MovieChat Forums > Maps to the Stars (2015) Discussion > Hollywood is Cronenberg‘s monster here

Hollywood is Cronenberg‘s monster here

posted 4 years ago by Drooch (5333)
1 reply | jump to latest

This one definitely haunts you after a viewing. Every character is deranged and they just get worse and worse until they disintegrate by the end of the film.

There’s no moral centre so you’re just trapped in a mental asylum with these imploding incestuous narcissists - that’s Hollywood I guess.

There are fleeting moments of vulnerability and self-awareness in the characters but not nearly enough to save them from the toxic torrent of Hollywood life that ends in death and madness.

It’s been six years since this film and no sign of Cronenberg making another, I gather it’s getting harder and harder to make interesting and challenging films, and Cronenberg is approaching 80. Hell, I‘d happily crowd-fund his next project.

[–] Fandango (534) 4 years ago

Although somewhat varied in their approach, I found Hurlyburly similar to Maps to the Stars in its vacuous depiction of Hollywood living.

I believe what Cronenberg is outlining in this film is the logical denouement to moral disintegration. Every character is despicable and so far gone that there appears to be no hope for their salvation and, by extension of their influence, humanity's.

Hollywood, having greater influence on the world, is morally bankrupt; and, as the fish rots from head down, so are the people who consume its products.