deliver any big surprises, but it doesn’t matter, it’s great to watch, the actors are fantastic and each of the episodes is interesting enough to confidently hold the attention of the audience. Classic Hollywood at its best, albeit bitterly turned inside-out. 80% (05/04/2020)